Name: Meredith Modzelewski
Age: 26
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Communications associate at a sustainable food nonprofit

When I wanted to switch from working in PR to a career in environmental sustainability, I thought I'd done all the smart things: I saved $7,000 so I could quit my old job, and after two-and-a-half months between work, I found a gig at an environmental nonprofit. They offered me $40,000, but I'd been making $56,000 in PR, so I was able to negotiate for $45,000. I started in August 2008 — and then the economy collapsed. We lost funding, and in October I was fired. It was because of program cuts, but I also wonder if it had to do with the salary I pushed for.

There I was, no savings left. I applied for unemployment, but there'd been so many layoffs, it was a bureaucratic nightmare. It took six weeks to get my first check. I borrowed $300 from my live-in boyfriend. My mom gave me $400. I felt like a burden on my loved ones, though they swore it was okay. Unemployment — when I finally got it — was $370 a week after taxes. My rent alone is $1000 a month! I became a shut-in, almost. No drinks. No $10 admissions. And no health care.

It took almost a year to get back on my feet. In September I got a great job that pays even more than the old one, but I've been thinking about what I learned from last year. I discovered free events. My boyfriend and I did a lot of cooking, and that's something we've kept up. You know, when everything's fine you wonder where you'd cut corners. But when you have no choice, you do it. You get used to situations that seemed impossible. I'm glad it's over, but it's surprising how adaptable you can be.

Do you have a money quandary? A success story? A cautionary tale? We'd love to hear from you. Send an email to editors@bundle.com and include a photo.


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