Work Vent/ Plea

[amaranth]

This is mostly a vent, but I am also completely open to any suggestions or ideas you guys may have.

First off, you all know I adore my son beyond belief. I love playing with him and seeing every dumb little thing he learns. However, I have been feeling unfulfilled as a SAHM. It's not because my worth was tied up in my job previously, but rather because I worked hard to develop a specific set of skills and now I feel those are going to waste. For those of you who are religious, I feel like I am caught in the parable of the sower. I have been given talents and dreams, and it feels like I am burying them by not using them.

But I am stuck. I have no desire to go back to work full time. That would not work for our family or be compatible with my husband's job.  I have been unsuccessful finding part time work in my field in spite of looking consistently since January. I have applied and interviewed for only one position, and I was the one to turn them down because it was a disaster waiting to happen. 

I am young and could go back to school, but that requires me to be 100% sure that a new career would be better for part time work. It would also require upfront money and extra time. Or I could find a non-career just plain "job" like executive assistant to keep me busy, but run the risk of not satisfying the reason I want to work. 

Guys, I feel so stuck. I'm involved in three mom's groups. I have been doing a pretty good job getting out of the house every day with other people, so this isn't isolation talking. I'm just used to working at a non-profit and contributing more to society. I'm not trying to get down on anyone who enjoys staying at home, but right now I feel kind of stuck by it and not sure what to do next. I can't afford childcare to volunteer each week, since volunteering doesn't pay. 

Rant over. 

[HoneySpider]

I'm sorry, it's a tough spot to be in. I feel like a good PT job (one that is fulfilling) is really hard to come by (I've been looking too). I wish I had a good suggestion but I don't.

[MrsMB]

The first thing that comes to mind are websites that work with contract staff (contracts/special projects). You put your resume out there, describe your skillset (possibly provide examples of work), and people contact you for assignments. (Edit: A lot of it is from home/over the internet)

I'm having major trouble coming up with one specific one that comes to mind, but I know they are out there.

((hugs))

[luv2rn4fun]

((hugs)) I was going to suggest volunteering until I read the last sentence. Is there any way you can do some type of volunteer work while family or your DH watches M? Are you getting enough "me time" without M?

I can relate and I haven't done it for nearly as long. Being home is very unfulfilling at times but also has it's great moments with C that I am so thankful for. I know that going back to work just wouldn't work for us and I would ultimately miss C like crazy. But on the other hand there are moments that I wish there was more to my life right now than trying to get C on a sleeping schedule

Prayers that you find part time work soon! Sorry you are struggling and feel stuck.

[MrsMB]

This isn't the one I'm thinking of, but it's along the same lines.

www.flexjobs.com/jobs/graphic-design

I have a friend that could work full-time from home doing contract projects over the internet (at his own pace) but also works full-time. He is also married to a dancer....so from personal experience, I know he's just doing them to do them. But I think he has all these gigs from some personal and professional connections though.


ETA: This MIGHT be the site: www.freelancer.com or this one....shoot, I can't remember www.upwork.com/o/jobs/browse/skill/graphic-design/ 

[wanderingenough]

I'm sorry you are feeling that way. I don't know that I have any great solution, but I really hope someone else does. Off hand, these ideas come to mind:

1. Resume/document editing -- you could do that at home on your own time. Post on craigslist etc. to get started.

2. Caregiving -- Adult children of seniors often need (and hire) help getting their loved ones to the grocery store, running errands with them, taking to appts, etc. because the adult child has to work. That seems like something you could bring M along with you while you do.

3. Part time daycare/preschool teacher. My friend was feeling unfulfilled as a SAHM and got a job in a preschool 3 mornings a week. Her kids got to be in classes in the building for free.

[katiek]

I'm sorry! Hugs.

I know I would feel similarly if I had any marketable skills/job experience. I don't really have any advice, but I hope you find something that works for you!

[awick14]

((Hugs)) this would be hard. I hope you can figure something out soon. In the meantime we are here for you.

[MrsAggie]

Hmm I'm not really sure of any options to suggest. The volunteer work sounds like a good idea. In a similar position I would go part time as a nurse but, even in my field, you have to put in years as a full time nurse before you'd be ready for a part time position. I hope you find something that fulfills you.