I’ve been doing a great deal of pondering lately, as I often do towards the end of a pregnancy, knowing many changes (and a lot more hard work!) are ahead. The main thing that has been bothering me is the fact that for 9 years (since my first child was born) I’ve tried to find work that I can do from home to contribute to our income. We have enough to get by but we want to move back to the country while the children are still young and for that we need more income. I also dislike being dependent on the government for income support, particularly as our family grows larger.
I’ve tried a myriad of things to earn money from home and nothing seems to work, I end up losing money. Ideally I would like to be paid for a skill I already have but have not found any demand. I’ve even placed ads in the paper to do ironing (I hate ironing!) but received no response, so I often feel that I’m at a dead end. I have made very little money from making dolls and put in many many hours for little reward, my sales seem to have dried up too.
So what to do?
Well, next month I’m hoping to apply for a study grant and undertake a diploma in graphic design, which would be learning new skills but also using the creative skills I already have. I’d be doing this with hope that I could then work from home. I have no idea if this would work out and whether I would get any work, but I feel that I have to try something. I was always financially independent before I had children and find it brings me great satisfaction when I can contribute.
Sorry about the ramble, I guess it helps to share what’s on your mind occasionally š
Marlya, is your blog still going, I can't seem to find it?
Thanks so much for your kind words ladies, it makes me feel better just to know someone would bother reading a long post like that!
I understand you completely. I don't have any children yet but do worry about how to make ends meet when we do have them. Trying to think of ways to earn money while having a family is often foremost on my mind.
Good luck with the course! I think it is a good idea
I understand and feel the same.
I even got a part time job washing dishes at one stage but had to leave due to our move to SA.
Like you I want to be less reliant on govt handouts. I went back to teaching doing relief but can't do this often as Dh works away. My crafting costs much more than I make.
I try telling myself to relax and enjoy the privlege of staying home with my children which govt. payments allow. After all I'll be back in the workforce once they are all off to school. And we are so blessed to live in a country that values family enough to make a small payment that allows mums to stay home. I'm sure my children will pay enough taxes in the future to pay back the govts investment in them now.
I think like me you are a giver and it's hard for you to take.
Hugs Curls.