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Hi /r/personalfinance. I'm writing on a throwaway. I don't know when I'm going to lose my job, but I'd give it a 75% chance I'm laid off within the next two weeks. 100% within the next two months.

I know this because my company is failing. I'm a journalist at a small regional chain that has contracted significantly during the past 4 years I've been working there. I'm about to turn 30. I make $39k.

The latest cost-cutting measure has been the merging of my ridiculously demanding job with another ridiculously demanding job. Every single paper in the chain has done this except for the one I work for, mainly because the top position at the paper (my boss) has not been filled for six months. Well, my new boss starts next week. I fully expect the positions to be merged and for me to not have a job within the next two weeks.

I'm very worried about money. Here's a breakdown of my financial situation right now:

Cash on hand: $3k
Rent: $501
Internet: $25
Utilities: $50- $100
Car loan: $155
Car insurance: $55
Cat litter/food: $20
Food: ~$300
Gas: ~$40
Health insurance: ???

As you can see, I have one, maybe two months of living expenses saved in my emergency fund. (It was a lot bigger but I spent about $3k and borrowed $5k to buy a car after mine was totaled). I also have no idea what health insurance will cost, as right now my employer provides it, and all things considered it's a decent plan.

So here's the thing. I was on my way out of journalism anyway. I've been learning java, and I also have been applying to law schools for the fall 2017 term. So I already have a few exit strategies in mind. This is just taking me by surprise.

So my questions are:

  • Is it possible to change careers while unemployed?

  • Any comp. sci people want to give me some advice about breaking into that field?

  • Is it wise to bunker down and use this opportunity to learn to code?

  • Should I press all my energy into job searching for any professional job at all?

  • What government programs are available to someone like me? (For now, I'm assuming I won't get any severance.)

Thanks, everyone.



Submitted January 22, 2017 at 11:52AM by laidoffdujour http://ift.tt/2k4zi8G

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