Surviving Unemployment in a Developing Country
No Safety Net, No Problem
When I found myself unemployed at 26 in Sri Lanka, I quickly realized that I was on my own. No government welfare, no monthly checks, and no state help with finding a new job. It was a daunting reality, but I learned to adapt and thrive.
Temporary Work: A Necessary Evil
For over three years, I made ends meet by working as a freelance writer for a local newspaper. It wasn’t glamorous, but it paid the bills. I learned to be discerning about the assignments I took on, avoiding those that offered unfair pay or required too much time and effort. Instead, I focused on finding freelance work that was fairly compensated, no matter how small the task.
Avoiding the Shopping Trap
Online shopping became a tempting distraction during my unemployment, but I soon realized it was a recipe for disaster. I had to break the habit of rationalizing unnecessary purchases and avoid shopping altogether. Cutting up my credit cards was a drastic measure, but it helped me stay on track.
Tracking Every Cent
Keeping track of my spending was crucial during this time. I invested in a simple notebook to record every purchase, no matter how small. I also kept all my accounts in one place, checking my savings regularly. This habit helped me identify areas where I could cut back and make the most of my limited income.
Budgeting on a Shoestring
Living with my parents meant I didn’t have to pay for everything, but I knew I couldn’t rely on them forever. I created a budget based on my lowest earnings, allocating funds for necessities like food, transport, and rent. I treated each freelance check as a bonus, rather than relying on it to get by.
Staying Busy, Staying Sane
Unemployment can be a breeding ground for anxiety and frustration. To combat this, I kept myself busy with activities that enriched my skills without draining my savings. I read, exercised, and took up new hobbies like volunteering and blogging. This period of unemployment was an opportunity to discover new things and develop valuable skills that would serve me well in the long run.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, I realize that this difficult period taught me valuable lessons about managing my finances, relying on myself, and developing new skills. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Today, I’m grateful for the experience and the opportunities it brought my way.
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