With all of the game company shutdowns, lockouts, and layoffs... maybe all spouses of game developers should consider giving their over-worked spouses a little time off when that pink slip time comes.  By the way, I think getting a pink slip is still better than being locked out from work because the company did not pay the rent, and two weeks later un-worked and still unpaid you hear that, yeah, the company is folding.  I do not wish a pink slip for anyone.  However, everyone in the game development industry should be prepared just in case.  If you have a job and you love it, and bonus... they actually pay bonuses... then I am extremely happy for you; hold on to it.  For the rest of you and your spouses, consider this simple idea -- let only one spouse work and make it work.

Try to cut expenses so only one spouse needs to work.  Yeah, I know, easier said than done.  However, if you have children in daycare, this is quickly evened.  Live in a less desirable neighborhood or a smaller house or a small apartment.  Move in with a family member or even friends, or ask them to move in with you to share rent/mortgage.  A stay-at-home spouse can reduce dining-out expenses too, even if you buy frozen dinners -- yum.  Don’t go out in general.  For the working spouse, try to give up lunches out.  If the previous work commute was taking an hour each way, then you are now saving the gasoline and car maintenance.

If you, as the non-paid spouse, can collect unemployment, then do so.  Warning: there may be an annual limit of what you can collect, so your unemployment may run out after six months or earlier, but you can probably re-apply every anniversary of losing the job; what a celebration!  If you have wanted to try some things that are generally known as non-supporting professions, like, um, acting or singing, you can try that.  My husband actually managed to make some money doing some radio-play acting.  Garage game development might have a revival.  Write a game development book.  Game developers tend to be creative, so tap back into that creativity that many companies have tried to tap out of you.

I wanted to give my husband time to live again and explore aspects of his creative side.  He has taken advantage of it.  If more creative people have that opportunity and take advantage of it, the world would be a better place.  And this is coming from a very geekish girl who normally might not appreciate the arts.