Surviving without a job is difficult. If you don't have a steady monthly income, you may find it difficult to pay off your bills, fill your time, and deal with your emotions. While it may seem impossible to survive unemployment, in reality it can be done. Keep reading to find out how to survive being unemployed.
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Method 1 of 4: Getting Help
Step 1. If you are a US citizen, apply for government assistance
Many government programs can help you buy essentials, heat your home, and even pay rent. Use the US government benefit finder to help you figure out what types of benefits you might be able to get.
- One of the programs you can join is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which is available to families and low-income individuals who need help buying essentials.
- The Trade Adjustment Assistance Program helps workers in manufacturing, agriculture and production who have lost their jobs due to foreign competition. The program provides up to 104 weeks of paid job training, literacy training, and weekly cash payments for up to one year after unemployment benefits expire. The Worker Adjustment Act and the Retraining Notification Act help people who have been part of mass layoffs in industries not covered by the program. They can get free training workshops, college courses, or professional development classes.
Step 2. Apply for unemployment benefits if possible
If you quit your job, get fired, or are laid off from your job, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits that will provide you with some money to help you survive. Each country has different rules regarding who can receive unemployment benefits. Check in your country to see if you qualify.
Don't be shy about applying for unemployment benefits. You have worked for unemployment benefits, take advantage of this option
Step 3. Ask for help from your community
Family and friends may be able to help you through this difficult time. Talk to family or friends about the problem you are having and ask if they can do something to help you. Make sure you tell them what you are doing, such as looking for a job, to make your situation better.
Sites like Gofundme, Youcaring, and Indiegogo allow you to create a fundraising site. You can post this fundraiser on social media, such as Facebook, so you can ask friends and family to donate for as long as you need
Step 4. Contact credit card companies and loan providers
Most credit card companies and loan providers have special economic hardship programs in case a person becomes unemployed and can't pay the bill, or at least not the full monthly bill. To ensure that you are not charged late fees or loan defaults, contact your credit card company and loan provider immediately.
- When you call, keep it simple and say something like this: "I'm jobless, and I can't pay my credit card bill/loan payments right now. Are there options available to someone in my situation?"
- Answer questions asked by representatives of credit card companies or loan providers. This representative will advise you on the best available option, based on the situation and the type of credit card or loan you have.
Method 2 of 4: Trimming Your Spending
Step 1. Make a shopping plan
Keep an expense journal to find out unnecessary expenses. Keep track of all your expenses and label them as important or unimportant to determine what might be eliminated. Know the amount of money you can spend each month, and budget that money to meet needs that are categorized as important. Determine what you can survive without (even for a few months).
- Food, shelter and basic necessities are important expenses.
- Going to the movies, signing up for gym memberships, and buying luxury items are unnecessary and can be labeled as non-essential expenses.
- Record all expenses in an expense journal to ensure you stay on track.
Step 2. Cancel subscription and membership
Monthly subscription bills and membership fees can pile up quickly. So, canceling it is the right step to cut expenses. Review your subscriptions and memberships to see what you can live without for a while.
- Expenses such as cell phones and internet may be important expenses. However, you can use the free internet at your local library. So maybe you can cancel it for a few months.
- Cancel cable television service as it can be expensive. Consider breaking your cable television subscription and keeping Internet service only. You can watch many of your favorite sports and shows online.
- Consider switching to a cheaper cell phone provider. If you live in the US, you can get cell phone bills for under $20 per number per month if you're willing to switch to a provider like Ting, RingPlus, Zact, Republic Wireless, or FreedomPop. If you have a smartphone, consider using a cheaper plan with no data. Keep in mind that all of these services have their drawbacks. Sometimes you have to buy a phone from a service provider and the calling service may not be as good as before. Read the terms and conditions and take a survey before you decide to make the switch.
Step 3. Drive less
Combine your tasks so you don't have to travel alone. Use public transportation, ride a bicycle, or walk whenever possible to save gas money.
Perform regular car maintenance. Oil changes and other basic maintenance will help keep your vehicle running and can even help prevent more expensive problems. Schedule regular oil changes for all your vehicles
Step 4. Consider moving
If your house or apartment is too expensive for you right now, find a new place to live that better fits your current financial situation. You may need to ask a friend or family member if you can stay with them until your situation improves.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development can help you find affordable housing and can even provide housing coupons if you can't pay the rent
Step 5. Make sure you and your family members have health insurance
It may seem like an expense you can't afford, but you'll be grateful to have health insurance if someone in your family gets sick or needs medical care. Emergency room treatment and other medical expenses without health insurance are very expensive and may put you in long-term debt.
