We don't even have a car to live in if we needed to.

April 8, 2009 8:20 AM

What do we do now that we're both unemployed? This is not a question about how to save money or spend less.

I was laid off in January. My partner was laid off yesterday. We have no savings. We are on a debt management program (which includes all of our credit cards at the lowest possible APR and lowest possible monthly payment), we have monthly rent (on an apartment for which we just renewed the lease two damn weeks ago), we have a student loan, and we have an unsecured loan through the bank. Plus, you know, living expenses like food and electric.

This question isn’t about how to save money or spend less, we know how to do that, and we were working towards being more frugal and simple even before I lost my job. What this question is, is what the fuck do we do? How do people live without jobs and income? How do we keep a roof over our head if we can’t afford the rent we have now and no one else will rent to us since we’re both unemployed and therefore can’t meet the income and credit requirements? How do I keep paying for my medicines for my chronic illnesses (none of which are on those $4 Wal-Mart/Target/Costco/whatever lists, so don’t bother suggesting that)? Most of our friends are living in tiny apartments and don’t have anywhere for us to stay (and we would never ask anyway), and our families are three states away (and that particular state has an even worse job market than the one we’re in).

Yes, I’m getting unemployment, and yes, my partner will be too. But it’s not enough to cover all of our monthly debts. And my unemployment will run out at the end of July, while my partner’s will run out sometime in September. What happens if we haven’t found jobs by then? What do we do?

I am doing some freelancing, which brings in a bit of money sporadically. I’m trying to get more clients, but you know how the economy is. Partner will start looking for temp jobs and “real” jobs tomorrow. So, we’re taking steps. I’m just terrified and wanted to throw up as soon as I heard she was let go.

Bonus question: How will new jobs be created? It seems like everything’s being cut now, and there won’t be a reason to recreate them in a year or two. Even “service” or “skilled professional” jobs are going away because all of us paper-pusher’s can’t afford our coffee and we’re fixing the leaks with duct tape because we can’t afford a plumber. The demand for products and services is going away (because people are losing jobs) and so jobs that provide those things are going away. It’s a big circle. How do we fix it?

posted by anonymous to work & money (37 answers total)

Now is the time to lose all pride. Find out if you qualify for food stamps in your state. Get signed up for the free drug programs the pharmaceutical companies offer. Talk to your doctor about switching drugs to ones that can be gotten off the $4 list, if possible (most of my meds are non-generic, but in a pinch I could go generic for a while). You get the student loan on deferral, you call the credit card company (or debt management company) and explain you can't make any payments right now. Find out of your electric company has a program for low income people -- most of them won't turn off your power for a good long time if you talk to them instead of just not-paying.
Situations like this are exactly what the social safety net is there for. Don't feel ashamed to make use of it. It can be hard for a lot of people to accept that they are now eligible for food stamps, free drugs, what have you -- but it's there for you to use it. It'll keep you healthy and alive while you look for work.
I know you're asking a general question, but updating with the mods to let us know your particular state would help if people know of specific resources for you.

And as for the bonus question, that's what the stimulus is supposed to address. During the Great Depression the government employed loads of people building picnic shelters, writing travel guides, putting on plays, as well as the more normal government stuff of building roads and dams, to get money pumping through the system and keep that circle going.
posted by katemonster at 8:35 AM on April 8, 2009 [8 favorites]

You can probably get an economic hardship deferment on the student loan.

I'd contact your local department of social services asap for the other stuff - they'll be able to explain things like welfare and other assistance programs, and can refer you to nonprofits who can provide things like food boxes.
posted by susanvance at 8:37 AM on April 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

It may be worth talking to your landlord now to work out some payment plan. Most creditors are going to be more understanding if you start working with them now than they might be once you start missing payments.
posted by craven_morhead at 8:40 AM on April 8, 2009

It's time to apply for jobs you're overqualified for, such as pizza delivery guy and Safeway cashier. There's no shame in it. Also, try to sell whatever furniture and possessions you have on Craigslist to pay off your credit cards.
posted by anniecat at 8:50 AM on April 8, 2009 [7 favorites]

Food stamps do help out a lot, make sure to do that.

