Key Takeaways
- Over 11 million people are widows, facing challenges in job searching while mourning.
- Work with a CFP® to identify your income needs and seek job opportunities that match.
- Leverage connections with family and friends to discover job openings; true friends will help you.
- Explore organizations you are involved with for potential job opportunities and remain proactive in your search.
- Stay positive and resourceful; consider temporary income options like pet-sitting or house-sitting while job hunting.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Mary’s husband of 20 years died unexpectedly. He was seven years her senior.
She managed the household. He was the breadwinner.
While coping with the loss of her husband, she had to figure out how she was going to afford their lifestyle expenses.
She had no option but to return to work.
Does this situation sound familiar?
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over 11 million people are widows.
This number increases by about 2,800 each day.
Whether your income needs are temporary (until legal matters are resolved) or ongoing, it’s challenging to begin a job search while mourning.
Start by working with a CFP® to identify how much income you need to generate.
Once you know the amount, start looking at opportunities to reach that target.
Keep in mind most job opportunities advertise gross income or income before taxes.
The number from your CFP® is probably after-tax dollars.
To boost your confidence, list all your skills and work you’ve done for nonprofit organizations.
Be specific, using numbers to show how many people you worked with and the budget for each event.
Next, reach out to family and friends. Let them know you are looking for job opportunities.
When you’ve been out of the job market for a while, your best way back into it is through your connections.
If you’re embarrassed to tell others about your situation, use the excuse that you need to stay busy.
But really, there is no need to be embarrassed; true friends are always willing to help.
Another option is to explore organizations you’ve been active in to see if they have any job opportunities.
Consider religious organizations, other nonprofits, medical offices, and schools.
Job hunting is hard. There will be many “no” responses before you find a “yes.”
Avoid time traps such as creating a “perfect” resume or applying online for jobs.
Most job opportunities are found through connections.
While looking for work, start selling assets and cutting expenses.
You may even be able to pet-sit, baby-sit, or house-sit for others to earn some temporary income.
Losing a spouse is emotionally devastating and even more complicated when there’s not enough money.
While some can cut back on their lifestyle and still live well, others may need to re-enter the workforce.
Stay positive, reach out, and be resourceful.
(Update to original post from October 2, 2024)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC (TransitionPG®). She believes life is more than accumulating money – it’s about living the lifestyle you envision and can afford. Niv incorporates all aspects of life when discussing money. She developed the 5 P’s of Life (Personal Relationships, Personal Finance, Profession, Peace of Mind, and Physical Health) to help clients define what they want from life. Once she understands their vision, she helps them achieve their lifestyle or adjust their expectations based on their finances. Niv actively gives back to the community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, exploring the world, and laughing often—even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’” Click HERE to read where she’s been quoted in the media.
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