Meeting New Friends When Broke

The_New_Caz

Any suggestions on ways to meet people when broke. I live about 200 hundred miles away from where I grew up so counts out old school friends and also family. (Although I do travel to see my family but again its all expense).

Live in small town. Thought I'd try a night class but none start until September unless I travel to the nearest city but then I have to spend loads on petrol.

Have been toying with the idea of joining the gym but this would replace my exercise I do at home which is free.

Thought about pub but wouldn't want to spend my whole budget on this, but as I only know a few people and not well, I'm not in a position to invite the girls round for a meal, wine and a chat.

Also would anyone change jobs when they are happy in the job they are in just for the money? Not sure if I'm in a comfort zone. I have just been promoted about a week ago after one of the team left - just set up a new team and feel like if I left I'd be letting people down. I have worked here about 7 months and feel it won't look good if I leave so soon.

Amanda65

When I bought my first flat and had no money I got a job a couple of nights a week in a local pub (I did have a full time job as well) and absolutely loved it. For those nights I was out earning money, frequently had drinks bought for me during the evening - and ended up meeting my husband!

The_New_Caz

Thanks - could solve my lack of other half problem too!

Imelda

Hi Caz,

How about volunteering? Either in a charity shop or other organisation (eg hospital). If not, how about a walking/ running club? Some are free (check your local newspaper). Sports teams usually charge subs, not sure what the going rate is nowadays, used to be £4 when I played hockey. I can understand that tying yourself in to a gym member ship is a bind but my local gym does pay as you go classes (I think you can either pay each time or you can buy a saver card for £40 per year and get £1.50 off each class) I have met loads of people this way!

Could you invite your new team round for drinks and nibbles (making it clear that it's bring a bottle!)? It's always easier to break the ice in a social situation.

Do you have a flatmate? If so could you join in with their friends?

I agree that 7 months isn't very long to be in a job and you must be doing well if you've just been promoted. You have also been in a new town in the bleak cold winter, there are always more fun, free outdoors stuff to do in the summer! Give it a few more months but if you're still unhappy, don't be ashamed to go home.

All the best, I

amosworks

Are there any other MSE'ers local to you? I'm sure that'd be a good place to start, people who know and are in the same situation No embarrassment and a fantastic source of mutual encouragement for sure!

I really like the pub idea, getting paid and meeting new people at the same time. Fantastico!

Little_Miss_Scrimper

The_New_Caz wrote:

Any suggestions on ways to meet people when broke. I live about 200 hundred miles away from where I grew up so counts out old school friends and also family. (Although I do travel to see my family but again its all expense).

Live in small town. Thought I'd try a night class but none start until September unless I travel to the nearest city but then I have to spend loads on petrol.

Have been toying with the idea of joining the gym but this would replace my exercise I do at home which is free.

Thought about pub but wouldn't want to spend my whole budget on this, but as I only know a few people and not well, I'm not in a position to invite the girls round for a meal, wine and a chat.

Also would anyone change jobs when they are happy in the job they are in just for the money? Not sure if I'm in a comfort zone. I have just been promoted about a week ago after one of the team left - just set up a new team and feel like if I left I'd be letting people down. I have worked here about 7 months and feel it won't look good if I leave so soon.

Caz, I completely feel for you. I am in the same positon (apart from the promotion!! :rotfl: ) 200 miles away from where I grew up, skint and making new friends is hard to do that when on a tight budget. I have 1 best friend up here who knows my situation so we can stay in without the pressure of spending money. I have tried to make friends in the village I live in but they are not the stay-in budget girls so needless to say I don't see them often. Working in a pub sounds like a good idea and also looking up fellow mse'rs!! I am in Morecambe area if you are anyway near PM me :j How about throwing a body shop/ann summers/virgin vie etc party? Make sure it's bring a bottle and parties like that break the ice as well as earning a few more quid.

HTH xx

The_New_Caz

I'm living in South Wales a wee trek from Morecombe but thanks for the thought!

Stephen_Webber

The Ramblers are a good way to get out and meet people quite cheaply. You will need to join (I think it costs about £35 a year). The group I am with meet locally and car share to wherever we are walking. The other advantage is that it gets you out of the house and into the countryside and fresh air and you get some exercise into the bargain!

Cheers,
Stephen

Kevicho

when you said Thought about pub, Did u mean working there?

Im sure "the girls" would invite you back to theres for meal, wine and chat (say no to drink driving though!)

briona

amosworks wrote:

Are there any other MSE'ers local to you? I'm sure that'd be a good place to start, people who know and are in the same situation No embarrassment and a fantastic source of mutual encouragement for sure!

The_New_Caz wrote:

I'm living in South Wales a wee trek from Morecombe but thanks for the thought!

Ooh! I'm an MSE'er living in South Wales* too! Despite having lived here for almost four years – I moved over from the Republic of Ireland in 2002 – I don't really know anyone either for exactly the same reasons... It's hard to get to know people when you've got no-one to go out with to even be in a position to meet others! If you're interested/in the area PM me...

Briona

*Cardiff

barber1982

I moved to England from N. Ireland in 1999 have been living in South Wales for about 3 years now .. I am in exactly the same position i work in a male dominated industry so can really make friends there.. my boyfriend is from here so he has already got his own friends any family down here. Would be nice to meet up with fellow money savers