So I just lost my job, what next?

[P1]

The good news is, I fucking hated it anyway. Definitely don't want to be a cubicle slave all my life.

The bad news is I don't have 6 figures saved up or rental properties or other streams of income. As of right now I'm completely dependent on a job, or well for the next few months unemployment for income. So once the unemployment runs out, so does the income.

My job was an insurance agent, which realistically means I'd be looking at around 30 grand a year in my next job in some cubicle. I might be able to get into something else that pays a little better which I'll look into but realistically that's what I'm looking at if I get job similar to what I lost.

So now that I got all the free time in the world and I'm hoping it can lead to the start of making money without being a cubicle slave. Any suggestions on things to look into that could lead into different, better paying careers? I do want to look into learning coding at Tree House or something but I'm open to other ideas.

Or side hustles to look into to at least make some extra money with an idea of eventually making enough money to support myself?

I don't want to go back to being a low wage cubicle slave. The great thing about this day and age is that it's never been easier to make money without working for the man. Just looking for a little guidance to find my way.

[okits]

There's a slice of cake beside your profile age - does that mean you got pink slipped on your birthday?  My sympathies, regardless.

What was your function as an agent - was it sales?  Could you sell insurance on a commission basis?  You already have industry knowledge (and perhaps the certifications?)  Not the sexiest thing to be selling but maybe it could involve more face-to-face meetings outside the office.  And if you were good at sales it could boost your earnings significantly.

[P1]

I actually got the pink slip on Thursday, so not quite on my birthday, but still a shitty present.

[Jupiter]

I run a family daycare business in Australia caring for children aged 0-5. I was a Childcare worker for over 3 years prior to that but it paid pretty poorly. To be a family daycare carer you need 3 main things:
- Partake in a 6 month Tafe course
- Have a property (can be rented) set up with children's activities that is checked and approved by your local council
- Be registered by the council as a carer

The job has long hours (10+ per day) but hey, it pays well and you aren't stuck in a cubical all day. In Australia having one child 5 days a week gets you 30K per year. You are allowed to have up to 4 children per day allowing up to earn up to 120K per year. Parents pay $12 per hour (you can set the price how you like) and get rebated 50% or more by the government. I literally have a parent paying $2 out the the 12 per hour due to the rebates.

I have 4 children per day but do the job with a business partner so we spilt the earnings each taking away 60K per year. There are some basic running costs like food and nappies but really these don't cost that much and you don't have a boss on site looming over you.

Just something to think about and yes, I'm a 21 year old male so guys can get jobs like this, there's actually a demand for them but I'd do the job with a female if going into family daycare. If I didn't have parent references from working in childcare for 3 years I may not have gotten business due to suspicious parents.

[CU Tiger]

There is a MMM article with some suggestions:

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2013/07/25/50-jobs-over-50000-without-a-degree-part-1/

[iTellStories]

I started a new career as a flight attendant this year.  I never considered the job before, but it's cubicle free, and you get to travel the world for free.  I'm never going back to an office.

A bunch of the major US air lines are hiring at the moment.  If you've got a personality and patience, it's a pretty easy gig, with a good deal of flexibility.  I'll be pulling in about $55,000 in my first year, though keep in mind I pick up a lot of extra trips.

[Bearded Man]

Right now I think your first priority is to get another cubicle job. You have little buffer or room for error. Given that you have experience in that field, it is the easiest way for you to land a new job. In the meantime, can you get a job as a security guard? Those companies will hire ANYBODY and the job is skate, especially night shifts.

THEN you can focus on a side hustle. Side hustles take time to build. Unlikely you are going to magically make 30K a year from some side hustle unless you have some extraordinary skill or business idea, and even then, it's risky. I wouldn't blow through what little you have to try to get a sidle hustle going and then find out that you just wasted your money and have to go back to work. Get a new job, get some money stacked away, and THEN build your plans...

[talltexan]

You should be thinking strategically about your next 3-5 months of expenses and cash flow as well, particularly if you're responsible for maintaining a family.


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[GreenSheep]

This appeared in my inbox today and might be helpful to you -- Outside Magazine's Best Places to Work 2015.

http://www.outsideonline.com/2032236/best-places-work-2015?utm_source=dispatch&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=11172015&spMailingID=24015087&spUserID=NzQ1NjI0ODE4NzgS1&spJobID=681692809&spReportId=NjgxNjkyODA5S0

[Schaefer Light]

Right now I think your first priority is to get another cubicle job. You have little buffer or room for error. Given that you have experience in that field, it is the easiest way for you to land a new job.

It's probably not what you want to hear, but I tend to agree with what Bearded Man said.  Your best bet at finding work quickly is going to be staying in the same field or finding a very similar type of job in another field.  I've always heard it's okay to change one of the two (i.e. field or role), but changing both at the same time can be a major challenge.

[lackofstache]

I'm also an insurance guy and I have never had a year that low and while I work in an office, it's a small office and NO COLD CALLING; if you've got your licenses (p/c, life/health at least) call around to independent agents, State Farm agents, etc. I'm confident that with a little time you can find an agent to work for that pays better than $30k/yr. (provided you sell) and doesn't make work life hell. Use your unemployment to pay for you finding the right fit. Get an okay insurance job again and THEN take the long term view of saving for how you want to spend your life.

[StockBeard]

keep in mind I pick up a lot of extra trips.

Interesting, I didn't realize this job had that kind of schedule flexibility. So, you're able to work overtime at will?