Surviving The Recession
Well, the recession has arrived. Despite what many experts said to try and keep everyone’s confidence up. Now that it is here, how do you cope in a recession? I have 6 tips that might help you not only survive the recession but thrive.
Get a new attitude
While things are not going to be rosy, I bet my bottom ringgit that you and your family won’t go hungry, still have a roof over your head, a car or two to help you get around and money in the bank. Many people don’t even have the basic necessity like sufficient food so be thankful of what you have now.
Get healthy
Well perhaps in the past you have enjoyed the malls a bit too much, why not go to the parks and get back into shape. It will definitely save you from the temptation of shopping and probably reduce visits to the doctors as well. Parks are good place to bring your family for picnics. I’m sure your kids would remember the picnic than time at the mall.
To many children today, flying a kite is alien to them. The only thing they know is computer games. Take them out, better yet, make a kite as a project rather than buy one. See below on getting creative. Let them get healthy too.
Get creative
Think of creative low cost ways to celebrate events, to make things, to decorate, to re-use and to recycle. Here are some examples. Instead of “makan” at restaurants, try a cook out or barbeque. Make your own greeting cards from old ones. If you are up to it, you can even make gifts for birthdays and anniversaries.
Get an education
Now is the best time to improve your skills. Read a book, go for free talks, learn new things from the internet. Take stock to see where lack of certain skills hampered you in the past. Learning new skills will prepare you when things turn around.
Get an adventure
Consider lifestyle changes a new adventure. Some adventures cost you more money and some don’t. Year back, I went on a trip to Langkawi (before it got developed) with some friends. Although most of us have money for the trip except for one friend, who was a bit short on cash, we decided to have an “economy trip”. Just to see how little we need to actually spend while still enjoy ourselves. At the end of the week long trip, most of us made to with just around RM 150 each. Money back then goes further. While we could have spent RM 200 or more, we didn’t and still have a great time. And when we get together, mention the word economy trip, everyone has a good laugh.
So get an adventure. Try something new and be open to the experience. In some situations, less can be more .
Get busy
There is not better cure for depression than hard work. Work in itself brings satisfaction. Anyway in a bad economy, the one who is more diligent will get noticed. There is less chance of being retrenched. And if you are in danger of being retrenched, work hard on your resume and interview skills. Working hard increases your opportunities and a much better remedy than complaining.