Different superheroes have different superpowers – and the superpowers we need to tap into, will depend on our particular situation.
Often, facing a new start has financial implications. Let’s get real with each other… money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen on the “got to have it” scale.
If you find yourself facing a balancing act on an economic tight wire, you need to address this up front.
Most human beings cannot function if their basic needs are not being met – that is a roof over your head, food in your stomach and petrol in your car.
Most human beings cannot function if their basic needs are not being met – that is a roof over your head, food in your stomach and petrol in your car.
If you are in the position to, start saving. Don’t delude yourself into thinking that it needs to be big amounts to count. If you are earning, saving, even R150 a month will start creating a safety buffer, practically and, perhaps even more importantly, emotionally. Super heroes require resources. They cannot be worrying about toilet rolls while they soar towards new prospects.
Superhero steps:
- If you are in the position that you are not earning the income you need to survive, please, don’t forget the lesson above. Think how handy a few hundred rand would be in your pocket right now. As soon as you earn – before you even get used to the income – set up a savings account as your first priority. We never know when we will be invited to this desolated place again – and we never want to be unprepared for it again. Ok? Ok.
- Your first priority is to focus on finding a job. You should be looking for a job like it was your job. You can spend the time you would normally be at work looking for and applying to job opportunities. If you have a focused regular effort to look for a job, then you are much likely to find it. Additionally broaden your search to include all the jobs that you may be qualified to do with an acceptable salary range. You may enjoy a different career path then you originally thought you would. Make sure you are registered in LINKED IN, and that you connect with everyone you know there. The first and most important step in using LinkedIn is to create a complete and self-promotional profile of your career.
- While you are seeking gainful employment, you have to survive.Trading your labour or expertise for things you need is a great way to save money and to build new relationships as you start a new life. You’ve got to think differently right now. Most of us don’t negotiate and barter enough: we get stuck thinking too narrowly. Bake, cook, give lifts, baby sit, do market research, invigilate exams...
- Consider contacting your creditors and other service providers to see if you can lower your monthly payments temporarily. I know that Liberty Life allowed me to defer on my RA once, as did my car loan company. You may be surprised at the money you can save just by asking for it, and trust me, it gave me a much needed breather to concentrate on what I needed to focus on : finding employment.
- Beware of your dark wolf taking the gap here.Don't get discouraged. Take one day at a time, pitch up, do your best and hand the rest over to the universe.
Remember, millions of others have faced starting over and lived to tell about it. Being in this situation is not a reflection on your worth as a person, or even on the quality of your work.
Think out of the box and don't forget to keep practicing self-compassion.Just for today.
