What to Do In the In-Between Time

In an economy that is still recovering, many find themselves living a more freelance lifestyle. Not everyone is made for inconsistent pay. In fact, we've historically been trained to go to college, find a good "stable" job, save money and fund our retirement. More and more we are seeing the trend of companies hiring temporary employees, contractors and consultants in lieu of full-time employees. So what do you do when consistent pay is not so consistent?

Honesty Check

It's important to be honest with your current situation. Maybe it's because of a tough economy, or maybe it's poor planning. Regardless of the situation, at the end of the day, you are responsible for your financial well-being.

Back to Basics

Take a look at your basic expenses and break them down into weekly increments.

Example: $3,000 / 4 weeks = $750

Breaking down your expenses into smaller increments creates less anxiety during a stressful time. You are then able to find the most feasible way to tackle your finances, rather than feeling like you're climbing Mount Everest.

Lean In

It'll probably go against all your natural instincts, but don't be afraid to lean in to this time.

Explore, or take a class you've always wanted to take but never had the time to do so. Look for freelance gigs that allow you to earn an income in addition to exploring your interests.

Get To Know You

Take this time to listen to yourself and REALLY hear what you truly want in life. The day to day responsibilities can cause a lot of mental chatter, not leaving much room for you to even daydream. Take advantage of this quiet time and allow yourself to reflect. You may find that what you wanted in the past might not be what you want today. This allows you to get back to your true self, and in turn, you are able to show up to your next job or project authentically.

Back In The Saddle

After some time away, you’re back in the workforce, so now what? First and foremost, always work with the utmost integrity. This might last a lifetime, or this might be temporary. Keep in mind that you never know who might cross your path in the future, so it is important to always put your best foot forward. Revisit your budget; now that you have a steady income again it’s important to take a look at your budget and reassess your new situation. Is there some debt you accumulated during this in-between time? Are you in a place where you can contribute more to your savings? Do you have new goals or hobbies you would like to fund? Maybe put some money towards your in between time.

Revel

Rejuvenated, refreshed and clear-headed, it’s the perfect time to get in alignment with your new goals. Invest in your newfound hobbies. Walk into the room knowing you not only overcame a tough period in your life, but know that if it were to happen again, you will be able to handle it with dignity, ease and grace.