I am also assuming you are both white collar workers so the temp route may be good for both of you, for now.

Also, even though you signed a lease, if you can find a sublettor and then move somewhere cheaper, you could save some money.

Finally - can you ask some family and friends for money? Just some gifts to get you through. I wouldn't ask for "loans", its better to get smaller amounts of money you don't have to worry about paying back later.
posted by RajahKing at 8:57 AM on April 8, 2009

I agree with katemonster, take advantage of any program you qualify for that could benefit you. This is what food stamps, food pantries, energy assistance programs, etc. are there for. (If you really feel guilty/ashamed/whatever, once you get back on your feet, you can donate or volunteer for one of these programs to pay them back.)

And treat job-searching as your full-time job. Continue to get up in the mornings, sit yourself down to make phone calls, network, etc., and keep a regular schedule. Don't start slacking off and getting out of the habit of "going to work." Maybe you'll find a part-time or temp job or something. It might not be your ideal dream job, ideal schedule, etc., but you may have to relax your employment standards for a while to keep some income.
posted by LolaGeek at 8:58 AM on April 8, 2009

I think I'd be a lot like you as far as freaking out and the throwing up stuff. You're totally panicked and freaked out right now and you have every right to have a major fucking meltdown. So have your meltdown. Get it over with. Get in the car or go somewhere quiet, scream your face off, curse a blue streak, cry if you have to... and when you're done, return thinking rationally and without emotion, ready to create and execute a plan.

what the fuck do we do?

First and foremost, get on Cobra. Both of you. You might have extensions of your health insurance for X amount of days after your lay offs. Use that time to talk to your physicians and explain your hardships. You might be able to get "samples" of your meds or make some arrangements or changes.

Second, you've both got to find ways to supplement your income and possibly, under the table. What are your skills? I don't mean your professional skills that you were using in your former paper pusher jobs, I mean your basic skills. Can either of you walk dogs, housesit, wait tables or nanny? Are you in a city/town with fancier sections? Advertise your services there. Think creatively. What blue collar services are people always going to need? Sell unnecessary "stuff" that can be replaced when you're back on your feet - DVDs, CDs, books, extra furniture, expensive clothes on ebay or craigslist. Keep what is necessary and what is sentimental and important to you. In the meantime, saturate the market with advertisements of your freelance work and keep up the job search.

Third, you can file for extensions on unemployment and you'll do that if you aren't completely back on your feet. Exhaust every option you have, applying for and utilizing fully every subsidy and assistance program you can. If you have to go to a food pantry for your groceries, go for it. I'm sure you're not going to be the only recently laid off professionals there. There's no shame in doing what you have to do to survive.

Fourth, talk to the lenders for the student loans and apply for hardship deferments. Talk to your creditors and explain your situation. Don't let anything get in arrears before acting.

The best thing you can do is be brutally and absolutely honest about your situation with anyone you need something from. Ask for things. Even if you think you don't have a chance, put yourself out there and ask. Pride be damned, this is about survival.

Things will get better, it won't be tomorrow, but they will. Please keep us updated via the Mods. Best of luck.
posted by jerseygirl at 9:00 AM on April 8, 2009 [2 favorites]

I would look into jobs at corporations that offer benefits (places owned by outback corporation do, as well as retailers like barnes and noble) and for companies like starbucks. At some of these places, particularly waiting tables, you can make between $10-$15/hour, which is certainly better than living on the street, and you could get some coverage for your medication.

And nthing foodstamps.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:02 AM on April 8, 2009

Seems like all of the big pharma companies have programs to help out those who cannot afford medications. I have no personal experience with them, but they might merit a look especially if you've got some really expensive prescriptions.

