“Tighten ya belt I say, tighten it from today, as from midnight tonight, tighten ya belt real tight . . . .”
The words of this popular calypso kept ringing in my ears as I lay in bed reflecting on the news of the multiple job losses occurring and those impending. The situation sharply brought to focus the words of my darling mother when she says “it is the time to cut and contrive and look at your needs and not just your wants”. Yes, this time is now upon us. We must all tighten our belts: spend less money.
Losing your job could be one of the most devastating and traumatic occurrences one can experience, for it brings with it numerous uncertainties as well as a large amount of stress, pain and hurt. With it also comes varying emotions: rage, frustration, denial and the struggle of adaptation. In fact, it has a profound effect on your mental and emotional well-being, especially when the job loss was unexpected.
Every household is different but the time has come when everyone needs to “tighten their belt”. The time has arisen when one must prioritize. Again the wise words of my mum echo in my head: “Put down a few cents for a rainy day.” How many of us have an umbrella under which to shelter in case of job loss?
As a good friend of mine said, it is easy to say “tighten ya belt”, but that can only happen when you have a belt to tighten. It is also easy to say pick up the pieces and move on, but how can one move on when there are roadblocks all around? How will the mortgage be paid? How will the other bills be paid? How will food be placed on the table? How will the children be sent to school?
As hard as the economic outlook may seem, the beginning of this new year is a perfect time for self-reflection. For all those who have lost or may lose their jobs, it is also the opportune time to chart a new course.
First, put all your emotional issues aside and begin to strategize future survival. Do not miss the new opportunities that will unfold for you. See the doors that this turn of events has opened for you. It might be the ideal time to enhance your existing skills or learn new ones. Rethink your career priorities and if possible, become an entrepreneur. There are many small businesses that do not require a large amount of start-up capital.
It is also critical to have open dialogue with your children. This is vital to allow them to understand the restructuring that must occur which will affect their lives. Be honest and teach them how to tighten their belts as well. Give them opportunities to offer suggestions so that they may feel a part of the process.
Tightening belts might be uncomfortable initially. However, with the passing of time, things will begin to take shape.
• Rhonda Blackman is an educator, a reviewer with the British Research Journal and a member of the American Education Research Association.
