So you’ve just been made redundant? Fear not, there are plenty of ways to get by without digging into your pockets.

Remove the unnecessary excesses

The reason why many people are feeling the pinch is because they can no longer afford the extravagant extras. And for those who have been made redundant and are unemployed, no longer being able to afford a lavish dinners and designer brands is often the source of much frustration and negativity. Yet once you start realising that life is lighter and far more enjoyable when you enjoy its substance and not its form, you will understand that you don’t need much money to live well. It’s not a question of giving up the things you enjoy the most–such as catching up with friends or having a meal with your partner–it’s about breaking things down to basics.

Work that network

Make sure you maintain those connections you made whilst you were working, as they’ll come in handy in your time of need, whether it’s in the form of a gratuitous lunch or in helping you to find a new job. Don’t underestimate the importance of contacts.

Move back in with the parents

If this is a viable option, moving back in with your parents will certainly help you save on numerous expenses, such as rent, electricity, and food. Just bear in mind that although they are your parents, by moving back in you are disrupting their personal routine, especially if you have been out of the house for numerous years. Ensure you treat their space with respect, and try as much as possible to help in the running of the household–this doesn’t necessarily have to be a financial contribution, it could even just be washing up the dishes every night after dinner. 

Be Mr Fun

Become that person that everyone wants to be around so that when you say no to invitations, people will insist and offer to buy all your drinks. It takes a lot of practice, but grumpiness and complaining is out of the question, unless you can be funny about it.

Form a community

Gather friends, family, neighbours around and form a caring, sharing community so when you find yourself strapped for cash, your newly formed community is always there to help you out. Alternatively, join a community, whether it be an agricultural one such as a kibbutz or a spiritual one such as an ashram, use your redundancy as an opportunity to embark on a journey to the unexplored.

Image courtesy of Dave Austria