Astra Zeneca Prescrption Assitance
Pfizer Prescription Assistance
Merck Prescription Assitance
posted by sararah at 9:03 AM on April 8, 2009 [2 favorites]

It sounds from your phrasing like one of your families would take you in in a crisis? (Or some of those friends you mention, if you got over your scruples.) If so, always remember that. I'm not suggesting that you actually go live with your families, but knowing you could might make a huge difference to your state of mind. Remembering that the worst-case scenario would be tolerable (undignified, unpleasant, but TOLERABLE) can be a real boost to your calmness, which in turn makes you more effective at finding sources of income, etc, that will enable you not to have to fall back on that worst-case option.
posted by game warden to the events rhino at 9:14 AM on April 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I haven't been there exactly, but in the same general boat.

I second PhoBWanKenobi as far as checking out places like Starbuck's that offer benefits. One mistake I made was continuing to work crappy office temp jobs, and disdaining more blue collar work. At a certain time in my life, I really wish i had gone back to delivering pizzas, which is something I did in college. I know you don't have a car, i just throw that out as an example- is there something you did in the past you could go back to, even if it isn't a "career" job?

In my experience, delivering for Papa john's paid just as well as low level office gigs, provided more stability, and the people were less hateful.
posted by drjimmy11 at 9:17 AM on April 8, 2009

More prescription assistance:

Partnership for Prescription Assistance


Needy Meds
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:34 AM on April 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

And you also call all your friends and former colleagues and spread the work that you need a job right now and are not picky about what it is. You might be pleasantly surprised at what they come up with.
posted by fshgrl at 9:40 AM on April 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

What this question is, is what the fuck do we do?

I have been thinking about this question since the dot-com bubble burst ~2000-2001. Because as technology and third-world exporting of jobs increases, at some point you're simply going to run out of things for people to do. Unfortunately, our system intrinsically ties work with survival. Thus, the only reasonable solutions are to either change the system (hard/impossible for one person) or, more simply, move. Move to another country where this issue has already been tackled, where social programs have been established to cover the basic needs of the citizenry, where you don't ever have to worry about a roof over your head or food in your stomach because the industry you used to work in has become passe or the jobs have been shipped overseas.

Good candidates include Canada or any Scandinavian country.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:31 AM on April 8, 2009 [2 favorites]

Adding my sympathies. Am still employed for now (in a supposedly "recession-proof" industry to boot) - yet my facility has laid off over 400 staff since Jan. 2007, closed entire units/departments, etc. My partner's job is even more wobbly-legged than mine...it's *very* goddamn scary.

I don't know whether this is an option for you, but it's something I've seriously considered if the worst should come to pass - would it be possible for both or either of you to return to school?
posted by arachnid at 10:47 AM on April 8, 2009

I just wanted to throw something random out there, as other people have addressed basics. I'm sure the OP is probably looking for "any" job at this point.

When both my parents were unemployed in the 80's and were looking to take any job available, they looked at some pretty low paying/no benefit jobs that would provide free or reduced housing: apartment maintenance/management/janitoral, etc. They both ended up getting work (full time plus on call 24/7) onsite housing at a storage facility.
posted by peep at 11:24 AM on April 8, 2009 [2 favorites]

You very well may be able to get out of your lease, and at the very least, you can sublet it to someone.

Moving to Canada is not as easy as it seems.
posted by allthewhile at 11:26 AM on April 8, 2009

I didn't see anyone specifically mention charitable organizations like the Salvation Army, but many of them do provide rental assistance in certain circumstances. It's understandable that you might not want to accept such assistance if you are an atheist or otherwise opposed to faith-based charities, but it's out there. If there is a United Way call center in your area, they can usually help you identify those organizations.
posted by cabingirl at 11:45 AM on April 8, 2009 [1 favorite]

I would also add that while social benefits are better in Canada than in the US, that is largely centred around public health care and publicly-funded universities... Living on what passes for welfare in Canada would not be comfortable existence, and certainly shouldn't be considered 'a plan', any more than winning the lottery is 'a plan' for retirement.
posted by modernnomad at 11:59 AM on April 8, 2009

You said, "This is not a question about how to save money or spend less. "

But you have NO savings and major debt. It sounds like this really is a question, after THIS crisis is over, of how to actually save money and spend less, despite the fact that you're in so much debt.

