Laid off with Rs 6 lakh savings, Indian man asks Reddit how to survive

An Indian man’s Reddit post about surviving on savings after his sudden layoff has led to discussions on budgeting, emergency funds and financial survival during a difficult job market.

On the subreddit r/FinancialPlanning_Ind, the man shared that he had been laid off in March and was trying to make his savings last while searching for a new job.

“I got laid off two months ago, have Rs 6 lakh in savings, and no income. How do I make this money last while I figure out my next move without destroying my financial future?” the post was titled.

The man explained that his total savings, including severance pay, stood at around Rs 6 lakh. With no EMIs, Rs 12,000 rent and monthly expenses of roughly Rs 22,000, he estimated he had about six to seven months of financial runway if he stayed careful with spending.

“Actively interviewing, but the market is rough right now. Could take three months, could take six,” he said, asking fellow Reddit users whether he should pause SIPs, liquidate investments or take other steps to protect his finances during the uncertain period.

Read the post here:

The post soon prompted advice from users, many of whom urged him to prioritise essentials and preserve cash until he found stable employment again.

One user suggested cutting down all unnecessary spending immediately. “Food, roof and healthcare should be the priority. Pause investments, but don’t liquidate unless you are in need of cash. Invest money in finding a new job.”

The man later replied that the suggestion helped simplify his thinking around money management: “This is exactly the clarity I needed, honestly. Cutting subscriptions is something I can do today, probably Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,000 sitting there that I don't even use,” he said, adding that he had also been considering taking a course that could improve his chances in the job market.

Another user advised him to look for contractual work through LinkedIn while continuing to search for a permanent role.

Several others also stressed the importance of financial caution during periods of unemployment, even if it meant temporarily pausing investments.

“Pause investments. As someone suggested, put money in liquid funds or breakable FDs. Don’t think about investments. I stopped all investments during the 3-4 months when I did not have a job. Mental peace is worth much more than a mere 12-15% in the market,” one Reddit user shared.

Another user recommended reducing monthly expenses further and setting aside part of the savings in fixed deposits: “Reduce Rs 22,000 expenses to Rs 10,000 – Rs 12,000 max! May God provide what you need.”

Several also pointed out that emergency savings and disciplined spending often become more valuable than aggressive investing during periods without a steady income.