I've been away from the board for quite awhile. I'm working night shift and it has been very difficult to get adjusted.
To everyone that is running up high student loans/credit cards/etc....here is something to consider.
I knew that I wasn't going to get rich nursing, but I didn't expect to barely be able to pay my bills and have NO money..yes, no money, for savings. At this rate, I'll be eating cat food in retirement.
These 12-hour shifts that nurses are on are designed to shaft you out of the other 4 hours per week that you could otherwise be working. When you have children that don't get to see you on the 3 days per week you are working, it's hard to stomach taking a 2nd job to see them even less but it's what I started doing today because I discovered that by the time I get my next paycheck, I'll have only $175 in order to pay for the groceries and gas to last for two weeks after bills are paid.
I don't enjoy going to work because I feel like I am there only to exist and there is no benefit to being there. I am too inexperienced to apply for much else and for the last couple of months I have had to literally plan my meals tryign to figure up how many cups of pasta, sugar, eggs, etc...I'll need so I don't buy one thing more.
I went yesterday to donate plasma for the first time in my life because I am worried I won't make it.
I need two new tires for my car and I have no idea of how I am going to pay for them.
I have a car I have had for 7 years and I pray every day when I get in to start it that it lasts because I don't know when I"ll be able to afford one. I couldn't even afford a $100 monthly payment right now.
I am so sad all of the time and I don't get any joy out of anything anymore and for the first time in a long time I have had to tell my children that they cannot have certain things and the next time they need clothes, Goodwill is probably all I'll be able to afford. I got called on low-census for the second time in two months...which reduces me down to only 2 days of vacation left...as I had to take time off for my own healthcare issues as well as one of my children. Who cares about a vacation...I couldn't even afford to take them to the Playland at McDonald's.
It's sad...it's a really sad situation..and I don't know how to get out of it.
I have no real words of advice expect to say that even if you think you aren't marketable, don't let that limit you. With 8 months experience I got in to the VA hospital with much higher wages, pay raises on a regular basis, and no low census, 40 hr work weeks are actually REQUIRED...so keep looking that job is out there regardless of your 6 months experience, and looking for a job and reading about what is out there, will make you feel so much better out the prospects, at least for me it did....wishing you well
If the OP was put off by the question about tithing, she probably won't like Dave Ramsey. Among other things, he recommends tithing. He's way too religious for my taste.
I feel for you, it must be so frustrating to go through hard years of study only to be living on the poverty line.
My advice is to seriously look at relocating, apply for jobs that will help you earn more money, where rent is less expensive. You have some experience which should count for something...
You may be able to get your student loan payments adjusted. Also, have you called the credit card company? Sometimes they will give you a lower interest rate to help you pay off your balance. Or, try looking into some kind of consumer credit counseling service. These organizations can help you develop a plan for paying off your debts, and can advocate for you with the companies that you owe money to.
If your student loans have high interest rates, see if you can refinance them.
Try to barter both goods and services whenever possible.
Band together with like-minded folks for that bartering and for moral support.
See if you qualify for food stamps or other governmental safety net kinds of things.
Visit Goodwill and other resale places, but DO NOT present this as a hardship to your children. Treat it instead as an adventure. "I wonder what treasures we'll find today!" Your kids can learn to be thrifty and find sport in discovering all kinds of bargains.
Pool resources with others to make bulk purchases or trade clothing.
Read Dave Ramsey's books for the sheer common sense approach he recommends. If you are offended by the spiritual aspects, skip over them and concentrate on the other good advice he offers.
Trade babysitting, cooking, house cleaning, etc. for things that you need.
If your kids are old enough, have them help you clip and organize coupons. Look for marked-down items in the grocery store. Ask for discounts on meat that is about to go past its sell-by date. Often store managers would rather sell it for a lower price than not sell it at all.
Make trips to the library for fun. Let the kids plan a movie night with library videos and homemade popcorn.
Take picnics when the weather cooperates. Have a picnic on the living room floor when it doesn't.
Exchange toys, games, cds, dvds, and books with other families.
Search the internet for money-saving ideas.
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude in your children. Help them to focus on all that they do have instead of the things they don't. Make it a habit for each of you to say at least one thing every day that you are grateful for.
Give to others. This may seem counter-intuitive, but there is always something to pass along. This will keep you from feeling poor and teach your children generosity.
Network and make connections in the job world. Keep your feelers out there for a better opportunity. State and federal jobs pay top dollar. Check into these.
Remember, this too shall pass. We went through a very tight time that lasted three years and during that spell we learned all kinds of ways to save money and get by on less. Today my children look back with fond memories of handmade Christmas presents and a closeness that came out of needing to depend on each other so much. Years later, we still shop thrift stores, retail outlets, and rummage sales because there are such great bargains to be had. My kids know how to save money and how to make every dollar stretch until George Washington begs for mercy. They were strengthened, not scarred, by challenging times and are now teaching their kids the same lessons.
I hope you can find a bit of breathing room with the suggestions in this thread. And that your circumstances will soon improve.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
What a great post, Miranda! That deserves a sticky-note for sure.
BabyLady, sorry things are going so roughly for you now. I had a spell there when I would literally wake up and have an immediate panic attack every day. It's just awful. There have been so many good ideas here.
They take away your vacation days if they call you off? Good God, I knew benefits have been taking a hit for a long time- but that is just. .so wrong. I hope things start looking up for you soon.
I am sorry you are going thru this hard time... I understand what you are going through for my family is having similar situation and I think ours are much worst. My younger siblings had to stop from studying for my parents can't afford them to go to school. Instead of going to school, they are working hard to help our family financially. My mom is a bit sick but still have to work. My dad have so many medical conditions such as diabetes and others but is not going to a doctor and is not receiving medical care for we cannot afford the copay for such.
Before, we are so hopeless and down... but we find comfort in our religion. Our situation made us closer to God and lighten up our load. Even though we are facing so much hardship, we don't despair for we know this is just temporary and taking this as a challenge from God and lessons to learn and to be strong.
Despite of the very hard life we are facing, my family is still happy, helping each each other and is united.
We take this hardship in our life as a wonderful journey of learning experience. We are even thankful to God of this hardship for it made our family relationship stronger and closer.
We start the day in praying then word hard to survive. We know that this is just temporary. There is always sunshine after the storm. Have faith. You can get through the hardship you are facing. Follow the advices that was given to you. God bless.
Are you saying if I send money to Pat Robertson he'll cure me of all my problems?
I guess that is what happened to Haiti.
Try not to be mocking. One thing that one person said should not make the whole bunch bad. It's hard not to, but we shouldn't paint everyone with the same brush.
Babylady, sorry to hear that. I've been in despair before but my faith always came through and once, I didn't even have that. But somehow other's faith came through for me.
Right now you need a support system- they may not be able to offer anything(if they do, great!), but it's surprising how life can look sunny with people around and encouraging you.
Next do something concrete, like seeing where your money goes through and micromanaging. Watch the light bill, turn off the light, heater when not in use. Bunch up laundry together to save water bills etc.
And watch your words. Yes you're in despair but words are very powerful. You need uplifting words not discouraging words. Feel it but try not to say it.
Saying it makes it more real, I'm not saying live in denial, I'm saying, try your darnest to think positive. Fear can be a limitation. What is the worst possible thing that could happen?
I'm not into organized religion, but you might check to see if local churches offer a food box program. They put together a box of food, and sell it at a very reasonable price (ones in my area go for $30 or so, and they have an assortment of meat and vegetables). These are generally open to anyone to purchase. It's frozen stuff, mostly, so you do need a roomy freezer.
This organization offers services in my area, which is not urban and has limited resources for everything, so I'm hoping they have something in your area. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
I don't have much else practical advice to give, but I feel your pain. Other than the pet store, my most frequently shopped places are the deep discount places like Gabriel's, Big Lots, and Ollie's.
I<3Nursing
110 Posts
I have no real words of advice expect to say that even if you think you aren't marketable, don't let that limit you. With 8 months experience I got in to the VA hospital with much higher wages, pay raises on a regular basis, and no low census, 40 hr work weeks are actually REQUIRED...so keep looking that job is out there regardless of your 6 months experience, and looking for a job and reading about what is out there, will make you feel so much better out the prospects, at least for me it did....wishing you well