I'm a female, currently with three children, and the youngest is 5 months, then I have a 9 year and 14year old. I divorced a few years ago and now engaged to my youngest childs father. I haven't been working since the baby, and decided that I really wanted to go back to school, because the career that I've been in for 8 yrs., won't pay anymore then $30,000 a year. I started school last week, for an Ultrasound tech. that would start out paying alot more. The school last for 18months, but now I'm worried that this will be to much of a strain, finacially for me and my fiance. His job doesn't pay a whole lot, and I'm starting to think that now it's becoming to much for him, taking care of all of us, and two children that are not biologically his. I'm trying to find work part time, but I'm just nervous that this maybe to much for our relationship, and this is my last couple of days to drop the class without owing anything. I really, really want to stay in school. Any suggestions?
2007-04-24 10:27:19 · 6 answers · asked by beauty1026 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Yes...
1. Don't marry the fiancee if you're getting alimony and/or child support - that would end it.
2. Talk to your financial aid office.
3. Review your taxes from 2006 to see if you can take any more credits/deductions like the EIC. You might be eligible for something because you're a female with kids and low income.
4. Sign-up for governmental services like free food and such to lower your expenses.
5. If you're looking for a hand-out from uncle sam...check out this...
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml
AND
http://www.grants.gov/
2007-04-24 10:34:59 · answer #1 · answered by mukwonago53149 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
(1) I agree you should ask for help with grants.
I know a Grandmother raising her 5 grandkids who put herself through law school, without a partner to help at all, so it can be done if you feel this is your purpose. She had to get all kinds of financial aid and welfare benefits, but she made it through, even borrowing money to pay rent and bills when the financial aid got delayed. But I think all her kids were older, so that may make a difference that your youngest is still an infant and may need your un-interrupted attention for a while.
(2) Can you finish the one class and then take a break and re-evaluate before embarking on the rest of the program. Maybe after the youngest one is a little bit older, would that help, would the school allow you to continue this way.
(3) Do you have any family who can help with the baby while you work and/or finish the one class or the program, or while your partner looks for a better paying job, etc. Would this remove the short term crisis while you finish what you can?
(4) If you are open to other ideas or possible resources, check with the Nurturing Network that might be able to advise or refer you to a counselor experienced in creating a long term plan: http://www.nurturingnetwork.org or 1-800-TNN-4MOM. This organization helps to counsel or refer women who sometimes have to relocate to other schools or other jobs in order to continue a pregnancy despite opposition or no support from a partner. So they may have helpful references for you.
2007-04-24 10:51:10 · answer #2 · answered by Nghiem E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't drop out of school, find a part-time job to supplement the income for the household. The school only lasts 18 months so you know how long it's going to take to finish up. Work as many hours as you can at your job. Maybe a job at the local library? If you work the check out desk or an information desk you can read/study while you are working. Then you can work more hours and get your studying done at the same time.
Hang in there, 18 months is not that long to wait to finish school. And in the long run it will be better off for all of you. Your fiance should be able to hold out that long.
(Child support for your other two kids will not stop because you get married. It would only stop if the child support is from the guy you aren't marrying)
2007-04-24 12:14:54 · answer #3 · answered by hr4me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is there any type of financial aid you can get since you two are not married yet? If not maybe waiting for a couple years until you are more financially stable would be best. You could stay in the field you are currently in and save up as much as possible. Good Luck!
2007-04-24 10:35:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I became a Mary Kay consultant while I was taking classes and actually was able to quit my part time job because of it. Very flexible, you work as much as you can or want to and you make 1/2 of everything you sell.
2007-04-24 11:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by kelbell 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Family ALWAYS comes first. Drop the course, honey.
2007-04-24 10:35:42 · answer #6 · answered by Wendy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