I’ve reached the point where I need to change careers to be home with my family more. Funny thing is I’ve worked in my current career so long I don’t qualify for anything new. All the applications I have submitted send a response of we have nothing for your experience. Have you considered a position in security? Well no…. I’d like a job that I enjoy. Do they not hire entry-level positions anymore? How do they expect anyone to learn the job if they don’t give them the job? Uh… this is beyond frustrating. Oh… they can work around a student’s schedule but not a single working parent. Even people that wear ankle monitors can get approval sometimes to go to work and home. Geez!
Career Challenges
I believe I have mentioned I have had a career in public safety for 27 years now. Y’all…… burnt out and fed up doesn’t even come close. I’m 53. I work two jobs and am enrolled in two online college programs (via scholarships). I usually have no idea what day of the week it is without looking at a calendar, only that I either work or am at home. My most cherished and valued time is the time I spend with my family. I know all too well and am constantly reminded, that I never have enough time with them. The answer of “I am a single parent” does not resonate with a 7-year-old. He only understands “you can’t have new toys or go places” if Nana doesn’t work so much. It breaks my heart every time I have to tell him this. He always asks, “How many more days until we can play Nana?” Yep…..another piece of my heart falls ….
Financial Challenges
Recently, a friend called me a Hero for doing what I do for my family. Saying they just couldn’t do everything that I do. My answer to that is if you want to be the provider for your family, you will! We make too much money for food stamps. (I say we as my mom and I are a team) No child support is paid to us. The only state benefits available for Eli is Medicaid, and Mama Medicare, which I am so very grateful and blessed for them to have. I don’t even qualify for the Earned Income Credit at tax time after working through the year to supply what we need. I’m no Hero. I love my family, and I chose to take on this role. I would simply like to find a more fitting career rather quickly. Also, with a considerably less salary that’s going to send me into bankruptcy. Am I asking for too much? How will I navigate through this and not mess up? For now, I feel like a boat spinning around a buoy waiting on the tide to come in.
Focus for the Future
With all this, I am still focused on starting a non-profit to help grandparents like me. Raising one grandchild or more with what we presently have. We all need help in one way or another at one time or another. Financially, transportation, supplies, food, babysitters, play dates, friendship, whatever the need be. My wish is to give direction to find help or offer for those in need.
Blessings and love….. Pam