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Step 1
Now that you are on a reduced work schedule, one of the most important thing to do is to assess your financial situation as this could dictate how you will be using the extra time. If you are forced to take one day off per week, that would equate to a 20% decrease in salary. Determine if you will be able to cover all of your expenses even with the reduced income.
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Step 2
If the reduced income does not pose a problem to your finances, you may want to take this opportunity to upgrade yourself through some additional training or classes. Otherwise, take this extra time to relax, spend time with family, and do all the things that you felt you didn't have time for before. Even though the situation is not affecting your finances at the moment, you never know what's going to happen next with the company. Take the time to start looking for a new job and see what's out there.
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Step 3
However, if your finances are affected by the reduced schedule, you probably have to find a second job to supplement your primary income. Try to find a second job that you could do at home, such as freelance writing for eHow. By staying at home, you could also lower some of your normal expenses associated with going to work (gas, meals, etc.). Besides working an extra job, you would want to update your resume and start applying for a new position as soon as possible, unless you really think that your existing company will recover and your regular work schedule will resume.
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Step 4
Try to cut down on some your non-essential spending like the movies or buying that extra pair of jeans. A reduce in pay is never a fun situation for anybody, but you should not dwell on the bad, instead focus on the future and try to set new goals!
