Today, we’re writing about a crucial step you can take if you've recently experienced a job loss—cancelling or reducing non-essential subscriptions. While it may sound like a small thing, it can have a big impact on your job search and financial stability.
In this article, we’ll dive into why reducing subscriptions matters, how to identify which ones to cut, and how making these adjustments will help you focus on landing your next great job.
When you get laid off, the first thing on your mind is usually: "How do I get back on my feet?" And right after that, you might be thinking about your finances. One of the easiest—and most effective—ways to give your financial situation a little breathing room is to cancel or reduce subscriptions. Let’s break it down.
First, think about how many subscriptions you’ve signed up for over the years. Streaming services, meal kits, digital newspapers, fitness memberships, software services—you name it, you probably have it. Now, let’s say you’re no longer bringing in an income, or your income has been reduced while you're between jobs. Every little bit you can save now counts toward extending your financial runway.
If you take a moment to really look at your subscriptions, you may find that there are many you don't need or use anymore. The money you spend on these can be better allocated toward more essential things, like job-searching tools, career coaching, or just keeping up with your basic living expenses.
How do you know which subscriptions are essential and which can be cut? Here's a simple framework you can follow:
- Ask yourself: "Do I use this regularly?
For example, that premium streaming service might seem like a necessity, but if you haven't watched a movie in weeks, is it really adding value to your life right now? On the flip side, if it's a service you use to relax after a stressful job search day, it may be worth keeping. - Are there cheaper alternatives?
Maybe you're subscribed to multiple meal delivery kits that are costing you $100 a month, but you could easily switch to grocery shopping with a budget-friendly meal plan for a fraction of that cost. Similarly, think about your fitness subscriptions—could a YouTube workout or a walking routine save you money and keep you fit? - Are you paying for services that overlap?
Let’s say you have several productivity apps or multiple cloud storage subscriptions. Do you really need all of them? Cancel the duplicates or the ones that don’t offer enough value to warrant the cost. - Is it possible to pause the subscription instead of cancelling?
Some services let you pause your membership for a period of time, which can give you the flexibility of not paying while you're in transition. - Cut any non-essentials
Look at the subscriptions that don’t serve a direct purpose to your job search, well-being, or essential needs. Things like premium magazine subscriptions or high-end apps for hobbies—these might need to go.
I know what you're probably thinking—"But I use these services, and it feels hard to cancel." Well, here’s a fact: the psychological effect of trimming these unnecessary expenses can actually be empowering.
When you’re laid off, it’s easy to feel like you're losing control, especially over your finances. But taking charge of your subscriptions is something tangible you can do. It helps you feel like you’re in control of your financial situation. Plus, by redirecting your funds to essential needs, you’ll reduce stress in the long run, freeing up mental energy for your job search.
You don’t want to be stuck with subscriptions draining your finances when you could be using that money for something more impactful—like investing in online courses to upskill yourself or using a resume-writing service to improve your chances of landing a job faster.
Let’s take a look at how these small savings can add up. If you’re paying $100 a month for a couple of subscriptions you don’t really need, that’s $1,200 saved over the course of a year. Think about how that extra money could extend your runway or allow you to focus more resources on making a great impression during interviews.
Now, let's talk about how cutting subscriptions will help you focus better on your job search.
When you’re between jobs, every moment counts. And that means reducing distractions and focusing your energy on finding your next opportunity. If you're subscribed to too many services, your inbox can be overwhelmed with promotions, notifications, and constant reminders that you’re spending more money than you might need to. This distraction can derail your focus.
By canceling non-essentials, you clear your space—both physically and mentally. The money you save can go toward investing in services that will actually help you land your next job.
Plus, without the constant pull of those services, you’ll be more likely to take the time to really focus on crafting the perfect resume, networking, and applying for positions.
Now that you’ve cut down on subscriptions, how should you allocate those savings to boost your job search? Here are a few ideas:
- Invest in job-searching tools.
Whether it’s a LinkedIn Premium subscription to access job postings, seeing who viewed your profile, or using an online job-matching service, your savings could help you find better job leads. - Career coaching or resume services.
Professional help can give you a competitive edge. Investing in a career coach, resume expert, or interview preparation service can be incredibly valuable in securing your next role. - Online courses or certifications.
Upskilling can make all the difference. Consider taking an online course or certification in a field you're interested in. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer courses at a low cost, helping you build skills that will make you more attractive to employers. - Networking events and job fairs.
Some events may charge a small fee, but getting face-to-face time with potential employers or expanding your professional network could be the key to your next opportunity.
To wrap up today’s article, I want to emphasize that cutting subscriptions is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to regaining control over your finances and focusing on finding your next job. It’s a practical step, but it’s also part of a larger mindset shift. When you take action to streamline your finances and focus on your goals, you’ll feel more empowered, more focused, and ready to tackle the job market head-on.
Remember, your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Managing your finances and preparing for success by reducing distractions will help you stay on track and, ultimately, land a great job that will help you build a stable and prosperous future.
I hope you found this advice helpful, and I encourage you to take the time today to assess your subscriptions. You might be surprised at how much you can save—and how that can boost your job search.
If you've been laid off or in between jobs or just unsatisfied with the job you've got, be sure to go to lifebydesign360.com and get on our mailing list. Each week you'll get important updates on new podcasts that can help you get the job you want now, create a side hack and an income that you can never get fired from and get on the fastest path to retirement success and financial freedom.
And be sure to look out for openings in our LifeByDesign360 Insider Academy and Community. There you’ll find all the coaches, the courses, the resources and an amazing community of people going through what you’re going through, who are utilizing the tools for maximum success.
Created with