- Government programs may help with insurance costs. Your options will vary by country, but find out if you can apply for a low-cost insurance plan.
- If you have insurance for your car or home, you should consider changing your plan to a higher-deductible plan to help save on monthly premium costs. Keep in mind that if you need to make a claim, you will have to pay the higher deduction fee. This strategy is not a good long-term solution to save money, but it can help you in no time.
Step 6. Buy sale items and use coupons
Another way to cut your monthly expenses is to buy your essentials when they're on sale, when you have a coupon, or when you can save money over time by buying wholesale. Watch local ads, collect shopping coupons, and compare the prices of your essentials to make sure you're getting the best prices on what you buy.
- Consider shopping at a grocery store. If you have a friend or family member who has a membership at a grocery store, find out if they are willing to take you so you don't have to sign up for a membership yourself. Some items can be bought cheaply in stores like this. However, be sure to consider the unit price because not all items sold in this store are cheaper.
- Buy generic brands. Most stores sell their own brand of products which are much cheaper than other brands. This can be a way to reduce your shopping costs.
- Stop buying certain items. Because you're thrifty, you can't buy everything you normally buy. Items like soda, expensive meats, and snacks are unnecessary expenses. Instead, buy what you need to feed you and your family. Additional items can be ignored for the time being.
Step 7. Cook food at home
Plan ahead before you go shopping. Make a meal plan so you can cook all your meals at home. This step will require a little extra planning and work, but it will save you money in the long run.
- Bring lunch and snacks if you are going out. Lunch at a restaurant plus the cost of a small snack here and there will add to the expense. Bring a cooler of sandwiches, snacks, and drinks from home if you're traveling.
- Cancel your daily commute to your regular coffee shop and start brewing coffee at home. This can save you some money each week.
Step 8. Be frugal with what you have
Think carefully about what you are doing. Turn off the air conditioner or heating to save energy. Use candles or battery-powered lights instead of electricity. Use water only when needed. These small changes can save a lot of money on your electricity bill.
Be frugal with your food. Food is an expensive part of life, even if you buy generics and shop at discount stores. Don't eat because you're depressed or bored. Eat only because you have to
Step 9. Prioritize your bills
Due to your financial condition, there may be bills that you cannot pay. You need to prioritize bills that must be paid first. Bills related to your living conditions, such as house payments, necessities and food, should be your top priority. Medical expenses were met after that. Credit card bills and other loans are met after living expenses.
Method 3 of 4: Finding Ways to Make Money
Step 1. Take a lower paying job
If you can't find a job in your field, take a low-paying job for a while. Most likely the salary will be lower, perhaps worth the minimum wage. Sometimes, you have to swallow your pride and find a way to settle the bills for a while. There is nothing wrong with taking on a temporary job to support yourself and your family.
- Look for jobs that can help complete your curriculum vitae. If you work in a retail store, use this as an opportunity to hone your customer service and inventory skills. If you work for a fast food provider, think of it as learning teamwork and working under pressure.
- Take the time to find work. This is just a temporary job. You should still devote time to finding a full time job.
Step 2. Consider selling additional vehicles
If you own more than one vehicle, consider selling a vehicle. Not only will you get some money from the sale of the vehicle, you will also save on maintenance costs and the cost of driving the vehicle.
Step 3. Sell things online
Selling online can be a great way to make money to help you during difficult times. You can sell clothes, shoes, collectibles, games, electronics, furniture - just about anything in your home. Try sites like eBay, Craigslist, Bukalapak, Tokopedia, etc. to sell your stuff.
- You may need to sell items that you actually want to keep. Prioritize. Sell first the things you can give up, then consider the more important things. The difference may be between food or rent and other items.
- Look for collectibles or antiques in your home. Some toys, memorabilia, and antiques can sell for a few hundred dollars.
Step 4. Sell crafts online
If you're creative, try selling things online. Sites like Etsy are craft marketplaces where you can sell homemade jewelry, clothes, candles, soap, paintings, or anything else. Make sure to balance the bid price with your selling price. Start small and grow from there.
You could also try going to a local craft fair. This can be a great way to make money, but be aware that renting booths at shows like these can be expensive
Step 5. Rent a room in your house
One of the ways you can make extra money is by renting out rooms in your home. If you live in the city center, near popular vacation spots, or near campus, this might be the right choice. Many people rent out rooms to short-term and long-term roommates.
- Sites like Airbnb.com allow local and private homeowners to list their homes as bed and breakfast accommodations for people who travel.
