Unemployed and Broke During Pandemic
March 14, 2020 9:45 AM Subscribe
I lost my job on Thursday. The why and the how don't matter; it is what it is. But after putting away half my rent (I can likely borrow the other half) and my phone bill, I've got about $200 to my name. No savings, no income. Must feed self and cat, but HOW?
I was already job hunting. 86 resumes submitted since January 1. Several phone interviews, 1 onsite. Received the rejection email from the onsite interview yesterday. Feeling a bit hopeless and lost.
Add the global Coronavirus pandemic. At the moment I know of only 3 confirmed cases in my county, but one of those works for one of the biggest employers in the city, so there's that. My roommate reported a LOT of things out of stock at the grocery store yesterday.
Not even really sure what my question is, there's just too many details to track.
I just inventoried my kitchen. I've got a whole bunch of spices, a few canned soups, plenty of oatmeal, and not much else. What should I stock up on? What can I cook/eat? The virus has me terrified the produce section, but perishables are probably not the best purchase anyway.
How do I keep myself sane (with PTSD and type II Bipolar disorder), with no job, no money, and the whole world isolating against coronavirus? I had an emergency appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday. She agrees that I shouldn't go back to the job, and ordered me an emergency 3 month supply of my meds. I didn't even know she could override the insurance saying it was too soon to refill, but at least I was able to get them before my ex-job cut off my insurance.
I am, of course, continuing (and ramping up) my job hunting, but that can't take up enough hours. I'm continuing my Coursera class for as long as I can afford it. I'm trying to engage in my main recreational hobby, paper crafting, but so far, I can't seem to get into it. I can barely concentrate well enough to read a book.
I'm staring down into the abyss and hoping not to fall of the edge.
Also, I'm terrible at choosing post categories, and tagging.....
I was already job hunting. 86 resumes submitted since January 1. Several phone interviews, 1 onsite. Received the rejection email from the onsite interview yesterday. Feeling a bit hopeless and lost.
Add the global Coronavirus pandemic. At the moment I know of only 3 confirmed cases in my county, but one of those works for one of the biggest employers in the city, so there's that. My roommate reported a LOT of things out of stock at the grocery store yesterday.
Not even really sure what my question is, there's just too many details to track.
I just inventoried my kitchen. I've got a whole bunch of spices, a few canned soups, plenty of oatmeal, and not much else. What should I stock up on? What can I cook/eat? The virus has me terrified the produce section, but perishables are probably not the best purchase anyway.
How do I keep myself sane (with PTSD and type II Bipolar disorder), with no job, no money, and the whole world isolating against coronavirus? I had an emergency appointment with my psychiatrist yesterday. She agrees that I shouldn't go back to the job, and ordered me an emergency 3 month supply of my meds. I didn't even know she could override the insurance saying it was too soon to refill, but at least I was able to get them before my ex-job cut off my insurance.
I am, of course, continuing (and ramping up) my job hunting, but that can't take up enough hours. I'm continuing my Coursera class for as long as I can afford it. I'm trying to engage in my main recreational hobby, paper crafting, but so far, I can't seem to get into it. I can barely concentrate well enough to read a book.
I'm staring down into the abyss and hoping not to fall of the edge.
Also, I'm terrible at choosing post categories, and tagging.....
Location isn't mentioned: if in the US file for unemployment and foodstamps now. Some states allow you to do this online. File unemployment regardless of reason of losing your job, some states are very linient with granting benefits others not so much.
Identify local food pantries and other sources of free food, there is alot of stuff popping up because of the outbreak, school closures, interruptions in wages and child care (etc). Some of this is online m churches commonly run these things, in big cities 311 or other local information number may be able to direct you.
Dried beans and rice are cheap and filling. You can purchace various inexpensive meats to throw in it. Root vegitibles if you can manage.
posted by AlexiaSky at 10:02 AM on March 14, 2020 [20 favorites]
Identify local food pantries and other sources of free food, there is alot of stuff popping up because of the outbreak, school closures, interruptions in wages and child care (etc). Some of this is online m churches commonly run these things, in big cities 311 or other local information number may be able to direct you.
