what to do?!

United States
May 15, 2009 4:30pm CST
I have a situation...now, first of all I would like to start out by saying that I know I got myself into this problem all by myself, so I'm not pointing the finger at anyone. I recently lost my job, and then started working another job that wasn't bringing in the money necessary to cover all of my expenses. So, I got a loan to help me while I was looking for a job, but couldn't find anything that would be sufficient for the amount of money that I need to make to survive. So, here I am, a month has passed, I have no income, and the bills are adding up. I can't pay anything, because I don't have anything. My family has already helped where they could. My roommate has been providing me with food so that I don't starve to death, and no matter where I go to look for another job, all I do is come up empty handed. Where do I go from here? I know I'm not the only one, because I read about this all day long, but how are people getting by? Does anyone have any suggestions? Is there anything that I can try in my desperation that will not put me deeper in a hole?
2 people like this
7 responses
15 May 09
The first thing to do is to be honest about the situation, which it sounds like you are doing. As far as the loan and money that you owe, be upfront with the people that you own money too, otherwise the loan interest can add up, and so can the stress of the situation. You say about not being able to find a job that is sufficient. A job that pays 1,000 a month (for example) is still better than a job that pays 0 a month. Often at times like this you have to swallow your pride a bit and be willing to do something that you wouldn't normally to do, just to be able to provide yourself wiht the very basics in life. Is there anywhere at all that is a job option for you?
2 people like this
• United States
15 May 09
well, you're probably right. But if I get a job that pays me that little, what do I decide to pay, and what not?
1 person likes this
16 May 09
Generally the principle is to pay those debts first that are higher interest, things like credit cards etc., that otherwise will just increase your debt if you don't pay them.
1 person likes this
• China
16 May 09
well, one of my friend is suffering from the same situation with you, or even worse than you. He cannot get a job for almost one year, and he has a lot of debets on him, which makes him miserable. First, he just cannot accept the job that he doesn't like. Now, he realize that he has to change his attitude. Last week, he finally got an offer to be trained in a company. He feels fresh when he gets the offer and decides to show his ability during the training so as to become a formal staff of the company. Hope that you can get through the difficulities and have a better day.
2 people like this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
16 May 09
Times are tough for everyone it seems. You could check with your local welfare and find out what sort of help you qualify for. From the sounds of it...anything would be helpful to you right about now. Do you have anything you could sell on e-bay? That sometimes can be an easy way to generate some extra cash from what I hear. I dated a guy that never worked. He went to yard sales and bought stuff dirt cheap and then auctioned it off on e-bay. He did great with it and never seemed to lack for cash. Hope things ease up for you soon!
@Margajoe (4709)
• Germany
17 May 09
We are in the same situation. My BF is healthy but still has a hard time getting a normal job. They don't want to hire people on contracts anymore. He is to old. 44. Me I am 43, been off work for over two years. Get half the money I used to, so I ended up using my credit cards to pay the bills,now I cannot pay my credit cards. I am one month behind on my rent.Because of health problems, my back, I cannot work. And to make it worse, the police came this morning to collect money from my BF, for passed bills. (Before my time.) My fridge is as good as empty, but I need to lose weight anyway. Trying to see it positive, hahaha! What I am getting at, you are not alone. I am trying to get though this by thinking: It can only get better, worse then this is not possible. hahaha! Good luck, and wish you all the best. Take care.
@playapal (894)
• United States
16 May 09
Hi Bobinger, I know the job situation in the US is horrible right now, I have 2 sons and one was out of work for 4 months before he finally opened is own computer repair business. I worked as an employment career counselor for many years and the best advice I can give you is to make looking for work your full time job. Go about it in the same way as going to work, get up early, take your shower, dress nicely and pound the pavements. Be willing to do anything honest you can to make some extra money until you can find a job that you really want. This should be a 40 hour a week job search. Network, ask everybody that you know if they have heard of anything. Talk to your loan company, tell them what is going on. Remember when you get your first paycheck that the most important things you need are shelter and food, then go from there. I wish you the very best of luck, I know how difficult it is out there, and don't count on online earnings to help you, you will starve.
@playapal (894)
• United States
17 May 09
I know how hard it is to apply for a job that you are well over qualified for, but right now you just need to make some money. I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you let me know how you make out!
• United States
16 May 09
Thanks a lot for the kind advice. Some of you on here have really eased my mind. You're right, I've just got to grab the bull by the horns. It's just that, with the qualifications I have, I feel like I should be doing a lot more than applying for mid night shelf stalking at wal-mart. Oh well, until I find something, right?
16 May 09
im very sorry....but be strong and dont loss ur hope....
1 person likes this
• Oostende, Belgium
16 May 09
HI If you live in a big city look into the horeca business hotel,restaurants,casino they need all the time extra people from dishwassers all the way to managers i am a retired chef butcher and i worked for years in a casino in sandiego now i am back in Belgium good luck Roger