This week has been a trying one. With COVID making a comeback, it has impacted my job at least for a week. With a shutdown instituted due to several possible exposures, many people were left wondering how it would impact pay. While our employers figured out a way to ensure all staff got paid during this time, is it likely to happen again? The chances of another covid-related shutdown at work are possible, but we may not get paid. It got me thinking, how can employees survive through another COVID-related shutdown?
Save
If I did not learn anything else from the first two years of COVID, I learned how important it is to have savings. When I was out of work, much like many of you, I did not know if I would be paid through my job, receive unemployment benefits, or how long I would go without. Having savings helped me pay my bills on schedule with minimal interference in my daily routine. When I did begin to receive aid, I made sure to save most of that money for a rainy day. Out of what I received each week, my goal was to only spend $200 or less and put up the rest. It helped me continue building my emergency fund should I need it again.
While I recognize not everyone had the same experience, I highly recommend you try to find a way to stash some money aside in case COVID-related shutdowns at your job happen. It will make your life stress free. Remember, a typical emergency fund has about 3-6 months’ worth of expenses saved in it. If you do not have that much, save whatever you can.
Pair Down
I also learned that it’s okay to live on less, especially in times of need. However, it’s better to learn to live on less before you need to do it. You can do this by eating out less and learning to cook at home more. When money was tight, I made sure I used coupons to grocery shop and cooked my favorite meals right at home. It saved me over $500 a month. You can also limit subscriptions and services you are signed up for. Eliminate duplicate services, negotiate down your bills, and only pay for what you use. This can be paramount when funds are low due to COVID-related shutdowns.
Turn Your Hobby Into Cash
Lastly, when you are out of work and looking to provide, you have to turn to what you know best. If you have any skills or hobbies that you excel in, turn them into a cash-making machine. I love to write, and I used my skills by doing homework help and writing blog posts to secure extra funds during COVID-related shutdowns at work. My friend loves painting wood crafts and resorted to selling handpainted signs to secure some extra funds. No matter the hobby, find out how to monetize and capitalize on it. It could save you during the next COVID-related workplace shutdown.
Read More
Gen X, Retirement, and the Covid Pandemic
10 Reasons Why Saving Money Is Important Post-COVID
Online Loans: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Financing During COVID-19
Come back to what you love! Dollardig.com is the most reliable cash-back site on the web. Just sign up, click, shop, and get full cashback!