So anyway...Well, the time has come for a change in my life. And it is a decision that will effect my family, not just me...as most crossroad-decisions do.
I have been out of work for almost 2 years now. We have had a some big life changes in 2010 on top of that. Between my husband becoming ordained as an elder in the Untied Methodist Church, a graduation, having a kid entering kindergarten which gave us a kid in EVERY level of education, my husband getting appointed to his own church, a move involving a different city AND a new school district for the kids, plus a milestone birthday for my hubby...I'd say it was pretty eventful.
In this meantime, I have been a stay-at-home mom...able to get some stuff done that I would not be able to if my husband AND I worked. However, we have a lot of kids...4: 1 in kindergarten, one in middle school, one in high school & one in college. There is a lot of expenses with these kids. We are so grateful for my husband's position, our home, our vehicles (even my hubby's truck he got). But with prices rising EVERYWHERE with gas, food, health insurance & cotton...and possibly *gulp* chocolate soon, there may be a very strong need for me to go back to work, someway, somehow. We are fine on my hubby's salary, do NOT get me wrong...but if we choose for me to stay home with no income, we will have to simplify a LOT (absolutely not a bad thing, we are pushing for more simplicity), but it would lead to my hubby getting rid of his baby...the truck.
This could be something part-time, or something from home, but it may need to happen. Many of you know I love coupons, but I may have to become an Extreme Couponer!
First, I would love positive thoughts & prayers as this discernment process begins. out It's nerve wracking! I would also love to explore options...so my moms that have their own home businesses...just a small one where it really is just you, please give me your insights on where you came up with your business idea, your inspiration & how you went about going through with it. I want to include it in my discernment process & would love your feedback.
Thank you all! I pray God leads me to what needs to be done to put myself in a place that still glorifies Him as well as bring a peace to my family & me as times change.
Stay tuned...
God Bless, AM~Erica
I will keep you in my prayers. I was a stay at home mom for about 10 years. I know how lucky we were, and was thankful every day. In that time I did try a few direct marketing companies and found to make the money they offer, you work a lot of nights and weekends -- not the trade off I wanted. I also did sewing for a few years. I was lucky enough to get work for a local decorator who specialized in slip covers. That worked very well for me because I didn't have to meet with clients at their convenience. I picked up work once a week and dropped it back the next week when I got the new projects.
ReplyDeleteI also was a substitute teacher at the church preschool, which was great. They started before and after my kids got out school, so I could be home with my kids in the morning and afternoon. I also didn't have to work when my kid were sick, or when I wanted to volunteer at their school or at church.
If I was thinking big for you, I would market yourself to teach a movement/dance class as area preschools. There are actually companies that franchise the idea, but you could do it on your own. You could suggest having the school purchase a package of 2 or three classes and they could see how much the kids like it. You could bring in scarves, tutus, fun music and choreograph a simple show. The franchise companies sell shoes. If you got into a school regularly you could offer that service and make money there, too.
OK, I know this is more than you wanted, but I am so supportive of moms trying to find ways to stay home, while also finding ways to help the financial side of the family. None of these ideas would bring in much money, but each one helps a little.
i feel ya sista. think about what you love and follow that. its really working for me :) especially since working part time could accomplish what you need!
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