You say that your friends have tiny apartments? Where do you live? If you're already unemployed, do everything you can to get out of your lease, and move somewhere in the US where the cost of living is WAAAY lower than where you are now.

I'm sure there are better maps/charts than this but its a start.
posted by allthewhile at 12:04 PM on April 8, 2009

Yup, call 211 or look for your local 211 online (assuming that you're still able to access the internet). Another key phrase to look for is "information and referral," though most agencies can at least give you the basic information about other helpful programs in the area.

Catholic churches (at least in my area--and I work for one of these I&R/emergency assistance nonprofits) are often good sources of food, clothes, and funding, or will have an agency that receives funding from them for just this sort of situation.
posted by miratime at 12:07 PM on April 8, 2009

I don't know where you live. I live in San Jose and volunteer at the food bank. If you come in to the San Jose food bank during a week day and volunteer, you get a bag of groceries. I'd look around and see if you can find something like that. Don't let your pride get in the way. This is a global economic downturn. Everybody's hurting. No shame there.
posted by bananafish at 12:28 PM on April 8, 2009

[few comments removed - situation is hard enough without eye rolling comments. metatalk is your option, thank you.]
posted by jessamyn at 12:42 PM on April 8, 2009

I wanted to 2nd the "go back to school" option. I was laid off last year (from a pretty decent career) and I realized that instead of looking for work in the same field, I would go back to school. I'm now a full-time student and that saved my ass, because now I have so many more options (both financially and career-wise).
posted by Lullen at 12:51 PM on April 8, 2009

Moving to Canada is not as easy as it seems.

Indeed, and it should not be floated as a legitimate solution. Even if you have immediate family in Canada, you'd still need to shell out a couple thousand dollars to be able to move there.
posted by oaf at 12:58 PM on April 8, 2009

If you're already unemployed, do everything you can to get out of your lease, and move somewhere in the US where the cost of living is WAAAY lower than where you are now.

I'm not sure this is good advice. While you should think about moving if, say, you live in the bay area, I wouldn't recommend pulling up stakes for Detroit or anything--the houses may be $1000, but you won't find a job when you arrive.
posted by pullayup at 1:06 PM on April 8, 2009

Breathe. You can handle this. Break it down into solvable problems, and prioritize them. Get through the day, then figure out how you're going to get through the month. Don't worry about next month right now.

Call your docs and see if they can switch you to something cheaper and whether they have any free samples they can give you to get you through the month.

Unless you can DRASTICALLY cut costs by moving, it doesn't sound like it is necessarily worth it. You have a roof over your head right now, that's one less problem and one less source of aggravation (unlike apartment-hunting.)

Concentrate on possible avenues of income that are the most bang for your buck, effort-wise. Sure, you could scour freecycle for stuff that you could turn into something that you could sell on Craigslist, but that's a LOT of work for a tiny amount of not-guaranteed money sometime in the future. Better to spend your energy working a job, even a very low-paying one, right now.

Nthing food banks/food stamps.

Make sure your friends and acquaintances know what's going on. If they offer to help, take them up on it.
posted by desuetude at 1:20 PM on April 8, 2009

Moving may disqualify you for state unemployment benefits, so make sure you look into that if you decide relocating is a valid option.

Also, count me as another vote for pharmaceutical patient assistance programs. My recommendation: get on Cobra for one month. Go to see every single health care provider you can; get your cavities filled & stock up on contacts. Explain your situation to all doctors who write you a prescription and ask for their help signing up for assistance programs. I was on Wyeth's PAP for a year, and GlaxoSmithKilne's a different year, and in order to qualify for GSK's my doctor had to "sponsor" me, personally calling the program and asserting my physical & financial need. Generally, once you have been approved you can receive free meds for a year before having to reassert your qualifications. So, get your prescriptions taken care of, any immediate health issues resolved, and then drop the Cobra. (and pray)

Also, there is a lovely little thing called the "Unemployment Deferment." Several people have mentioned the Economic Hardship Deferment which also exists, but you get a limited number of months on each, so while you qualify for the UD that's the one you should use.

