[USER]

Hi all – looking for some advice or even words of encouragement. A month ago, I (25) lost my job in healthcare marketing.

I was at the company for 3 and a half years, it was my first full time gig and I had decent growth internally while there (promoted once).

I was unfortunately laid off due to a cut in federal funding. I have been applying to full time opportunities and networking on LinkedIn, however nothing seems to be solid.

I live in San Diego with my boyfriend (veteran, 29), who was also laid off from his electrician (non-certified) job two weeks ago.

We rent here for about $2,300 not including utilities and unemployment is about $405 per week (he has still not received).

We signed up for food aid so that is one less thing we need to worry about, however I am (like others) really concerned about how we will make a living until we do get that new “opportunity” in our prospective industries.

Even if we were to take a part time job – we would be making about the same from unemployment, and have more time to dedicate to the job hunt itself.

We have limited savings and are looking for advice on where to turn next, side hustles, really anything, since everything just seems hopeless right now.

Moving and staying with family is not an option, since we are across the country and have three dogs and are not able to bring them.

Thank you for your time.

[Danielle]

I am so sorry. There are so many victims of this terrible administration. But marketing is a great skill to have – check out upwork for freelance gigs.

Since companies are laying off people (and this will continue as the economy suffers), freelancers tend to actually be more in demand.

They fire the salaried workers and then take on freelancers to fill the void. Keep applying, and keep at it no matter how daunting it is.

Sales might be a good option (it’s what I do, and I have marketing experience too). Again, I’m so sorry.

It’s BS that so many people are suffering right now

[Enilda]

You have to apply for jobs like that is your full time job. Keep making connections and follow up resumes and interviews. Good luck.

It is okay to take a gig in the meantime. Your skills are valuable.

You can also look at placement agencies.

Look for freelance work on sites like Fiverr and Upwork.

[Carrie]

It’ll probably be a cut in pay but your BF should go to the local election union hall If he wants to be a sparky and get whatever training California needs to be certified – they will hook him up.

With that said the best thing you can do is take a walk everyday at a park as it’s free and you aren’t staring at each other while applying as it will just make the predicament harder.

See if anyone has a tent and go camping on the cheap.

It’s hard to not know what is going to happen next but it will work out.

[Jennifer]

Get bf to a community college to see if any programs interest him.

Check into aid amounts for him such as monthly housing allowance.

[Rebecca]

I would also suggest getting any job to just keep money coming in. Wait tables. Dog sit. Deliver pizza.

Look during the day and work at night.

[Jessica]

Left field here: when we lived there, we knew a guy who spent his days playing beach volleyball and affording his lifestyle via pet sitting.

If you like animals, maybe try Rover and make connections and get a chill gig like that going with dogs you like?

So many wealthy people in La Jolla!

[Elizabeth]

Is your partner still interested in electrical work? If so, he could look into the ibew apprenticeship program to become a journeyman.

My spouse did that and his pay and benefits are good

[Meghan]

My friend went through a layoff a couple years ago and his unemployment was laughable, but we lived in a LCOL, so we made it work.

We did have to take a deferral on two loans. And spend some savings.
We didn’t qualify for food assistance but we ate very low cost thankfully.

He was open to working in other states and applied all over the US. Just as he was exhausting his 6 months of unemployment, he got a job offer in another state.

I had to leave my job, but I wasn’t making as much, his salary was previously and is again much higher.

The new job also helped pay for our moving expenses. He works in IT.

I know the market might be a bit different now, wishing you the best of luck.

[Mark]

With your experience in healthcare marketing would selling health insurance sound like an option for you? I do it part time knowing it will be my full time eventually.

The cost is very low (cost for exam). Many companies will pay for your training if you sign with them. Mostly it’s 100% commission but if you have a network and not afraid to sell, would that be an option for you?

You would have a life and health license. You can speak healthcare language already.

I’m independent but that may be something you would want to look into. You start with your warm market then go from there.

I’ve seen many do well quickly. For me it’s a nice side income as I have limited time to work on it due to my main job.

Or join a captive company where they pay less but provide you with all the resources you need.

[Jennifer]

I work with a lot of small businesses and restaurants in particular continue to tell me it’s so hard to hire staff. A lot of people make great tips bartending.

Look into the fundraising field in the healthcare sector as another option. Your marketing experience would be helpful.

Good luck!

[Jeanna]

Check the unemployment rules. In my state you could get work that wasn’t in your field and it would reduce your unemployment by about 70% of that amount (ex. If you earned $100 you lost $70 of benefits).

Plus, the money not received was added on to the end of your six months, extending the length of time you received ui.

[Linda]

I know it seems hopeless but we have all been there at some point in our lives. EVERYONE loses their job at some point.

You are both very young and will recover.

As others have said, work to bring in money doing anything you need to do in the short term while you keep on looking for your full time gigs.

Maybe take on a roomate if you have an extra bedroom or ask your landlord to get out of your lease and move to another apartment with others to lower your costs.

This will pass.

Keep the faith and I’m so sorry you are going through this.

When you get your next positions (which you will get), make a more solid emergency fund a high priority. Hope you find something soon!

[Dan]

Bf with Post 9/11 GI Bill can work in another building trade apprenticeship, which pays Union wages, and double dip getting paid GI BILL money.

Check the Building Trades local to you with work. Good luck!

[Christie]

Connect with recruiters at placement agencies. Skilled trades employment agencies can get your boyfriend a position pretty quickly.

They can at least provide contract or temporary positions.

[Author]

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