Recession...how's yours ?

[Pennine-Paul]

Got made redundant 2 and a half years ago,only been able to get

part time work for an agency,2-3 days a week then nothing for a couple of weeks

Lucky If I can find 1-2 jobs a month to even apply for,Nobody wants to know you

as soon as you hit 50,Earned the grand total of £2065 last year,Used to earn that a month

when I was working full time.

Returned the car yesterday a luxury we really didn't need,That will save us £300 a month

On the plus side I've got plenty of time for cycling

 

[pepecat]

I was made redundant in 2008 as well. Out of work for 6 months, and then took a 7k pay cut when i took my current post. I only work part time, so it was a bit of a hit in the pocket. On the plus (ish) side, I've not paid tax for two years cos I don't earn enough! The o/h is in higher ed, so the cuts there are a bit worrying, but it looks like she'll be ok and shouldn't lose her job. Money's tighter than it was, but we're getting by ok at the mo.

 

[Bluebell72]

I'm self-employed, and have had a lot less contracts the last three years. Companies are cutting back, but it seems to have steadied out, though I have had to increase the area that I cover, which means more travelling to clients.

Luckily, I had paid a lot off my mortgage in better times, and was never a big user of credit cards.

We used to go out for meals more, have a big holiday once a year, and several smaller ones too; long weekends in Europe. I bought clothes and shoes when I felt like it, presents for family and friends, went to gigs and didn't have to think about it.

Nowadays, I have more time to myself in the week, I get out more in the garden, grow some veg, and do a lot more cycling, as it's all free. I joined two book groups, read more, and use my library and book swap sites.

This year we have had 4 trips away, all 2 nights at a time, all in this country, in farm B&B or camping, and we've enjoyed it so much more!
Also, my OH and I sometimes get a chance to have a day out togther in the week - unthinkable before, and we make sure to use it. Did you know there's even a word for it? 'Daycation'!!!!

I bake more, think about having 2 or 3 dishes in the oven at the same time to save gas, and look at special offers in the supermarket. Before, I'd just stop at Waitrose on the way home and chuck whatever caught my eye in the trolley.
I've also had the opportunity to take some art and craft courses; I used to draw and paint a lot as a teenager, but banging out 80 hour weeks, leisure time disappears. So now I've been doing some art things.


So far, the recession has made me assess how I spend my money, and I'd say I have a better quality of life now - I was working to live before, I'm not now.

 

[Hilldodger]

We're getting fewer booking for roadshows but we were going to cut back on those anyway. Significant increase in bike sales, servicing etc.

On a personel level, I don't spend a lot and rarely use either of my cars. Haven't put a motorbike on the road this year either, but that's more down to doing other things. Will probably look to but another vintage motorbike next year as an investment if prices continue to fall over the next twelve months.