Drop your home internet access and (as LolaGeek said) go to "work" every day...at the library. Most cities have them. They tend to be free. Plus, the inability to collapse on the couch in a sobbing heap after 3 hours of job-searching might help you be a little more productive.

Miratime mentioned churches as a place to find assistance, but if you belong to a religious organization they are also great places to network. And you can also throw your hat in the ring for babysitting/lawn work/tutoring, etc.

One last piece of advice: try to limit your worry and fret to the 8 hours a day you would normally work. Look for jobs, balance the checkbook, cry and tear your hair out, then at 5pm, "go home." Read an escapist book. Watch a DVD. Go for a bike ride. When I was unemployed I took the opportunity to get in shape: I went for 5 mile runs at 11:00 at night 6 days a week, I took the time to cook healthy (and cheap) food. And I felt better about myself. And thus, I looked better to an employer.

Good luck. Remember, you're not alone.
posted by philotes at 1:47 PM on April 8, 2009 [4 favorites]

I'm not sure this is good advice. While you should think about moving if, say, you live in the bay area, I wouldn't recommend pulling up stakes for Detroit or anything--the houses may be $1000, but you won't find a job when you arrive.

I absolutely disagree with this. Move where you can get a job and the cost of living is low. If you can get out of your lease, take this as an opportunity to start from scratch.

There are jobs in Detroit.

There are jobs in Nashville.

The question is are you willing to get silly, start looking for a job anywhere, etc. No one would suggest that you just show up somewhere.
posted by allthewhile at 2:06 PM on April 8, 2009

I absolutely disagree with this. Move where you can get a job and the cost of living is low. If you can get out of your lease, take this as an opportunity to start from scratch.

I absolutely disagree with this. Relocating is not cheap -- how would anonymous get to these cities with no car? How would they put down a deposit on a place to live?

But most importantly, why on earth would they distance themselves from their current network of professional contacts (particularly important for freelance work) and friends?
posted by desuetude at 2:30 PM on April 8, 2009

Indeed, and it should not be floated as a legitimate solution.

And why is that, exactly? Because of the immigration costs? A one-time expense to never have to worry again about food or housing again? Yes, it is a couple of grand that (presumably) the OP doesn't have. But it's a lot easier to live in a shelter while working at McDonald's when you know what little money you're making is going towards eventual freedom from our present, messed-up system. Lemme guess: you're Canadian and don't have to worry about the problems the OP is facing.

If you're already unemployed, do everything you can to get out of your lease, and move somewhere in the US where the cost of living is WAAAY lower than where you are now.

I tried this. Moved from Boston to Lincoln, Nebraska. Way less jobs, way less pay. It is, however, a lot easier to be broke in a region where the cost of living is cheaper.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:35 PM on April 8, 2009

Lemme guess: you're Canadian and don't have to worry about the problems the OP is facing.

On reflection, I apologize for the hostility.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 2:37 PM on April 8, 2009

Nthing pharma assistance programs. Also 2nding getting loans deferred. I was able to do this when my income wasn't enough to make it because I had a high rent, and I was actually working full-time. I don't know what your lender is like, but if theyr'e federal loans, it should be fairly easy to buy yourselves 6-9 months (sometimes more) of time not paying student loans.
posted by fructose at 3:37 PM on April 8, 2009

You also mention a freelance background. Recently, I’ve had lots of clients come knocking on my door for this. Some businesses are finding that it is cheaper to pay freelancers vs keeping people on staff.

