Single mom and nurse?

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I'm a newly single mom of two kids. One is 7-years-old and the other is 5 weeks old. This wasn't where I saw myself after an 11 year relationship, however it's happened. I won't be receiving child support or any financial support from the other party.

Just wondering, can a single mom who's a nurse live comfortably off of her salary alone? I found a clinic job that is 8 hour shifts during the day, which works for my schedule.

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5 hours ago, blueskies1990 said:

Just wondering, can a single mom who's a nurse live comfortably off of her salary alone?

Too many variables/unknowns to be able to give you an intelligent answer. The only thing I think any of us can say is...it depends.

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59 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

Too many variables/unknowns to be able to give you an intelligent answer. The only thing I think any of us can say is...it depends.

Fair enough. Thanks. ?

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29 minutes ago, blueskies1990 said:

Fair enough. Thanks. ?

Don't get me wrong. We can answer your questions but a lot depends on your situation, where you live, cost of living, pay, benefits, debt, child care. The answer will be different for each person. If you care to break it down for us we can give you a reasonable idea of how we think it will work out as well as the pitfalls you might encounter. Without that information all we would be doing is guessing and I don't think that would be particularly useful for you when making a huge decision like this.

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5 hours ago, Wuzzie said:

Too many variables/unknowns to be able to give you an intelligent answer. The only thing I think any of us can say is...it depends.

Everyone's idea of "comfort" is different, but if the father of your two young children is non-contributory, I suspect that you'll be living off relatives or the government to some extent. And if it turns out to be the government, they'll have some questions about why dad is not supporting his children. 

We don't know how much you'll make, what benefits you'll have, what your expenses are, your living arrangements, your day care expenses, your location, or even what sort of nurse you are. And if you wrote it all out, the answer would be right there for you to see.

Best wishes. Just take it one step at a time.

 

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Specializes in Retired.

Have you been aggressive about getting support for HIS two kids?  Not sure that I understand how that happens.

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Specializes in NICU/Mother-Baby/Peds/Mgmt.

I know people who've done it in the past, making less than nurses make.  I think you need to look at ways to cut costs, I'm sure there are many suggestions if you Google it.  When I moved from overseas and my job paid less I decided I could live without the $100+/month cable bill and if you have a computer it's even easier.  Get a cheaper phone provider, or combine phone and internet.  No eating out or making it a BIG special treat, like every two or 3 weeks, not every week.  Prepared food is more expensive than making from scratch but of course you have to weigh doing that with the time involved.  I bought more food at Dollar General, and off brands.  Cut down on utility costs by turning off lights in rooms you aren't in (except for those needed for safety and comfort since you have little ones), decrease water usage by short showers/ not running water while doing dishes) etc.  Consider moving.  And look into possibly getting a hospital PRN job if you can get childcare, one 8 or 12 hour shift even every 2 weeks will really help you financially.  

Edit: I have Cricket, $55/month for phone and unlimited internet.  Technically after 16 gb things can slow down and occasionally they do but it's not that big a deal.  I watch Netflix and Youtube on my phone a lot and frequently go over 40.  

Oh, and shop thrift stores especially for clothes for the kids.  

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Specializes in Psychiatric Registered nurse.

I'm an RN for 10yrs now, I was and remained a single mom the entire 18yrs with my son. I recieved no child support, no assistance either. Yes I believe and have lived very comfortable life both me and my son. I specialize in Psychiatric Nursing. 

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Specializes in oncology.
On 10/11/2020 at 11:33 PM, blueskies1990 said:

This wasn't where I saw myself after an 11 year relationship, however it's happened. I won't be receiving child support or any financial support from the other party.

Just wondering, can a single mom who's a nurse live comfortably off of her salary alone?

It sounds like you have already been supporting the family plus one more already. What has really changed? Go for child support. Your children deserve it. 

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Specializes in Process Improvement-LSS, Stroke, Critical Care.

I have been working as nurse for 13 years and I am single mom of a ten year old for the last 8 years.  I make more than enough as a single mom and required zero help from anyone.  I put in a lot of hours when he is sleeping.  Nursing offers so many opportunities.  Also, another idea that paid off for me was to talk to your manager and leadership and let them know your interests and when something is available they will most likely invite you to interview. You got this!

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Please go and get child support.  Get an order in place.  I could not support my kids by myself on my salary alone.  I would have to work 2 jobs in order to do it.  

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On 10/12/2020 at 8:01 AM, Wuzzie said:

Don't get me wrong. We can answer your questions but a lot depends on your situation, 

I can't get child support, just yet. He became addicted to Oxycodone in a matter of 8 months. No job, but I'll file so when he does begin working I can get some money for us.

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