I recently lost my part-time retail job, which was bringing in about $600 a month, just as my landlord announced a $150 rent increase. My full-time job covers my essential expenses, but there’s barely anything left for savings or emergencies now. I’ve tried negotiating with my landlord, but they said the increase is non-negotiable due to market rates. I’m hesitant to look for a new apartment because moving costs and deposits are intimidating right now, especially without that extra income. On top of that, I’m worried about dipping into my emergency fund too soon. I’m considering picking up some freelance gigs or odd jobs, but I’m not sure how to balance that with my current schedule. Has anyone dealt with a sudden rent hike right after losing some income? How did you manage the financial strain without moving immediately? Also, what are some realistic side gigs that don’t require a huge time commitment but can help fill a gap like this?

Losing that $600 a month right before a rent hike sounds super stressful, especially with no wiggle room in your budget. Since moving feels overwhelming right now, maybe focus on small freelance gigs that fit your schedule, like online surveys, tutoring, or even pet sitting - things you can do evenings or weekends without a big upfront commitment. Sometimes local Facebook groups or apps like TaskRabbit can connect you with quick odd jobs nearby.

Also, it might help to track every expense closely for a couple weeks to spot any tiny savings you can squeeze out, even if it’s just cutting back on small treats or subscriptions. It’s not fun, but those little bits can add up and ease the pinch while you build back your buffer. Hang in there - you’re juggling a lot, but these short-term fixes can help bridge the gap without the stress of moving right away.

On 02/18/2026 at 10:35 AM, hs161 said:

I recently lost my part-time retail job, which was bringing in about $600 a month, just as my landlord announced a $150 rent increase. My full-time job covers my essential expenses, but there’s barely anything left for savings or emergencies now. I’ve tried negotiating with my landlord, but they said the increase is non-negotiable due to market rates. I’m hesitant to look for a new apartment because moving costs and deposits are intimidating right now, especially without that extra income. On top of that, I’m worried about dipping into my emergency fund too soon. I’m considering picking up some freelance gigs or odd jobs, but I’m not sure how to balance that with my current schedule. Has anyone dealt with a sudden rent hike right after losing some income? How did you manage the financial strain without moving immediately? Also, what are some realistic side gigs that don’t require a huge time commitment but can help fill a gap like this?

Losing that $600 and facing a rent hike at the same time is a tough spot, especially when moving feels like a big hurdle. Since your full-time job covers essentials but leaves little room for savings, picking up a few flexible side gigs might be a good way to ease the pinch without overloading your schedule. Things like online surveys, tutoring, or even small freelance tasks on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can fit around your hours and add some extra cash.

Also, if you haven’t already, try tracking every little expense for a week or two - it’s surprising how small adjustments can free up some breathing room. Maybe cut back on subscriptions or non-essentials temporarily until you get that extra income flowing again. It’s not ideal, but a short-term squeeze might help you avoid dipping into your emergency fund too fast.

Others have mentioned negotiating, but since your landlord’s firm, focusing on side income and tight budgeting seems like the best bet