Stay at the state job.

You can earn an extra 800 a month through a side hustle.

I matched with a lawyer who said he was a server some weekends and evenings for an extra job (he was likely paying child support).

It doesn't hurt to apply for other jobs and interview. It doesn't even mean you will get a job, but at least you will see what's out there. It never hurts to strive to earn more if you are in a crunch vs. thinking that low paying side gigs is your only option. This also can force you to up-skill into the data scientist field if you find more opportunities there, but I think you will have to have coding experience, learn SQL, get database skills. It would do nicely to augment your skillset and this is what i would pursue.

Did you try insurance field? Being a statistician, I'd think you could do some data analyst work in a lot of companies.

If this doesn't work out, keep this job because there is a pension there and they are very rare these days. You can always get a side gig later.

Anonymous wrote:Can you find a wealthy man to marry sooner than later?

This is a man. he is paying his ex

You could at least look around and interview and see if you could get a job and then compare $ now and benefits etc. as mentioned before, if you can do the physical work, odd hours UPS can be good work and even offers some benefits depending on hours. I had a friend who owned his own business who worked UPS warehouse to get paid benefits.

Bartend on weekend nights at some neighborhood bar/VFW/similar, you’ll easily make the $800.

Anonymous wrote:Have you looked at the private sector? My DH does similar work for health care companies mainly using SAS. I’m sure he makes a lot more than a state government job would pay and it’s fully remote.

OP here. No not yet. But I certainly plan to do so soon. If anyone has any experience to share regarding transitioning from the public go the private sector at almost 50 that would be great. I do look young and in great shape sad it may come down to this lol but just putting it out there.

Private companies seem to be more interested in data scientists than traditional statisticians. But nevertheless I have nothing to lose but regret so I'll just apply.

Can you find a wealthy man to marry sooner than later?

Have you looked at the private sector? My DH does similar work for health care companies mainly using SAS. I’m sure he makes a lot more than a state government job would pay and it’s fully remote.

Can you Airbnb one room at your place?

OP here. Thanks all for your comments. Seems that a side gig is the way to go. I'll look at Costco and other places. But some days I do feel this could be a good time for a change. However, I'm also nervous about starting over at 49 since ageism is real and not fiction.

I don't hate my job but it past the bills.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:.

If I leave I have 2 options. Either $200k in cash which I can transfer to an IRA or $24k/year pension at 65. I only have $20k in Roth IRA after the divorce.

Is the pension based on your current salary? If so, you are likely better off with the lump sum, which will gain value invested for the next 10-15 years til you are eligible to start the pension. (I’d assume you will be working 20-25 more years in your financial position). Good luck. I agree with the others that a second job on the days you don’t have your kids makes sense immediately to extend your runway.

OP here yes it's based on my current salary.

Anonymous wrote:If you don't have custody of kids what expenses?

Child support, probably health insurance, co-pays, possibly child care and camps, food/clothing/activities when they are with him, activity shares.

Maybe you should have not been caught on the KissCam

Your expenses don't matter. Do uber or something else on the side and don't tell your ex or kids or that will go into the child support caculation.