Dried beans and rice are cheap and filling. You can purchace various inexpensive meats to throw in it. Root vegitibles if you can manage.
posted by AlexiaSky at 10:02 AM on March 14, 2020 [20 favorites]
Sorry I only have a small idea to help, but if you have an Asian, Indian, or Mexican grocery store nearby, you could use about $30-40 of your remaining cash to buy a 20lb bag of good rice, and a big bag of dry beans, and maybe some onions and root vegetables. This is basic food that will keep you from being hungry if you need to stay home for an extended period. These small stores are better than supermarkets for this kind of buying.
posted by fritley at 10:03 AM on March 14, 2020 [22 favorites]
posted by fritley at 10:03 AM on March 14, 2020 [22 favorites]
Be advised that the current bill in the House extends UI and SNAP benefits, among other things.
File for unemployment benefits ASAP.
A job loss qualifies as a life event for health insurance purposes; go on the public exchange and see what you qualify for.
If you’re looking to buy food, I would go buy baking supplies. Flour, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, baking soda, butter, oil. They’re comparatively inexpensive, available in greater quantity than most non-perishables are right now, and you can use them to make everything from bread to pancakes. If you’re of a mind and want a shortcut, a box of Bisquick and a couple giant jars of peanut butter wouldn’t be a bad supplement.
While you’re at it, pick up a multivitamin, so that even if your diet is limited, you’ll still get the nutrition you need.
posted by Autumnheart at 10:05 AM on March 14, 2020 [3 favorites]
File for unemployment benefits ASAP.
A job loss qualifies as a life event for health insurance purposes; go on the public exchange and see what you qualify for.
If you’re looking to buy food, I would go buy baking supplies. Flour, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, baking soda, butter, oil. They’re comparatively inexpensive, available in greater quantity than most non-perishables are right now, and you can use them to make everything from bread to pancakes. If you’re of a mind and want a shortcut, a box of Bisquick and a couple giant jars of peanut butter wouldn’t be a bad supplement.
While you’re at it, pick up a multivitamin, so that even if your diet is limited, you’ll still get the nutrition you need.
posted by Autumnheart at 10:05 AM on March 14, 2020 [3 favorites]
How about a crowdfunding site, with a goal of say 2-3 months of expenses? If you’re not comfortable setting one up for yourself, maybe someone could set one up for you? Even if you don’t have a ton of social connections, you’d be surprised at how vague acquaintances and sometimes total strangers are happy to pitch in.
Sorry you’re having to deal with this! You may not feel like it, but you’re being really proactive and thoughtful at the moment so kudos to taking care of yourself during this overwhelming circumstance.
posted by kapers at 10:12 AM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
Sorry you’re having to deal with this! You may not feel like it, but you’re being really proactive and thoughtful at the moment so kudos to taking care of yourself during this overwhelming circumstance.
posted by kapers at 10:12 AM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
I second the food shelf idea if you're comfortable going out. I had a lengthy period of unemployment and had to go hit up the food shelves, and everyone I've ever interacted with has been polite, helpful, and non-judgey. It can be confusing at first but just ask questions. If you do this, take some pieces of mail like utility bills with you - some places need to confirm you live in their area. I've never had anyone require proof of income.
posted by cabingirl at 10:20 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by cabingirl at 10:20 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
The other reason to go to your nearest good bank is that they usually have social workers who can connect you with a variety of services to help you out. They are a good place to start and find out what else you are eligible for and what kind of help you can get. Your county may have a program for rent assistance or other kinds of aid.
posted by Margalo Epps at 10:27 AM on March 14, 2020 [6 favorites]
posted by Margalo Epps at 10:27 AM on March 14, 2020 [6 favorites]
You might also want to check out local Buy Nothing groups and see if people are willing to share some food.
