I was laid off recently, permanently, from a job that I was looking to leave anyway. I've been using the time to my advantage by updating old contacts, and calling companies that I have a relationship with to renegotiate things.
For example, my cable internet provider has many options for new customers that are much better than what I had. I called in yesterday, said "I'm on layoff but want to remain a customer and keep my account current. Is there a way I can take advantage of one of your new customer specials?" They were happy to move me to a plan 2/3 the cost with 2x the speed, and it's good for two years. My cellular carrier also has a number of help-out plans where they'll reduce bills for a set time. T-mobile in particular will cut your bill in half for 3 months, with the caveat that your data is now limited to 3GB. I'm never over about 1 or so off WIFi, so this was a perfect plan, and it should just go back automatically when we're done. If it doesn't, I'm not worried about it, I'd be happy to stay at that rate forever.
So get out there and see what your providers have to offer, feeding them a polite sob story in this time of panic can sometimes have good results.
I was laid off recently, permanently, from a job that I was looking to leave anyway. I've been using the time to my advantage by updating old contacts, and calling companies that I have a relationship with to renegotiate things.
For example, my cable internet provider has many options for new customers that are much better than what I had. I called in yesterday, said "I'm on layoff but want to remain a customer and keep my account current. Is there a way I can take advantage of one of your new customer specials?" They were happy to move me to a plan 2/3 the cost with 2x the speed, and it's good for two years. My cellular carrier also has a number of help-out plans where they'll reduce bills for a set time. T-mobile in particular will cut your bill in half for 3 months, with the caveat that your data is now limited to 3GB. I'm never over about 1 or so off WIFi, so this was a perfect plan, and it should just go back automatically when we're done. If it doesn't, I'm not worried about it, I'd be happy to stay at that rate forever.
So get out there and see what your providers have to offer, feeding them a polite sob story in this time of panic can sometimes have good results.
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