This post is part of the Guest Blog Grand Tour over at Life Without Pants – an epic two-month journey of over 50 guest posts. Want to learn more about Matt Cheuvront and see how far the rabbit hole goes? Subscribe to the Life Without Pants RSS feed and keep in touch!
Change is difficult. It’s frustrating, challenging, and inconvenient. Change usually comes when you least expect it. It throws us out of our comfort zone and forces us to break away from the norm.
I’ve been through a lot of personal changes myself as of late – recently quitting my job and moving to a new city, making new friends, working at a new job – my comfort zone is nonexistent these days. I’ve spent the past several months redefining what comfort really means.
Before I took the leap back in June – I spent months weighing the pros and cons. reviewing the obstacles that stood in my way – and when all was said and done, there was ONE thing that stood in my way – one challenge that I wasn’t sure I’d be able to handle. Money…or lack thereof.
I knew I could handle leaving my parents, making new friends, acclimating myself to the brutal Chicago winters. But what about finding a job? What about managing an ever depleting back account? Here are three things that I did – and you should too – if you’re thinking about moving on a budget.
Sell everything you don’t need
Before I moved – I did an inventory of literally everything I owned – and then sold about 75% of it. Craigslist is a beautiful thing. In a matter of days I had sold nearly all of my furniture. Instead of paying for storage or an expensive moving truck, why not sell what you can to cover bills for a month or two?
Be “that guy” on Craigslist
As great as Craigslist is for selling your stuff, it’s also a recent-transplant-job-seekers dream. Yes, there is a LOT of crap on Craigslist – but if you’re in transition, looking for something that hold you over until you land a “real” job, there is much to be found. I spent my first couple months working small-time freelance jobs – online community management, ghost writing for blogs, PPC monitoring. My concept was “money is money” for the first couple months – and maintaining that mindset helped me get through the initial transition period.
Don’t be proud
If there’s one thing I’ve always struggled with – it’s accepting the help of other people. I was born and raised the type of guy who has done things for himself. The feeling of “helplessness” is something I was never used to, but I quickly got over my insecurities when I packed my bags and moved to Chicago. I spent the first 2 ½ months living in my to-be in-laws basement. I quickly learned that, while maybe not the ideal situation, without the help of another – I wouldn’t be where I am today. Be humble and accepting of other’s hospitality, just don’t wear out your welcome.
Relocating is never easy – it’s even more difficult when you’re working with a tight budget. But I’m living proof that it IS possible – when you plan ahead, take what you can get, and cut out the daily morning latte.
Have you relocated or moved recently? What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to make a transition?
