“If I could sum up why I’m committed to the HR Girlfriends community it would come down to because we are ‘….in this together.'”

~Sana’ Rasul, Chief Girlfriend

Special Article: What to Do When You’re Facing Sudden Job Loss

We are hearing from some of our friends and subscribers that the coronavirus is causing layoffs and furloughs in the job market.  In these uncertain times, the thought of losing your job is a real possibility. Perhaps you’re already in that situation. But don’t despair, there are things you can do and places you can go to help you through this tough time.

The first place you must go is to your unemployment agency. You may even be able to apply for benefits online. Either way, contacting them is the first step you need to take. The unemployment agency provides financial benefits to those who qualify and they’ll help you find another job.

Many states are now offering programs that extend unemployment benefits so you can go back to school and learn a new trade or skill. Be sure to ask your local agent about any special programs they’re currently offering.

Although they can make a significant difference in the short-term, unemployment benefits are usually much lower than your normal salary. However, there are many other sources you can also take advantage of to help you get by during this rough financial time.

Let’s look at some of your options:

1. Reduce monthly expenses. Take a serious look at some of the things you can live without for a while until you get back on your feet. Go through all of your bills and expenses and cut out the things that aren’t necessities. Be honest with yourself – just because you think you can’t live without your cable or cell phone, doesn’t mean it’s true. Some of the first places to look include:

• Television
• Phones – both cell and land line
• Cell texting or other data communications
• Transportation
• Eating out
• Power usage
• Air conditioning and heating

2. Save money by meal planning. You can save over $100 (based on a family of 4 with bi-monthly pay periods) on each trip to the grocery store simply by planning meals ahead, using coupons and shopping your grocer’s weekly sales flyers.

• Not only will you reduce how much you spend on food, but you’ll probably reduce some weight around your waistline as well. Who couldn’t use that added benefit?

3. Waiting tables. One of the fastest ways to earn some quick cash is to wait tables. This may not be glamorous, but it can bring in some immediate cash, and many restaurants beef up staff for the summer months.

4. Community agencies. If you’re in dire straits and need assistance right now, there are many local agencies you can turn to for aid. The United Way and Salvation Army are located in most areas and offer a variety of programs that may be able to help you.

• Your area may have different agencies, so check online or in the phone book for the ones in your community.

5. Government agencies. Besides the unemployment agency, most areas have a Department of Human Resources, Social Services, or Health Department that can help or guide you to assistance.

6. Sell items on eBay. Take a good look around your home, shed, or garage. How many boxes do you have lying around filled with stuff you never use? You’ll be surprised at what people will pay for what you consider junk!

7. Have a yard sale. You can make a nice chunk of change by selling off furniture, clothing, and other household items you don’t use anymore.

8. Set up your own online or offline shop. If you can make arts and crafts, sell your items on eBay, Etsy or at local craft fairs.

With some communication, research, and creativity, you can take advantage of your time off to learn a new skill or start a new venture with skills and passions you already have. Have some fun utilizing your creative ability while making the extra money you need to make ends meet.

These tough times don’t have to be devastating. Use these tips to take advantage of the resources available to you to reduce the negative impact on your life. You may even look back on this time as the lucky stroke that pushed you toward success in your new career!

(And if you want help getting that new career started, check out our Side Hustle Blueprint program)

Get Certified

The first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey.

Leave a comment

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Are You IN?
Or Are You OUT?

It’s time you join forces with a community of like-minded peers ready to tackle the issues unique to the women of HR.

How Safe Is Your Organization?

Even with millions spent on cyber security infrastructure, all it takes is one employee clicking on one wrong link to compromise critical data, costing your company millions.

HR Girlfriends™ is a Human Resources networking organization dedicated to advancing the practice and culture of people empowerment. Our team of Girlfriends consult, train, educate, develop, share, promote, and advocate for solutions in the field of human resource management.

  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
All
  • All
  • Affirmation
  • Career Mondays
  • Certification
  • COVID-19
  • CyberSAFE
  • Guest Blogger
  • HR Advisor
  • HR Law Alert
  • HR Q&A
  • HR Reading
  • HR Reel Talk
  • Join Our Team - Apply Now
  • Membership
Affirmation

Affirmation: Is It Smarter To Focus On Your Strengths Or Weaknesses?

One expert will say that your weaknesses are holding you back. Another will advise to forget about your weaknesses and focus on your strengths. Which …

Read More →
Career Mondays

Career Monday: How To Use A Personal Website In Your Job Search

If you’re job hunting these days, you might need more than a paper resume. Graphic designers and other creative types have been using personal websites …

Read More →
Affirmation

Affirmation: Discover How To Use Your Subconscious Mind To Get What You Want 

You’re familiar with your conscious mind. You use it to choose a channel on the TV or to decide what you’re going to have for …

Read More →
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap