I've been a SAHM for 12 years. Two daughters, 12 and 4. I'm 39 years old and have never really known what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have loved being a SAHM and I thought my life was pretty much planned out. Thought that when my youngest went to school I could find a way to make some money, to supplement the family income. Never thought I would have to figure out a way to now support myself and my two children... with a "real" job.
The whole childcare thing is a big issue for me. My kids have never been with a babysitter. My mom has been watching my 4 yr old while I am off on appointments, due to the impending divorce and lifestyle change. But that isn't going very well. Also, my mom has had cancer three times in the past 8 years and I worry about what we would all do if she got sick again. My children were supposed to be taken care of by ME, now that has to all change and that is breaking my heart and filling me with resentment. I really have no idea what to do, once I start school or start working, come days off of school, spring, winter and summer breaks. This is just killing me.
Other than trying to start some sort of ebay business (which would take some luck, I think), I don't know what else I could do from home.
It is so hard to even think about a job when every day I'm just trying to get through the day.
So, I would love to hear from more women who were SAHMs before their husbands left, or they got divorced, or whatever our different cases are.
I know I'm not the only one who has gone through all this. But, nevertheless, it feels like it anyway :-(
To DelicateViolet --- I'm so sorry you're in this position. I really feel for you.
I don't know what sorts of skills you have - but I've really been interested in the VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE field ----- in fact, there is a board on ivillage here for "Virtual Assistants" or VAs. I got a couple of the basic books on this & am looking into it.
I'm very interested in this - as I have some basic secretarial background - I just have NO confidence!!! and I do wonder if it's best to go back somewhere like: a hospital or doctors office, even just in an admin capacity - I think those kind of places could be more understanding........ Maybe even a local school office!!! They ought to be understanding about kids & their needs. About as close as you can get.
Am I answering my own original questions here!!!?????
I just have wanted to talk to other SAHMs in this area --- and just see what other ideas come out of the woodwork.
good luck to you - maybe we'll be talking to eaother again on this board or one of the others!!! picketyfence!!!!
It was traumatic to me to face returning to work after 7 years at home. Still is. I never wanted my kids in daycare. They and I totally miss walking to/from school together and all the community life we create through my active involvement in their school. We miss the slower pace of our mornings and evenings.
That said, it is our new reality and we are TRYING to accept it and be happy with what we have.
Here's what is working as best as it can. I started out substitute teaching and taking classes toward certification and endorsement at a school librarian. Now I am a long-term (semester) sub librarian with good prospects for a contract position in the fall.
My hours are slightly longer than the kids' school day so there is daycare (sigh), but very little. My vacations are theirs with the exception of the weeks before/after the school year and teacher work days. I get benefits and adequate (barely) pay.
So, that's what I am doing.
So, if you have any interest in teaching or one of the school-based specializations (art, music, pe, technology, special ed., g.t., etc) maybe look at that.
Funny - I have thought of being the Librarian (Media Spec.)!!!! I enjoy BEING at the school, but not necessarily being with kids solid, all day. I like things more than people - ie books, etc!!!! I love the internet.
I have thought of taking the courses - I hear it's about 2 years ------ or 2x9mo of courses??? I wonder if you can tell me more about that!
Also - your entry sparks another idea with me! Teaching Technology to kids ----- of course, heck, at this point they still know more than me.
But I have wondered about studying computers more.
I see several people going around just "fixing" people's computers for like 40 to 80 dollars an hour --- I bet it really would not be that hard to learn more than the average joe & become a rescue hero for people's home computers!!!!!!
I haven't really counted up how many classes, but I think the cohorts here take two years--one class at a time? That assumes everyone is working full-time.
I love working with the kids and I don't have them all the time -- about 30-50% of my day, max. The rest of the time is planning time, collection development, library administration, etc.
As for technology. In our jurisdiction we have a school based technology specialist in every school and students have a technology class at least every other week, especially in the higher elementary grades on. It takes considerable expertise. Not sure what training would be involved.
I was a SAHM up to 6 months ago when I
so --
you actually continued to stay home for a few months - even tho you knew you'd be divorcing -----?
sorry - i am totally new to this!
I'd like to hear some answers as well!