posted by toastyk at 10:40 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by toastyk at 10:40 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
Here's a list of mutual aid projects in the US, if you get your name on one of these spreadsheets it might help defray immediate costs: https://t.co/orJkafAYUz
posted by peppercorn at 10:48 AM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by peppercorn at 10:48 AM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
Do you have a credit card? In your shoes, I'd be putting necessary living expenses on a card, applying for unemployment and food assistance as others have mentioned asap, and discussing the situation with your landlord for a rent extension/partial payment - blame the crisis if you need to, if anyone is going to be lenient with rent, now is the time. Hopefully you'll qualify for unemployment to tide you over and be able to pay your rent and credit card bill asap.
posted by DoubleLune at 11:15 AM on March 14, 2020
posted by DoubleLune at 11:15 AM on March 14, 2020
You can try picking up a few extra bucks online via Amazon's Mechanical Turk or Lionbridge. You mentioned that you did paper crafting; if you don't already have an Etsy store maybe consider setting one up? Good luck to you.
posted by mezzanayne at 11:29 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by mezzanayne at 11:29 AM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
The Good & Cheap cookbook (free PDF) was designed for folks on food stamps but provides a bunch of good recipes that are quite cheap to make and will give you ideas of how to stretch your food dollars.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:37 AM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:37 AM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
Search on 'mutual aid' and/or 'financial solidarity' and/or 'covid' plus your location. Many concerned citizens are creating docs/spreadsheets to allow people to post need and others to donate via venmo or paypal. If anyone has knowledge of a many-to-many platform for donations that retains some level of privacy for recipients, please MeMail me.
posted by cocoagirl at 12:33 PM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by cocoagirl at 12:33 PM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
If your profile location is correct, the city has suspended utility cut-offs and is trying to do the same with evictions. That's a little bit of peace of mind for the near future at least.
HEB is a little crazy right now but the Hispanic and Asian markets are stocked by all reports.
I don't know what your line of work is, but Rat Race Rebellion always has a good list of work-at-home jobs and side gigs for extra cash.
It's a tough job market here - I wish you good luck!
posted by kittyloop at 12:42 PM on March 14, 2020 [5 favorites]
HEB is a little crazy right now but the Hispanic and Asian markets are stocked by all reports.
I don't know what your line of work is, but Rat Race Rebellion always has a good list of work-at-home jobs and side gigs for extra cash.
It's a tough job market here - I wish you good luck!
posted by kittyloop at 12:42 PM on March 14, 2020 [5 favorites]
Try Modest Needs
posted by gt2 at 2:18 PM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by gt2 at 2:18 PM on March 14, 2020 [1 favorite]
This previous AskMe has some ideas that include work-from-home gigs.
The MeFi Wiki ThereIsHelp page includes links to a variety of mental health resources, including the 24/7/365 US Disaster Distress hotline.
The MeFi Wiki Homeless Survival Guide page includes links to resources, including for food and public benefits.
The MeFi Wiki Disaster Planning & Recovery page includes links to resources related to food and coping generally.
You can also contact the United Way by calling 211, and they are specifically offering assistance 24/7/365 with finding resources related to food and housing bills, and other essential services.
posted by katra at 2:21 PM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
The MeFi Wiki ThereIsHelp page includes links to a variety of mental health resources, including the 24/7/365 US Disaster Distress hotline.
The MeFi Wiki Homeless Survival Guide page includes links to resources, including for food and public benefits.
The MeFi Wiki Disaster Planning & Recovery page includes links to resources related to food and coping generally.
You can also contact the United Way by calling 211, and they are specifically offering assistance 24/7/365 with finding resources related to food and housing bills, and other essential services.
posted by katra at 2:21 PM on March 14, 2020 [7 favorites]
Foodfinder (find food pantries and other emergency food distro by location)
posted by spamandkimchi at 2:24 PM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by spamandkimchi at 2:24 PM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
It’s not until May but I just applied for and got a job with the census this week just in case (after every single freelance job dried up immediately, directly after my slowest season of the year). It pays decently and you answer a questionnaire and don’t need to even submit a resume.
posted by jeweled accumulation at 3:43 PM on March 14, 2020 [8 favorites]
posted by jeweled accumulation at 3:43 PM on March 14, 2020 [8 favorites]
Most health insurance bills are paid by employers at the beginning of the month, so you are probably covered through March. You can check with the insurer or your ex-company's HR (if you can stomach that) to find out for sure. It would probably not be worth it for them to take the time to specifically call the insurer and cancel your coverage for the remainder of the month, if they were actually able to do so.
