What do you do when there is a change in your family’s employment, and/or financial situation? The economy has impacted families in a number of ways. For every one it is different, but whether temporary or permanent, it is change that for however long, becomes your new normal. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have read that my family is adjusting to a new normal. While I won’t get into specific details or personal information, I do want to share some of the areas that we have had to make adjustments to as they relate to our budget, and daily lives.

Change in budget - Just a little bit of the back story – my husband’s position of 27 years has been phased out of his department. He now has a new job, with the same department, same benefits, but it’s in a new location that is further away. No decrease in pay, however a substantial increase in mileage, vehicle wear & tear, work clothing expenses, plus now an additional daily expense of up to $8.00 in tolls that we never had before, has all added up fast. Thus, our monthly budget is being drastically revised.

Change in income - Well, more like a change in salary structure that has changed our main monthly income from a set amount to a fluctuating one. For the last couple of months I have been figuring our average and trying to budget with that. The goal is to keep us living within that average monthly income, and stashing away anything extra. So much some extra money could go towards, but there are always added unforeseen expenses that pop up.

Change in daily routine - The longer commute means a longer day, and the longer hours effect all of our daily routines. Earlier to bed, earlier to rise (for Mom & Dad anyway). He doesn’t go past the grocery store on the way home anymore, not as many family dinners, responsibilities have shifted somewhat. We appreciate the quality time we have when we are all at home together as a family though. Mom does more school and home related tasks, with more help from the kids.

Change in my online life - I have been involved in online business for over 6 years, and absolutely enjoy writing in my blogs, learning new things, and helping other online business owners as a Virtual Assistant. In order to bring in a little income, to help with our change in budget, I’m focusing more on attracting new clients, plus getting my new routines figured out.

I have done the wallowing pity-party thing in the past, but now I look at what we have to be thankful for. This is what it is going to be, our new normal. It is what it is, though, as my Mother-in-Law said to me the other day, “it will become what you make of it”. Things will eventually settle down, I’m sure, but until then, I plan to make the best out of it as I can! For now, flexibility is a must!