Anyway, this is what I did to get some clients for my freelance business, and some gave me work almost as soon as I started my business a few months ago:
• Send an email (or linkedin email) to every former contact, and tell them that you are starting your freelance business, and do they have anything available?) Tell them you can start ASAP
• Who are your potential clients? Google the type of business that you work for and “list” – email everyone (I’m getting calls right now but I started this a few months ago….) – don’t know if this will work immediately, but might as well try
• Are you using linkedin to attract clients and people who can offer you jobs? Make it very specialized – I’ve had a few freelance clients find me this way, too (along with billions of headhunters/recruiters, but I’m not sure if it is bc they need work, too).
• If you are desperate, put something in craigslist re: your business. I’ve noticed lots of clients put “we need a freelancer to do X”, but few people do the reverse. It seems to be free, so might as well try and it should only take a few minutes.
• Can you expand your freelance business into a “guy Friday” or “gal Friday” type tasks? Maybe you do freelance web pages but someone will pay you to type something. Not trying to be insulting but I am sure someone would pay for this and it could give you some cash flow.

Oh yeah, one more thing, if you get clients, request some money upfront (25%) or get paid after meeting some parts of the project/net 30 -- as cash flow can become a problem with freelance work, too.

Also, from the “small apartment” comment, I am going to assume you live in a large city. There are probably several types of temporary jobs that you or your partner could acquire for immediate, temporary cash flow. Some ideas off the top of my head: babysitting, dog walking, etc. I’d put something in craigslist and register on websites such as sistercity.com (may not be the correct name, but there is a service that parents use to look for sitters). To be honest, I would go for tutoring if you have the background, as it pays more.

Good luck.
posted by Wolfster at 4:00 PM on April 8, 2009

Hi Anonymous! There are SO MANY of us who are or were in your boat. Me included. Here is what I did when I was broker than the Joker:

- Food stamps. Your tax dollars paid for them. One day you will be working again and those tax dollars will once again pay into "the system" to help the needy. Right now you are needy, and that is what the system is FOR. I bucked up and applied and the little I got (single, no kids) was still a godsend. Spend them on things that are cheap but wholesome - beans, grains, fruit and vegetables in season. You want to keep up your health and stamina, so avoid the ramen and suchlike. A bag of beans and one of rice doesn't cost that much more than ramen, and is infinitely better for you AND will make a week's worth of meals.

- Cast your job net wide. I got a temp gig from a former employer and that was also a godsend. Swallow your pride and let everyone - and I do mean EVERYONE - you can know that you are looking for work, any work that it is possible for you to do. Lots and lots of people find jobs by trumpeting their availability to friends, former co-workers, former bosses, family, the counter guy at Starbuck's, you name it.

- School. I took out loans and that did help a lot (and I'm in a much better position to pay them back now). I also now have a Master's and that will vastly increase my marketability. Also, if either or both of you have a degree already, talk to your alma mater and take advantage of alumni networks, career centers and so on.

- Cut back all unnecessary expenses (which you said you are doing). And don't throw yourself into temptation's path - no browsing the IKEA catalog or the Sephora website.

- Stay put unless there is a compelling reason/desire for you to relocate. Moving costs big bucks - and much bigger without a car. A lot of low-cost areas come with lousy economies to go with them. The Bay Area is expensive, but its economy is diverse and so it tends to bounce back well from recessions. And don't count on being able to emigrate - a lot of countries with sweet social networks are VERY picky about who they let in, precisely to prevent a flood of unemployed from coming to use those benefits.

Good luck, Anon. You are in a tight spot but remember - you are one of MANY. You are not a bad person; you've had some bad luck and this can be a "learning experience" for you.
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 5:36 PM on April 8, 2009

I also wanted to add that most states have an emergency food stamp program. So instead of waiting for an appointment/filling out the application/waiting to get accepted, you take in your finance info and get your food stamps that same day. This should take at least some immediate food-pressure off of you, even if it's not much.
posted by Lullen at 7:05 PM on April 8, 2009

Lemme guess: you're Canadian and don't have to worry about the problems the OP is facing.

No, I'm not Canadian. (But we can all dream, can't we?)

My point was that you have to plunk down a significant amount of money for a result that isn't guaranteed and is likely to take a least a year and a half (and if it doesn't succeed, you're still out the money). While it's fine to have moving to Canada as an eventual goal, it shouldn't be your top priority.
posted by oaf at 11:42 AM on April 9, 2009