I hope this helps relieve your immediate anxiety about healthcare. If you are eligible for COBRA, you don't need to sign up or pay immediately - I believe you get 60 days to do this, so if you need insurance for an emergency you can sign up later. Finding out what your options are, potential Medicaid for example, might help you feel more in control. Good luck.
On edit, the above poster's suggestion is a great one. I take a class with a guy who is currently working for them as a supervisor - started last Monday. He was recruiting among our classmates, as there are many open positions available. The hourly figure he mentioned was $23.00, but the hourly pay varies a bit regionally. There may be remote work available if you are technically proficient.
posted by citygirl at 3:46 PM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
I hope this helps relieve your immediate anxiety about healthcare. If you are eligible for COBRA, you don't need to sign up or pay immediately - I believe you get 60 days to do this, so if you need insurance for an emergency you can sign up later. Finding out what your options are, potential Medicaid for example, might help you feel more in control. Good luck.
On edit, the above poster's suggestion is a great one. I take a class with a guy who is currently working for them as a supervisor - started last Monday. He was recruiting among our classmates, as there are many open positions available. The hourly figure he mentioned was $23.00, but the hourly pay varies a bit regionally. There may be remote work available if you are technically proficient.
posted by citygirl at 3:46 PM on March 14, 2020 [2 favorites]
My local grocery store posted they are “urgently hiring temporary workers.” They are a regional chain and employee-owned, and what they said is they are making sure every employee who needs to be home can be, but because they’re also incredibly busy stocking shelves and filling delivery orders, they need workers. Maybe a store in your area has similar need for delivery drivers or order pickers?
posted by areaperson at 4:05 PM on March 14, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by areaperson at 4:05 PM on March 14, 2020 [4 favorites]
Nthing food banks/food pantries. Also possibly some local churches may have free food programs.
Nthing start the process for getting on unemployment & SNAP now. It can take time to start to get benefits, you may be able to do it online, and ignore whatever you might hear about your eligibility - we are in a fast-moving and fluid situation, eligibility rules are likely to change.
Nthing check on your current state & local situation regarding utilities & eviction for non-payment of rent. (And talk to your landlord.) AFAICT all the big telecom & internet providers are at least waiving late fees if not simply allowing people to keep their cell phones and internet on regardless of payment.
Nthing look into temp work for stuff like grocery shelf stockers, warehouse work, checkout clerks, whatever you might be capable of (as long as you're not in a high-risk group). Lots of jobs simply require physical people to do physical work, and many companies are probably looking for extra help.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:39 PM on March 14, 2020
Nthing start the process for getting on unemployment & SNAP now. It can take time to start to get benefits, you may be able to do it online, and ignore whatever you might hear about your eligibility - we are in a fast-moving and fluid situation, eligibility rules are likely to change.
Nthing check on your current state & local situation regarding utilities & eviction for non-payment of rent. (And talk to your landlord.) AFAICT all the big telecom & internet providers are at least waiving late fees if not simply allowing people to keep their cell phones and internet on regardless of payment.
Nthing look into temp work for stuff like grocery shelf stockers, warehouse work, checkout clerks, whatever you might be capable of (as long as you're not in a high-risk group). Lots of jobs simply require physical people to do physical work, and many companies are probably looking for extra help.
posted by soundguy99 at 5:39 PM on March 14, 2020
I sent you a MeMail.
