Anonymous wrote:I rent a one bedroom shack in DC because my rent is $950. Last week a guy got shot 15 times at 2pm in front of my apartment. A two bedroom runs you about $1800 to $2400 and $1800 is a steal. I make $70k. Sometimes a little more. I keep making more $, but my boss keeps adjusting my commissions structure so I stay at $70k. I am actively looking. I could make more laterally, but want to get into about the $150k range...which doesn't seem impossible...just waiting for the right thing to come along anywhere in any country!

I make 29k and I went to college. You are making 70k and struggling? You may want sit down and figure out where all your money is going. I rent a one bedroom in a basement for my child and I, my child attends school now but I paid for daycare on my own. No help from the father or the government. It can be done. I would be rich if I made 70k. You are getting depressed from being on this site.

OP -- when you say you saw a great job in FL, does that mean you saw a posting or got an offer? If you just saw a posting -- apply, even if it says local candidates only. Lots of time that is just their way of saying that they won't pay for a relocation. If the job pays enough in a lower cost of living area (which FL is) and you get it, paying for a UHaul and maybe getting a few guys to help you move stuff will be worth it. Just apply -- you don't lose anything.

I wouldn't spend time/money on a business or school right now, but rather on a job search -- even locally, just keep an eye out for opportunities paying more.

Could your DH pick up shift work -- like possibly retail? That kind of supplemental income may be just what you need to feel like you have a bit "extra" for you D. Some of the big retail stores like Walmart/Target etc have an overnight shift for stocking shelves, so it wouldn't cost you anything in childcare.

You've already overcome many adversities. Have faith that you will be able to work your way through this as well.

It's temporary. You can achieve these modest goals step by step. Keep putting forth the effort, go easy on yourself, and measure time in years rather than days. You'll see more of a shift that way.

Wishing you all the best.

OP these boards can be really depressing. I do need to take a break from DCUM now and then to just focus on myself and my family. The amount of money these people claim to make seems unfathomable to me, although I know most of it is true.

$70 is a reasonable salary. Look at the housing programs like MPDU in Montgomery County. Your husband can pick up side jobs nights/weekends or even get a store job to help out.

Anonymous wrote:Op, why do you want to start a business? Do you realize the time and money you have to invest in opening one? That's pretty much the opposite of what you want to do.

I was thinking a laundromat or dry cleaner...not some management consulting firm. I would open up a hot dog stand if I could get a license. Everyone starts small. Marriott started as a hot shoppes. The barriers to entry are harder, but not impossible.

I rent a one bedroom shack in DC because my rent is $950. Last week a guy got shot 15 times at 2pm in front of my apartment. A two bedroom runs you about $1800 to $2400 and $1800 is a steal. I make $70k. Sometimes a little more. I keep making more $, but my boss keeps adjusting my commissions structure so I stay at $70k. I am actively looking. I could make more laterally, but want to get into about the $150k range...which doesn't seem impossible...just waiting for the right thing to come along anywhere in any country!

Op, why do you want to start a business? Do you realize the time and money you have to invest in opening one? That's pretty much the opposite of what you want to do.

Op, I'm wondering if your thinking is tainted from this forum.

Are you willing to provide any details like what kind of house you live in? What you feed your child? What salary you earn? I bet you are luckier than you realize.

And if you want to be humbled, forum search some posts from people who had to provide a weeks worth of meals on $20

Dad stays home with the baby. He would never make enough to outweigh the cost of daycare. He is a great guy, made some bad choices...I don't judge. I certainly have not been perfect either. But we found each other later in life after all the foolery. He was working for a union and got laid off. I just feel that I should be further ahead. I work hard and smart...I see people around me who don't do shit all day. I have the stress now at my job, but my boss thinks I make more than enough. I found a great job in Florida, but they said they only wanted local candidates. My entire family is from here, but I told them I gotta go!

Agree with the other two Pps. Also don't try to start a business, really not worth it in your situation.

What do you do? Can you move out of this area?

As for the healthy eating on a low cost budget, do a search on this forum. There have been posts filled with great advice on how to do it.

Keep in mind that a crazy income often comes with its own issues. Travel that would be ddifficult for a single mom, crazy work hours, constantly bringing home work, stress, etc.

Op, you'll be a good example to your daughter having gone to college. What kind of work do you do now? There are lots of affordable housing options if your work can be located outside of DC.

OP - where's dad?

OP, you sound like a good mom. I'm sure you are giving your daughter a more than decent home.

For me to go to college was a big deal. I overcame many adversities. I finally had a baby recently at 36. She brings me so much joy, but also so much sadness. I am constantly worried about money. I have no home for her that is decent. I work hard, but don't know what more I can do to make more money. I am tired so very idea I have to start a business or maybe take a class just gets put in the back burner. I feel stuck, and while I don't want to be rich I would just love more time with my daughter, a decent house to live in, and $ to eat healthy and provide for her. I read this site a lot thinking I might find some inspiration since it seems everyone has this crazy income! Just sharing.