It has come to an end...

[chevy_chick95]

Hey everyone!

I have a few questions and was hoping that if I threw them out there I might get some insight from some of you.

I lost my job Feb of 09. I have been unemployment since then. I have spent every day, including saturdays looking for a job. I have submitted roughly 10 resumes and applications a day for the last year and a half. I have had 3 interviews. No job offers. I am really not used to this, I'm in my mid 20's... and every job I've ever had I was offered on my 1st interview. I've never been out of a job more than 2 months.. So it has been a lot of adjusting.

Last week was my last full payment of unemployment. I have about 45% of my weekly benefit amount due this thursday and then it is done. No more unemployment. I slightly freaking out.

DBF and I seriously downsized last May after we both lost our jobs. We moved in with my dad for 3 months until DBF found a part time job. He still has this part time job. Friday and Saturday night as a janitor for a local charity group. Not decent pay but it has helped keep a roof over our head. He has applied for just as many or more jobs than I have. He's had a few interviews, nothing seems promising. He does donate plasma twice a week which has really helped the budget. So our only income at this point is his part time job, and donating plasma. I would donate plasma but they can not find a vein to poke... GRR!

Our cell phones got turned off today, for non-payment. There is just no way we can keep them on right now. I signed up for a free phone message service from K7. When someone calls the number, it sends the voice mail to my email. I changed my resume this morning to reflect that new number. This was our only **non 4 walls** bill.

So now you have a little background, my question is do you have any creative ways to earn some income?

I am having another garage sale this weekend. Anything that isn't nailed down is being sold.

We have listed big ticket items on craigslist.

I have found a few online income sources. mturk, mystery shopping, surveys. Do you have any other ideas where I can make some money?

We have a considerable stockpile, I haven't grocery shopped since before Christmas.. so food isn't an issue. I already make everything from scratch.. well mostly everything.. I haven't made noodles yet but I have a few more food storage cans of those..

So I need some ideas of where to cut back, earn some money, generally just get by. I've cut back in every way I can think of and find on here to cut back..

I have been searching old archives on FV for new ideas of ways to save money, earn money.. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[stinkbug]

Are you recieving food stamps?

I don't know where in ID you are, but here, nearly every cleaning and lawn service co. is hiring. Seems like people will still pay for those things. Hotel services are usually hiring also...nursing homes (laundry, you don't have to be a CNA) and seasonal (harvest) jobs in ID are usually good options.

You don't mention what your skills are.....have you considered school loans and getting a degree in a good field? A friend of mine here was flat broke and went to school to be an xray tech. I just saw her at the hospital last week and she said it's the best thing she ever did....they are back on track and doing okay. She went back to school with two little kids and her dh was unemployed....they managed somehow!

[sunshine]

Have you signed up to be a mystery shopper? Do points programs and surveys for cash? Might not be a lot of money, but every $ counts.

Recycle aluminum cans for cash?

Take in some babysitting jobs? I'm an RN and used to take "sick" kids when they couldn't go to the daycare or school, but weren't severely sick. . . .

Do you have a skill you could teach for $$? My kids all dance/tumble. When my boys were in HS, they'd hire themselves out for birthday parties - they'd decorate, entertain/teach, and clean up afterward. . . the parents provided the decorations, food, etc.

[stinkbug]

Also...check the *gigs* section on Craigslist for one time temp jobs. I've earned some extra cash doing people's laundry and organizing!

[sueh]

Also...check the *gigs* section on Craigslist for one time temp jobs. I've earned some extra cash doing people's laundry and organizing!

Asking where to find the 'gigs' section but found it.


Thanks

[frugalwarrior2]

Can you get coupons from the recycle community bins and buy/get items free to sell at your G.sales. Scrap metal pays some. Can you start a Gofer job where you run errands for people?

[hollyhill]

When Dh lost his job and retrained I tutored, babysat and gardened for others.

[mek42]

Won't immediately help with income, but would WIA money from unemployment help get you some classes that would help you get a job? If you don't have a bachelors degree, Pell grants should cover a state school (assuming you're in US). If you have a bachelors, look into grad school programs that offer a stipend for TA / RA. Just convince yourself you want to learn more so you don't say, "Yeah, I'm unemployed and broke and figured what the heck, I'll go back to school." at the interview.

Apply for public assistance if survival is an issue.

[pollypurebred39]

If you know your way really well around a kitchen you can put an ad in the paper/craigslist for a family cook. Not everyone's broke out there and there are those that will pay to have a home cooked meal. My MIL cooked supper for a wealthy family for years. The woman set out the recipes she wanted cooked and my MIl let herself in and had supper on the table for them every night.

[Darlene]

Can you move back in with your Dad?
Sending you a big hug and a high five for trying so hard to find a job. Hang in & I'm cheering you on, better times will be coming for you soon.