Also, if you need distraction at home and have a smartphone, I’m enjoying a game called Merge Magic. You can pick it up and put it down easily if you can’t concentrate, you can earn (game) money in the game so you don’t have to spend really money, and you get to direct a bunch of cute small creatures to do things for you so you feel like you’re being productive even if you’re just sitting at home isolating yourself. Warning: it’s addictive! I know it’s on iPhone and iPad, but I’m not sure about Android.
posted by bananacabana at 7:48 PM on March 14, 2020
Also, if you need distraction at home and have a smartphone, I’m enjoying a game called Merge Magic. You can pick it up and put it down easily if you can’t concentrate, you can earn (game) money in the game so you don’t have to spend really money, and you get to direct a bunch of cute small creatures to do things for you so you feel like you’re being productive even if you’re just sitting at home isolating yourself. Warning: it’s addictive! I know it’s on iPhone and iPad, but I’m not sure about Android.
posted by bananacabana at 7:48 PM on March 14, 2020
Response by poster: Ok, I think I've stopped crying enough to type a response here..... The kindness and generosity of everyone here is overwhelming! There's a lot to process here, and I kinda want to mark every response as best answer.
I filed the unemployment application Friday morning. I will be applying for food stamps as soon as I either A) get to one of their offices to do so; not optimal in the Coronavirus climate; or B) get to a friend's place to use their scanner; which could happen tomorrow.
The location in my profile is accurate, specifically, I'm in south Austin. My background is in administrative / office support, but I will take any job I'm capable of doing while I continue to look for a proper match.
I was able to "shop" a friend's over-stocked pantry yesterday, and am pretty well set for non-perishables for a bit. There's also a food pantry really near where I live, so there's that. I also took advantage of bulk and membership pricing at my local pet store, so the cat is fed for a good while.
My roommate has been very understanding, and incredibly generous! She even bought me a bag of my favorite granola because "it was the last one on the shelf".
Over the next few days, I will work my way through all of the links posted here, and try to give updates when I can. I cannot possibly accurately express the depth of my gratitude to everyone here at Metafilter.
I need to walk away from the computer for a bit. If you've reached out privately and I haven't responded, please know that you are appreciated, and I will respond later this evening.
Thank you all, so, so very much!
posted by MuChao at 11:06 AM on March 15, 2020 [6 favorites]
I filed the unemployment application Friday morning. I will be applying for food stamps as soon as I either A) get to one of their offices to do so; not optimal in the Coronavirus climate; or B) get to a friend's place to use their scanner; which could happen tomorrow.
The location in my profile is accurate, specifically, I'm in south Austin. My background is in administrative / office support, but I will take any job I'm capable of doing while I continue to look for a proper match.
I was able to "shop" a friend's over-stocked pantry yesterday, and am pretty well set for non-perishables for a bit. There's also a food pantry really near where I live, so there's that. I also took advantage of bulk and membership pricing at my local pet store, so the cat is fed for a good while.
My roommate has been very understanding, and incredibly generous! She even bought me a bag of my favorite granola because "it was the last one on the shelf".
Over the next few days, I will work my way through all of the links posted here, and try to give updates when I can. I cannot possibly accurately express the depth of my gratitude to everyone here at Metafilter.
I need to walk away from the computer for a bit. If you've reached out privately and I haven't responded, please know that you are appreciated, and I will respond later this evening.
Thank you all, so, so very much!
posted by MuChao at 11:06 AM on March 15, 2020 [6 favorites]
Response by poster: Today I have time, and brain-space, to sit down and write this update, and yet the words are still a bit hard to find. As I think back over the last four months, I realize that my survival can in large part be credited to Metafilter. Starting with the outpouring of compassion, and support (both emotional and material) I was given after posting this thread. Metafilter chat, which led me to a couple other online communities. The internet socialization has helped so much in these pandemic times. And of course, Metafilter in general. Whether green, blue, or grey, there's always something here to distract me when I need it.
Y'all have my deepest gratitude. Thank you for keeping me alive!
