Musings of a(now) 40 year old

heres my situation; I could have stayed in a backpackers for perhaps two weeks. Its 80 a week. I nearly went and got in one the other day and decided against it. I have been spending money like water, I have gone through alot in a week. I now have 160 left or there abouts. I didnt stay in a hostel to save money and by not doing so ended up spending much more money. I dont want to say how much but its ridiculous. I have spent at least 21 quid on booze since being here which isnt that much considering. I have put a claim in for jsa today, I left for a week to see if I could find work first as I didnt want to really claim jsa. I can get free food and stuff so I wont go hungry, I can have showers and shave and use pc's at first base, free tea and coffee's too. I just have to keep plugging away to find a job but if nothing turns up in 3 weeks I dont know what to do. I bought a good sleeping bag for 43 from Millets. It has kept me warm at night. I have a taurpalin sheet that I wrap around me that I bought for 5 from Wickes. It keeps me dry, I know as it rained quite abit on Sunday night.

My problem is I am really really awful at budgeting. I know other people who are too. I have spent 200 in the week since being here although 43 of that was on a sleeping bag, some toiletries and basics I needed. I try not to carry cash money but I do and I blow a tenner quite easily, drinks (non alcoholic), snacks, sandwiches etc etc. I dont know how I do it. If I had been in a hostel from day one I could have bought a weeks shopping from Morrisons. I only have myself to blame for this mess now. I must stop smoking as that is costing me 4 quid a day. This is my fault and my fault only. I chose to leave Sheffield as I did.

Its difficult to say Alex, sometimes it seems to be a vicious circle

Alex... i don't think you've done all that bad.  You might have spent 100 first week but the fares, the sleeping bag and plastic thing, toiletries and food.  Of course the £4 per day become £28 per week and I know only too well about that.  So, all in all, try not to beat yourself up.  Hopefully you'll get some JSA and, of course, there's the job offer.  Getting to know people can often mean accommodation possibilities.  Onwards and upwards!!

No problem, thanks

Hi Alex

I don't think you've done badly either. Hopefully you'll either get a job or JSA.

I'm not totally with it at the moment, when you asked whether it was all part of your mental health problem, which bits did you mean?

Hi Alex. Pleased you are positive but not surprising you are feeling drained. I wonder if it might be more successful to make an application for JSA in the Job centre plus/DWP? You might be able to register with an advisor who will look out for suitable jobs as soon as they become vacant.

Are you starting the new job today?

Hope you have an okay day

Cat they will phone me and ask me in for an interview, the JSA people do. I may be working before then anyways