If you knew that your family's breadwinner(s) might be laid off in about six months, what... - Page 3

[PJJ]

Impressed

Originally Posted by velochic

I hope things work out and your optimistic husband is right.

I don't really have any good suggestions other than for him to go ahead and start looking for a new job now. 6 months isn't much advanced notice. In all honesty, our preparations are already made and were a progression of years, so I don't even know where to tell you to start with so short a time. I guess stock up, learn to live on even less, and try to become more self-sufficient.

I do know that crisis mode is *not* when you want to be putting your hand to new things or panic prepping. If you aren't gardening, don't start now unless you planned it already. If you're not canning, don't start now unless you've planned it already. Take the time to learn how to do these things properly. Get to know your reference librarian and do lots of research. Stay the course that you've been on already but tighten the belt as much as possible.

(That wasn't much help, I know. ) Good luck!

I find your posts always so helpful, I am thinking you could write a book. Any thoughts on that?

[Fuamami]

Originally Posted by amyamanda

I hadn’t thought of getting a job myself. Wow, that is mind-blowing to think about, and I’m glad you mentioned it. I worked 10 hrs/wk when DS1 was a baby, but nothing else since. I've been a SAHM for almost 10 years. I’m going to think hard about this..

Haven't read all the post, but how about subbing? You could be getting your paperwork ready. It took me a couple of months to get certified here, I had to get fingerprinted and background checked and transcripts and stuff. But it's very flexible, and I notice your kids are older, but you may be homeschooling?

[Turquesa]

Originally Posted by aquarian

Also, I know that this is almost always mentioned when SHAM's need to raise extra funds, but have you thought about taking in an extra kid or two during the day?

SAHMs, dear, not SHAMs. The latter refers to Hollywood marriages and questionable Ebay purchases.

I could amuse myself all day weeding out type-o's. Sad.

[phathui5]

I wonder if DH collects unemployment, if I could go back to work and he would still get unemployment benefits? Anyone know?

At least in Maryland, your income doesn't affect your spouse's unemployment pay. It's not welfare or government assistance really, it's something your company pays into and that they owe you if they lay you off.

[EmsMom]

I have been putting together great Christmas' for my kids out of yard sale stuff for a couple of years now. You may want to hit the yard sales on Saturdays to pick up gifts for your kids. Also very good for new in package toys to give as gifts for the gazillions of birthday parties your kids get invited to. I wish that shipping wasn't so expensive. If it wasn't, I could shop for some of the mamas on these boards and have you just reimburse me! It pains me to leave behind some great toys (including organic, natural toys) at yard sales because we already have them or my kids have outgrown them!!!

[AngelBee]

:

[ledzepplon]

Originally Posted by Belleweather

Cut everything you can out of your budget.

Stop any retirement contributions.

Both start looking for jobs -- both to replace his income and to ad to your savings.

Gather information about CHIP, WIC, Food stamps, Low-income heating assistance and other emergency assistance BEFORE you need it so that you're ready to go, if you do.

Absolutely.

[spiderdust]

Originally Posted by EmsMom

I have been putting together great Christmas' for my kids out of yard sale stuff for a couple of years now. You may want to hit the yard sales on Saturdays to pick up gifts for your kids. Also very good for new in package toys to give as gifts for the gazillions of birthday parties your kids get invited to. I wish that shipping wasn't so expensive. If it wasn't, I could shop for some of the mamas on these boards and have you just reimburse me! It pains me to leave behind some great toys (including organic, natural toys) at yard sales because we already have them or my kids have outgrown them!!!

You could buy them and eBay them!

[amyamanda]

I have been reading and rereading this thread. Also Turquesa's tribe thread. It has been very helpful. Thank you.

I just wanted to make sure I give sufficient thanks to those who have offered specific job ideas and other suggestions. I'm exploring my options right now.