Losing your job is one of the most stressful things that can happen in your life. All of a sudden your financial security has been taken, and part of your identity has been lost too. Even if you don’t love your job, it’s part of who you are and when you’re no longer working it really does feel like a loss. Maybe you’ve been made redundant, perhaps you got fired for doing something wrong or maybe you’ve been temporarily furloughed due to the current Covid-19 situation. Whatever the circumstances it’s stressful, but there are things you can do to make life easier- here are some ideas.
Claim the help you’re entitled to
If you’re no longer in work, you should be entitled to some help from the government to enable you to get by. Have a look into the welfare or benefits available to you, and claim what you can even if it’s just in the short term. It won’t be much but it enables you to pay your bills and afford food until you can find something else. If you’re no longer working due to an accident or injury that wasn’t your fault, do what you can to claim compensation. Lawyers like Edward Crisonino can help you to get the money that’s owed to you, and make your life more comfortable until you’re able to work again.
Sort out your budget
Once you’ve sorted out some money, even if it’s just temporary, the next thing you’ll need to do is sort out your budget. See where you can make cutbacks, for cancelling luxury services you can live without, to downgrading your tv and phone package. Work out what your priority expenses are- generally those that keep a roof over your head, power and keeping you fed.
Speak to creditors
If you have debts or other bills you can’t pay after your basic expenses, it’s important to contact your creditors. Don’t just bury your head in the sand, call them up and explain the situation. They may agree to payment holidays, reduced payments and more, but they have to know your situation. It can be hard to do this, but creditors will be aware that they can’t get blood out of a stone, and at least once you’ve informed them you can come up with an agreement that suits you both.
Start a side hustle
Working from home is now a real possibility in this day in age. Start up a small home business, join freelancing sites, start a blog or a Youtube channel. You might not make money right away but you can get established while you’re not working and who knows where it might take you.