How to Make Ends Meet When You’re Out of Work
Blog post by Mary Shannon of seniorsmeet.org
How to Make Ends Meet When You’re Out of Work. This resource guide is just one example of the great content you can find on the TCG Insurance Solutions website.
Being out of work is difficult: Along with the financial setback, it can be hard to lose productivity that goes along with being employed. If you’re trying to find ways to make ends meet, consider gig work for a while to help earn money on the side. Use this guide for ideas on how to get through a period of unemployment, whether it’s making money online or going back to school.
Making Ends Meet
If you’re having trouble making ends meet, consider gig work such as freelancing. For website developers, accountants, or writers, freelancing can be a great way to make money.
It’s pretty straightforward to get set up as a freelancer: If you’re just starting out, set up a website with your portfolio to help you market your skills, and create a profile on an online freelancing website to find clients. You can start working as a freelancer under the sole proprietor business structure and begin earning money right away.
Sometimes it can be easier to branch out and earn money in different ways, whether it’s taking up a passion or hobby and making money from it. For example, if you love animals, consider becoming a dog walker or pet sitter to help earn money on the side. Not only will you get your animal fix, but you’ll also get some exercise and fresh air.
Ways to Save
Being between jobs can be a financial burden, so it’s wise to come up with some effective budgeting habits to help you save money. If budgeting is challenging for you, consider getting a budgeting app or software to make it easier.
If you’re prone to spending money without realizing it, try some of the following tips: Always make yourself a list when you go to the grocery store so you don’t end up buying too much food. Consider keeping “fun money” in your wallet each week so you can manage surprise spending. It’s also a good idea to limit how many trips you take throughout the week—try to do all your errands in one day so you aren’t running to the store or bank every other day.
It’s also a great idea to put money into a savings account when possible. By having an emergency account, you’ll be able to safeguard against future financial hardships.
Future Planning
As you’re saving money and making ends meet through side gigs, consider your future plans. Being unemployed can offer a great opportunity to pursue a new career path. Take time to consider what potential career changes you could make to be happier in your work.
If you’re considering changing careers altogether, it might be necessary to return to school to earn a new degree. Luckily, it’s possible to earn a degree online and enjoy plenty of flexibility as you study. For those interested in a computer science degree, you can gain skills in architecture and systems, data structures, and logic, which will make you a viable candidate when you’re finished with the program.
It’s common for people to be curious about new career paths but to also feel nervous about making such a big change. One great way to try out new careers is by shadowing or interning. Interning, while not always a lucrative path, will help you gain an honest understanding of the career path you’re considering. It will also help you create lasting connections with people in the industry, which can be helpful for your transition into a new career.
While losing income isn’t easy, being out of work doesn’t have to be devastating. Find ways to make money on the side if you’re concerned about being able to pay the bills, and look into options for changing careers. Create strong budgeting habits and remember that your unemployment is temporary.
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