Money worries, job loss and low income

Money problems and loneliness often go together. Losing a job means losing coworkers and a daily reason to leave the house. Low income can mean saying no to coffee, dinners, trips and gifts. Debt can bring shame, so people hide and stop answering calls.

None of this is a personal failing. Job loss, low wages, illness and rising costs happen to many people, often through no fault of their own.

How money and loneliness feed each other

• Losing work means losing people. Gallup's 2024 survey found 32%Unemployed adults worldwide who felt lonely a lot of the previous day (Gallup, 2024)As of June 11, 2024.Source: Gallup: Employees Worldwide Feel Lonely (State of the Global Workplace 2024) of unemployed adults felt lonely a lot of the previous day, compared with 20%Working adults worldwide who felt lonely a lot of the previous day (Gallup, 2024)As of June 11, 2024.Source: Gallup: Employees Worldwide Feel Lonely (State of the Global Workplace 2024) of working adults.
• Social life often costs money. When you can't afford to go out, invitations stop coming.
• Shame makes people hide. You may avoid friends so you don't have to explain or say no.
• Stress uses up energy. Worry about bills leaves little room for anything else.
• It works the other way too. Many jobs are found through people you know, so losing touch can make a job search harder.

The cycle is real, but it can be broken from either side.

Free ways to connect

You don't need money to be with people. Some ideas:

• Public libraries. Free events, clubs, computers and a warm place to sit. Many have job-search help too. See Neighbors, libraries, cafés and "third places".
• Volunteering. Free, gives structure to your days, adds to your résumé, and often leads to job leads and friends. See Volunteering.
• Job clubs. Libraries, job centers, congregations and community groups often run free job-search groups. You get practical help and people who understand.
• Faith communities. Many have free meals, groups and practical help, open to all.
• Parks, walking groups and free fitness classes.
• Community meals. Shared meals are a way to eat well and meet neighbors, not only a charity.
• Free events: museum free days, concerts in the park, festivals, talks.

Spending time with friends for little or no money

• Suggest a walk, a picnic or a potluck instead of a restaurant.
• Invite people over for tea or a simple meal.
• Be honest: "Money's tight right now, but I'd love to see you. Want to take a walk?" Real friends usually understand, and many are in the same spot.

Practical help with money

Getting practical help can ease the stress that keeps you isolated.

• Dial 211. In most of the U.S. and Canada, dial 211 or visit 211.org (opens in a new tab) (U.S.) or 211.ca (opens in a new tab) (Canada) to find local help with food, housing, utility bills, health costs and more. Calls are confidential.
• findhelp.org. findhelp.org (opens in a new tab) is a free website where you enter your location to search for food, housing, money, health, work and legal programs near you.
• Benefits help. Libraries, community action agencies and legal aid offices can often help you check which benefits you may qualify for and fill in forms.
• Free debt and money advice. Look for nonprofit credit counseling. Be careful of companies that charge high upfront fees to "settle" debts.

After a job loss

Work gives many people structure, purpose and daily company. When it ends, it can feel like grief.

• Keep a daily routine. Get up at a set time, get dressed and leave the house each day if you can.
• Tell people you're looking. Many jobs are found through friends and former coworkers. Reaching out also keeps those ties alive.
• Stay in touch with former coworkers for coffee or a walk, not only job talk.
• Treat volunteering or a class as part of your week.

Look after your mind

Money stress can wear you down. If you feel hopeless, can't sleep, or are drinking more to cope, please talk to someone. See Depression and loneliness, Alcohol, drugs and loneliness and Getting help: therapy, free and low-cost options. If you are thinking about ending your life, go to Need to talk right now?.