I think a lot of that depends on what kind of pre-planning you have done. I own a home that is paid for. (I don't currently live in that one, I rent it out.) No, I didn't inherit, I bought and worked and paid. That place has 1/4 acre of ready garden area and a well.
But, before that last paycheck is spent I have done a lot of prep work, have some things to barter and a store of knowledge. You don't get those on the day you get your notice of no more job.
Not trying to be hardhearted to fellow freepers who have come to hard times, just addressing the question. Forgive me if I sound harsh.
WHERE WILL YOU GET THE FOOD TO FEED THE KIDS???
Well, my kids are grown. But, in my realm of thinking it is possible that the hard times could hit us all. My kids know that they would be welcome to come and work to feed the lot of us. Mind you, they don't come for a free ride and they would not want to.
WHERE WILL YOU LIVE???
I think I answered that but as the next questions assume that perhaps there's a job available someplace else I would live where-ever I needed to in order to get by. If there was a job in another town and I needed to go I could live in my tent or my (paid off) vehicle until I had enough pay to find a cheap place.
WHAT WILL YOU DO NEXT???
Probably I answered that one too. But, I will do whatever it takes to make it be it find other employment, or go to ground and eat whatever I find and barter with skills I have or items of value.
WHERE WILL I FIND A JOB???
I don't know, I'm having trouble finding a job now but I'm also not looking to relocate at this point. Were I to be forced to relocate I would start searching near my children's homes.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO BRIDGE THE GAP???
Trade upon skills I have. Barter things I have. Manage to live like my grandparents did when they married in 1932.
I'm really sad to hear of Freepers out of work and searching for jobs in this economy. I know it's bad because I have been self-employed for 3 years now. Contracts for jobs are just not out there at this time. I *really* feel for folks that have families to support, mortgages and no stock of necesities. My prayers are with everyone in this situation. I can give tips on how to grow food and a little on how to scrounge food in the wild. I can tell you how to cook it all and make it taste good if you have a little seasoning (which some may not.) If anyone were nearby I could show you how to sew your clothing and any other fabric necesity. I can teach you how to build a fire and bank it so you've got coals in the morning. Unfortunately, these things help no one here so I'll pray.
All good answers and all true.
My brother always told me, “I don’t need to prepare, as all I need to do is get to you and you will be prepared!!!”
He will find that I am not so prepared today, as I was in the past.
He will be welcome, as not only do I love him, but he can FIX anything.