Struggling with finances... Don't know what to do anymore

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here... Wow, thanks for all the suggestions. I made a list of realistic options given my childcare situation:

1) Childcare (I made some ads tonight... not sure where to advertise other than Craigslist)

2) I'm good at standardized tests... Maybe SAT tutor?

NP here. Post childcare ads at sittercity.com and care.com.

[Anonymous]

I'm not even an attorney and I am astounded at the number of PPs who suggested the OP hang her own shingle. Don't they know how much malpractice insurance costs? And filing fees? And business expenses? No way in hell would that be profitable. I do wonder how this worked out...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not even an attorney and I am astounded at the number of PPs who suggested the OP hang her own shingle. Don't they know how much malpractice insurance costs? And filing fees? And business expenses? No way in hell would that be profitable. I do wonder how this worked out...

Hmmm. You do understand that most lawyers practice solo or in very small firms, right? I'm not saying OP would have been successful--sounds like she would have been a failure--but people do, in fact, operate profitable solo firms.

[Anonymous]

Haven't read the 17 pages...did anyone suggest that OP's husband go to work at a large law firm? That should help, at least for a few years, right?

[Anonymous]

http://relationshipsandpsychology.com/4-ways-to-make-money-online-and-reduce-stress/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$370K for student loans - where the heck did you guys go to school and what kind of degrees? More importantly why did you bother? It doesn't sound like it was worth it!

PP how is this even helpful? It's an obvious mistake but what is done is done...let's move forward and try to help

[Anonymous]

I know this thread is old but I wonder if the OP thought about joining the service? There are loan repayment programs that way, particularly if you go enlisted. Not sure about JAG, but physicians can come in as officers and have medical school loans paid for.
I've met plenty of folks who hit hard times and signed up. Deployments suck but you can save some good money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again (I forgot to identify myself in the previous post). Thank you for all your responses!

I actually count myself lucky for my DH's job (even though it pays like crap). Our former classmates are completely unemployed (though most don't have kids yet, so that's a relief for them). I read in the Wall Street Journal that a large % of law school grads are working temporary minimum-wage jobs... My classmates aren't even doing that. They're completely, absolutely unemployed.

I am thinking about attempting a new career. Does anyone know of any careers with good employment prospects? I considered nursing, but I'm not good at math or science.

Have you met many nurses? Proficiency at math and science not necessary. The medical classes are medicine and physiology type stuff, not really hard science. You'll learn everything you need to know on the hospital wards.

[Anonymous]

I have a family member that leaves her attorney cards with every bail bondsman in her town.

She built her business from that alone.

[Anonymous]

Op does not want to work. If she did would have a job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again (I forgot to identify myself in the previous post). Thank you for all your responses!

I actually count myself lucky for my DH's job (even though it pays like crap). Our former classmates are completely unemployed (though most don't have kids yet, so that's a relief for them). I read in the Wall Street Journal that a large % of law school grads are working temporary minimum-wage jobs... My classmates aren't even doing that. They're completely, absolutely unemployed.

I am thinking about attempting a new career. Does anyone know of any careers with good employment prospects? I considered nursing, but I'm not good at math or science.

Real estate, but you really have to know what you're doing. If you do, you can make a lot quick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again (I forgot to identify myself in the previous post). Thank you for all your responses!

I actually count myself lucky for my DH's job (even though it pays like crap). Our former classmates are completely unemployed (though most don't have kids yet, so that's a relief for them). I read in the Wall Street Journal that a large % of law school grads are working temporary minimum-wage jobs... My classmates aren't even doing that. They're completely, absolutely unemployed.

I am thinking about attempting a new career. Does anyone know of any careers with good employment prospects? I considered nursing, but I'm not good at math or science.

How about a job doing tech writing or speech writing for a contractor or fed. gov't? You'd at least make what your husband makes, more if you can get a security clearance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the OP. Actually I've been thinking about doing that! How do you do that? Do the kids just stay in your living room? We live in a townhouse so there's not a lot of space... How much do you charge per week to watch other people's kids? Do you just advertise on Craigslist?

You let people who already know you and trust you (because you spend a lot of time around them with their kids) know that you are agreeable to doing some childcare.

If you plan to be an in home child care provider, there is a formal process regulated by the county. Contact their office and find out how to become licensed.

Yes, if you are caring for your own children in your living room, you would care for additional children in the living room, also kitchen, basement, wherever your children are.

Right, put up flyers and post on Craig's List. Flyers at churches, grocery stores, libraries, beauty salons, everywhere you can think of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Update:

Some language immersion place just emailed me for an interview; they supposedly pay $40,000-50,000. I can speak Chinese and Japanese due to growing up with a quasi-"Tiger Mom" (without the tiger $$$, unfortunately). God I hope this works out.

OMG, if you can speak Chinese or Japanese you can make the big bucks!!! You need to get out and network! Go to association meetings. Research daycares now b/c you are going to have employment soon and you need to be ready.

[Anonymous]

1. Go to askamanager.org RIGHT NOW and look at her advice about how to create strong cover letters. Send her an email about how to discuss your job switch in interviews--she will have good advice.

2. Sign up for the doc review temp jobs ASAP.

3. Look into available daycares in your areas. Do that now and take tours, etc. while you have time. A lot of these have waiting lists so you need to do that NOW.

4. Find out about networking groups in your area. Go network.