I've been a SAHM for 12 years. Two daughters, 12 and 4. I'm 39 years old and have never really known what I wanted to do when I grew up. I have loved being a SAHM and I thought my life was pretty much planned out. Thought that when my youngest went to school I could find a way to make some money, to supplement the family income. Never thought I would have to figure out a way to now support myself and my two children... with a "real" job.
The whole childcare thing is a big issue for me. My kids have never been with a babysitter. My mom has been watching my 4 yr old while I am off on appointments, due to the impending divorce and lifestyle change. But that isn't going very well. Also, my mom has had cancer three times in the past 8 years and I worry about what we would all do if she got sick again. My children were supposed to be taken care of by ME, now that has to all change and that is breaking my heart and filling me with resentment. I really have no idea what to do, once I start school or start working, come days off of school, spring, winter and summer breaks. This is just killing me.
Other than trying to start some sort of ebay business (which would take some luck, I think), I don't know what else I could do from home.
It is so hard to even think about a job when every day I'm just trying to get through the day.
So, I would love to hear from more women who were SAHMs before their husbands left, or they got divorced, or whatever our different cases are.
I know I'm not the only one who has gone through all this. But, nevertheless, it feels like it anyway :-(
I was never a SAHM, but my SIL was.
To DelicateViolet ---
I'm so sorry you're in this position. I really feel for you.
I don't know what sorts of skills you have - but I've really been interested in the
VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE field ----- in fact, there is a board on ivillage here for "Virtual Assistants" or VAs. I got a couple of the basic books on this & am looking into it.
I'm very interested in this - as I have some basic secretarial background - I just have NO confidence!!! and I do wonder if it's best to go back somewhere like: a hospital or doctors office, even just in an admin capacity - I think those kind of places could be more understanding........ Maybe even a local school office!!! They ought to be understanding about kids & their needs. About as close as you can get.
Am I answering my own original questions here!!!?????
I just have wanted to talk to other SAHMs in this area --- and just see what other ideas come out of the woodwork.
good luck to you - maybe we'll be talking to eaother again on this board or one of the others!!! picketyfence!!!!
After being a SAHM for 8 years, I went to what felt the most natural to me, childcare.
I SO feel your pain!
It was traumatic to me to face returning to work after 7 years at home. Still is. I never wanted my kids in daycare. They and I totally miss walking to/from school together and all the community life we create through my active involvement in their school. We miss the slower pace of our mornings and evenings.
That said, it is our new reality and we are TRYING to accept it and be happy with what we have.
Here's what is working as best as it can. I started out substitute teaching and taking classes toward certification and endorsement at a school librarian. Now I am a long-term (semester) sub librarian with good prospects for a contract position in the fall.
My hours are slightly longer than the kids' school day so there is daycare (sigh), but very little. My vacations are theirs with the exception of the weeks before/after the school year and teacher work days. I get benefits and adequate (barely) pay.
So, that's what I am doing.
So, if you have any interest in teaching or one of the school-based specializations (art, music, pe, technology, special ed., g.t., etc) maybe look at that.
M
Hey, M!
Funny - I have thought of being the Librarian (Media Spec.)!!!! I enjoy BEING at the school, but not necessarily being with kids solid, all day. I like things more than people - ie books, etc!!!! I love the internet.
I have thought of taking the courses - I hear it's about 2 years ------ or 2x9mo of courses??? I wonder if you can tell me more about that!
Also - your entry sparks another idea with me! Teaching Technology to kids ----- of course, heck, at this point they still know more than me.
But I have wondered about studying computers more.
I see several people going around just "fixing" people's computers for like 40 to 80 dollars an hour --- I bet it really would not be that hard to learn more than the average joe & become a rescue hero for people's home computers!!!!!!
>>>>>???????
I haven't really counted up how many classes, but I think the cohorts here take two years--one class at a time? That assumes everyone is working full-time.
I love working with the kids and I don't have them all the time -- about 30-50% of my day, max. The rest of the time is planning time, collection development, library administration, etc.
As for technology. In our jurisdiction we have a school based technology specialist in every school and students have a technology class at least every other week, especially in the higher elementary grades on. It takes considerable expertise. Not sure what training would be involved.
GL!
M