[Susanscraps]

I hope things improve for you soon!

Do you belong to MyPoints or PineCone? It's not much but every little bit helps!

[chevy_chick95]

Are you recieving food stamps?
DBF went down and submitted our paperwork today. So we shall see.

I don't know where in ID you are, but here, nearly every cleaning and lawn service co. is hiring. Seems like people will still pay for those things. Hotel services are usually hiring also...nursing homes (laundry, you don't have to be a CNA) and seasonal (harvest) jobs in ID are usually good options.

You don't mention what your skills are.....have you considered school loans and getting a degree in a good field? A friend of mine here was flat broke and went to school to be an xray tech. I just saw her at the hospital last week and she said it's the best thing she ever did....they are back on track and doing okay. She went back to school with two little kids and her dh was unemployed....they managed somehow!

I didn't saw this but I have applied for every single job I come across. Whether I am qualified or not. I have worked retail, office manager and as a facilities coordinator. I have thought about going back to school, but I have a lot of student loans. I went to a "scam" college for 6 months. They lied to me and said that all credits would transfer and they wouldn't.. so I left, and am stuck with the student loans.

Have you signed up to be a mystery shopper? Do points programs and surveys for cash? Might not be a lot of money, but every $ counts.

yes, I mentioned that in my first post, but I found a few more trust worthy sites and signed up yesterday. I am waiting to hear if I am accepted.

Recycle aluminum cans for cash?

I have asked family members who buy them to keep them for me.

Take in some babysitting jobs? I'm an RN and used to take "sick" kids when they couldn't go to the daycare or school, but weren't severely sick. . . .

This is one of the ads I've posted on craigslist, I dislike children, but i'd do it right now.

Do you have a skill you could teach for $$? My kids all dance/tumble. When my boys were in HS, they'd hire themselves out for birthday parties - they'd decorate, entertain/teach, and clean up afterward. . . the parents provided the decorations, food, etc.

I posted an ad like this on craigslist a few weeks ago for my photoshop, graphic design skills. I have bumped it up, but like the rest.. nothing

Also...check the *gigs* section on Craigslist for one time temp jobs. I've earned some extra cash doing people's laundry and organizing!

I found this section for the first time the other day in fact! there was one ad.. I emailed him, haven't heard anything but what an AWESOME section!!

Can you get coupons from the recycle community bins and buy/get items free to sell at your G.sales. Scrap metal pays some. Can you start a Gofer job where you run errands for people?

I've thought about how to get these from our recycle bins... they are the big 20 feet dumpsters with the 1 foot by 1 foot hole to dump your stuff into.. I've been trying to figure out how to get stuff out of them haha..

When Dh lost his job and retrained I tutored, babysat and gardened for others.

hmm.. I hadn't thought of gardening! that is a wonderful idea.. I'll post for that on craigslist tonight! thank you

thank you all for your suggestions, your awesome!

[chevy_chick95]

Won't immediately help with income, but would WIA money from unemployment help get you some classes that would help you get a job?

I've never heard of this? can you explain?

If you don't have a bachelors degree, Pell grants should cover a state school (assuming you're in US). If you have a bachelors, look into grad school programs that offer a stipend for TA / RA. Just convince yourself you want to learn more so you don't say, "Yeah, I'm unemployed and broke and figured what the heck, I'll go back to school." at the interview.

I haven't looked into going back to school too seriously as I explained in the above post.. never thought of pell grants. I'll go look into that thank you

Apply for public assistance if survival is an issue.

If you know your way really well around a kitchen you can put an ad in the paper/craigslist for a family cook. Not everyone's broke out there and there are those that will pay to have a home cooked meal. My MIL cooked supper for a wealthy family for years. The woman set out the recipes she wanted cooked and my MIl let herself in and had supper on the table for them every night.

great idea! I'll post an ad on all the local classifieds. thank you!

Can you move back in with your Dad?

unfortunately this is not an option. the reason we moved out so quickly last summer (we were only there 2 1/2 months) was because I caught him using drugs.

Sending you a big hug and a high five for trying so hard to find a job. Hang in & I'm cheering you on, better times will be coming for you soon.

Thank you

I hope things improve for you soon!

Do you belong to MyPoints or PineCone? It's not much but every little bit helps!

I do. and I click everyone single on of those emails!! thank you

Thank you all. I really appreciate all of your input.

[Susanscraps]

Oh and don't forget to do the Daily Spin and Win! Hope you win 10000 points! I have only won 5 points 3 times.

[nodmicks]

I don't know what survey sites you have signed up for but Vocalpoint seems to add up to a check for me fast.

Do you garage sale? I know someone that makes about 800 a month by buying thing dirt cheap at yard sales and reselling on craigs list and ebay.

Crossing everything I got that things get easier for you soon!