Stay Social

Lay-off Tip #7: Find those "free" deals!

One of the biggest stressors when you're laid off is money. When will the next job come in? Will I be taking a pay cut? Do I have to pay for health insurance now? Etc. And, if you're like me, you still want to be social!! I was going out 4 or 5 nights of the week pre-lay-off! Nothing huge but going to a movie or a happy hour or dinner. That's a hard transition to make if I were to just cut that.

Balancing your social life in the unemployed world can be difficult. Here are some ideas for staying social yet still saving money:

• Find a friend who has a Costco membership & offer to go with them to get groceries - you can get filled up on the free samples alone and there's a free meal!
• Look at the wine bars in your area - chances are at least one night per week they will do free tastings. For us in Arlington, VA, Grand Cru has free tastings every Monday from 5-7! Love it!
• Look for the happy hours that serve free food - in D.C., Ella's Pizza provides free small pizzas at the bar from 5-7. Grab a beer and fill yourself on pizza! But get there right at 5, they go quick!
• Another great place is The Mighty Pint in Dupont Circle (formerly Madhatter). Every Thursday night is "Flip Night" where you flip a coin with the bartender. If you call it right, you get a free beer. If you call it wrong, you pay. 50/50 shot for a free beverage! Plus they have great happy hour specials all day.

So it takes a little more work, but there are still places to go to get you out of the house and stay social. You just have to be a little more creative.

See you around the free samples :)

Rachael