The job I lost was a toxic hellhole. I was panicked to the max when I posted this question, but I came to realize just how much healthier, and more sane, I was without that job. I was so thankful to not be in that "essential" place when the pandemic exploded. I don't even want to imagine how anti-mask, anti-public-health the owner's rhetoric must be. Then the protests. So glad I wasn't around those socially tone-deaf a-holes. I can embrace my nb/trans identity now, without fear of their judgement. I'm not spending 8 hours a day (till 9pm) in an un-insulated metal box with no windows. 82F all day, all summer; 45-50ish all day, all winter. Even as things looked bleak, I was better off without that place. How did I stay there for 8 years?` My only explanation is that complex ptsd is a b*.
At then end of May, just as my job hunt was starting to feel helpless, I received, and accepted an offer. It's a major title promotion, as well as quite a bit more money than I thought I could get. Pretty sweet benefits too. I have a 401K for the first time ever. I have my own office, with windows and sunshine. The building is currently in renovation, but is going to be amazing when it's done. Today is my first ever paid company holiday that's not x-mas. Today is my first ever paid company holiday that is not coming out of my [very generous] PTO bank.
My boss, the owner of the company, is such a nice guy! I haven't heard a single complaint about him, and I have asked. He's totally laid-back, and truly cares about people. He's structured his company around his values of diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, integrity, and transparency. He admitted to ignorance of nonbinary identities, and had a very respectful conversation with me about it on my first day. He's only slipped up on my pronouns once, and corrected himself so quickly I almost missed it. I have a feeling that I'm going to be really happy here.
Metafilter, MeFites, I couldn't have gotten here without you. Metafilter has been my online home for many many years. This year has proved why.
posted by MuChao at 8:56 AM on July 3, 2020 [11 favorites]
Y'all have my deepest gratitude. Thank you for keeping me alive!
The job I lost was a toxic hellhole. I was panicked to the max when I posted this question, but I came to realize just how much healthier, and more sane, I was without that job. I was so thankful to not be in that "essential" place when the pandemic exploded. I don't even want to imagine how anti-mask, anti-public-health the owner's rhetoric must be. Then the protests. So glad I wasn't around those socially tone-deaf a-holes. I can embrace my nb/trans identity now, without fear of their judgement. I'm not spending 8 hours a day (till 9pm) in an un-insulated metal box with no windows. 82F all day, all summer; 45-50ish all day, all winter. Even as things looked bleak, I was better off without that place. How did I stay there for 8 years?` My only explanation is that complex ptsd is a b*.
At then end of May, just as my job hunt was starting to feel helpless, I received, and accepted an offer. It's a major title promotion, as well as quite a bit more money than I thought I could get. Pretty sweet benefits too. I have a 401K for the first time ever. I have my own office, with windows and sunshine. The building is currently in renovation, but is going to be amazing when it's done. Today is my first ever paid company holiday that's not x-mas. Today is my first ever paid company holiday that is not coming out of my [very generous] PTO bank.
My boss, the owner of the company, is such a nice guy! I haven't heard a single complaint about him, and I have asked. He's totally laid-back, and truly cares about people. He's structured his company around his values of diversity, inclusion, social responsibility, integrity, and transparency. He admitted to ignorance of nonbinary identities, and had a very respectful conversation with me about it on my first day. He's only slipped up on my pronouns once, and corrected himself so quickly I almost missed it. I have a feeling that I'm going to be really happy here.
Metafilter, MeFites, I couldn't have gotten here without you. Metafilter has been my online home for many many years. This year has proved why.
posted by MuChao at 8:56 AM on July 3, 2020 [11 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
I work for a food bank in Pennsylvania and right now one of our biggest concerns is making sure that people who are eligible for food are claiming it - and it sounds like you might be.
If your profile location is accurate, the Central Texas Food Bank could be a good resource. Some of their assistance might depend on your particular situation, but it's worth calling them (877.541.7905). You might qualify for emergency food assistance, and they'll be able to set you up with that.
If calling/dealing with that is more than you can take on right now, shoot me a direct message here and I'll help you out.
posted by punchtothehead at 10:00 AM on March 14, 2020 [19 favorites]