[ale] surviving sans work

[rhiannen]

I made it to the 4th round of layoffs from my old company (kinda sounds
like the playoffs, eh?) - been out of work 2 months now and even with my
spouse mostly working (contract, his hours got cut about the same time
my job was cut) & unemployment, it's a little tight.  Getting by with
1/3 the accustomed income is a bit of a balancing act. 

Definitely sign up for unemployment, but keep in mind it's just a
percentage of what you did make, & it maxes out pretty low.

Separate need from want. Learn to place wants aside for a while. If you
haven't been already, start Seriously cutting back on spending, try to
keep as much in the bank as you can.   Ask questions like: "Do I
*really* need that new hardware?"  

Also, call your creditors and let them know what's happening.  Keep
track of all the names you talk to.  Follow with a written letter
explaining the hopefully temporary situation, stating how serious you
take your obligation to pay your debts, and how you want to work with
them to reach a solution that is satisfactory for both during the
interim.  Amazingly enough, there are a number that are understanding
and will work with you by letting you hold off a month's payment, or
make 1/2 payments each month, etc.  

On this unemployment vein, anyone looking for a desktop support expert? 
No certs, but do know NT/2000 inside, out, and backwards (eh, it paid
the bills), been a Slack user since 4, can send resume at any time. 

-- 
rhia
knowledge is power - arm yourself
rhiannen at atlantacon.org




"Michael E. Barker" wrote:
> 
> John Wells wrote:
> >
> > Whenever I hear someone on the list saying that
> > they've been out of work for three months, I'm very
> > curious as to how they've managed for that long.  Some
> > may have built up reserves, others may work part-time
> > jobs, but I know if I lost my job for that period of
> > time, my house and car would soon follow.  Without
> > drudging up too many painful details, I wonder if
> > anyone out there could offer advice for those of us
> > who still are working.  After all, these days the ax
> > seems to be falling everywhere.
> 
> Some may have a spouse that works.  Mine does and I have been out for
> 9 months.  Unemployment insurance helps too, so sign up immediately.
> 
> --
> -Michael

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