- Note that renting out a room to someone can be a serious commitment. Think carefully about this plan before allowing someone to live with you. If you want them to move in 2 months instead of 12 or 24 months, this may not be your choice.
Step 6. Offer services in the neighborhood
You can try to find work in the neighborhood by performing various tasks. Try walking the dog, tending pets or the house, cleaning the house, babysitting, caring for adults, and tending the garden. Place flyers in your neighborhood to advertise your services, place ads in community newsletters, or use social media, such as Facebook, to try to run your business.
Step 7. Have a flea market
Use your free time to do house cleaning. Instead of throwing away or donating unwanted items, hold a flea market. It's a great way to make extra money to buy food, gas, or pay bills.
Method 4 of 4: Making the Most of Your Time
Step 1. Apply for jobs every day
The best thing you can do to help yourself survive unemployment is to apply for as many jobs as possible. Spend some time each day browsing job advertisements and submitting job applications.
- Submit job applications directly. Call people or send emails to ask if they need employees even if they don't have job advertisements.
- Use online job sites, such as monster.com and indeed.com. Not only can you search for jobs and apply online, but you can also submit a curriculum vitae so potential employers can see your curriculum vitae.
Step 2. Take classes to gain new skills
One of the best ways to pass your time while looking for a job is to take a class that may give you some new skills. Filling your free time with something productive, such as taking classes, will show potential employers that you are passionate about learning and working. Some of these classes are free or offered at a low cost.
- Check the job search center in the employment department. These centers offer free courses in areas such as computers and basic academic skills. They also help provide career guidance and can provide job vacancy information.
- In the US, Microsoft's Elevate America works with US veterans and nonprofits to help people receive job training. The program offers free, low-cost online training programs to help people develop technology skills. They also have a coupon program to help people get training and certification coupons.
- Monster.com offers free online learning courses that can help teach you important skills and build your curriculum vitae.
Step 3. Do an internship
Another way to get job training, and possibly a new job, is through internships. The Department of Labor website lists hundreds of internship programs. Most internship programs are paid, although many are underpaid to start with. However, with the benefits of job training, it's a worthwhile opportunity.
Step 4. Start your own business
You might consider starting your own business if you have skills that you can use to make some money while looking for a full time job. Consider your skills to determine what you can do to make some money while looking for work.
Step 5. Volunteer to gain experience
If you don't have much work experience or want to gain some new skills, volunteering is a great way to make yourself more attractive to potential employers.
- Consider volunteering at a local hospital, animal shelter, or other nonprofit organization while looking for work.
- Doing volunteer work will look great on your resume, and it will also be a valuable experience for you.
Step 6. Compile your curriculum vitae
One of the reasons why you haven't landed a job may have to do with your resume. Take the time to revise and reorganize your curriculum vitae. Try to look at it from a potential employer's perspective and highlight what they might be looking for in a new hire.
- Search the internet for creating guides, templates, and sample resumes. There are many websites that will help you compile an effective resume for any job. You can even find forums where people can browse your resume and provide feedback.
- Correct your curriculum vitae for grammatical, spelling, and word usage errors. Employers will discard resumes that have too many glaring errors. Make sure your resume is polished perfectly before sending.
- Check curriculum vitae formatting. Make sure it looks professional. Use online templates if you're not sure. Make sure you're using the right font, font size, and spacing.
Step 7. Focus on your appearance
Before going to a job interview or submitting a curriculum vitae, make sure you look presentable and professional. This doesn't mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on a suit. Make sure you dress casually for business. For men, wear nice trousers and a collared shirt or jacket and tie. For women, wear skirts and blouses or shirts. Don't wear jeans, sneakers, or flip-flops.
- Make sure your hair is clean and combed, take a shower before you go out, and make sure your clothes are clean too.
- Iron your clothes before leaving. Wrinkled clothes will give a bad impression.
- If you can't afford nice clothes, buy them at a sale or thrift store. You can find a lot of great business casual clothes in both places for cheap. Or borrow something from a friend or family member.
Step 8. Get busy
Many unemployed people experience depression because they do not have a job. This makes them lose motivation and do not want to leave home and apply for jobs. Instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself, get out of the house or take up a new hobby.
- Go for a walk. Staying active and healthy during this time is very important.
- Don't neglect your friends, family and community. Remember, getting out of the house helps you build relationships and find new opportunities.
Step 9. Call friends and family for moral support
Being unemployed can lead to depression, which may make it difficult for you to survive this difficult period.
- When you're feeling down, make sure you call someone and talk about what you're going through.
- Sharing about your difficulties with a friend or relative will make it easier for you to endure this difficult time.
