My wife has worked full-time as a nurse, providing the majority of the income for our family since our children were born. When the kids were babies, we decided it was best for our family if she worked and I were a Mr. Mom for a while...
...that's the "new cool thing" right??
...that's the "new cool thing" right??
However, now that she was starting CRNA school, it was time for me to start rollin' it in....
Six months prior to us moving across the country for CRNA school, I started looking for jobs in our new location.
I re-certified as a Personal Trainer and made several excellent contacts with top gyms in the area. Several local trainers and gym owners even informed me of the "huge potential" for clientele in the area. They even said that "so many members wanted training, that they were currently unable to keep up with the demand". I worked endlessly to have everything lined-up to start working once we moved, and thought everything was going to be great!
REALITY CHECK...
...over 4 Months went by with 0 clients and $0 income.
With a family of 4 (and big doggy) to support....I had to start searching for other options. I looked EVERYWHERE to find some sort of income. I applied to everything from home construction to coffee shop barista. However, finding the job that allowed for the flexibility I needed to take care of the kids (since we don't have any family in the area and child-care costs more than a mortgage.....), was nearly impossible.
I need to be available to put my kids on and pick them up from the bus, take them to their extra-curricular activities, and be available in case someone is sick or if they have a snow day/delay/early dismissal. My wife's school and clinical schedule does not allow her the flexibility to do most of these things if I'm not available, so we are left with few options and a crazy budget!!
I LOVE taking care of my children, don’t get me wrong, but we honestly did not think it would be this difficult to find a job (there, I said it!).
I re-certified as a Personal Trainer and made several excellent contacts with top gyms in the area. Several local trainers and gym owners even informed me of the "huge potential" for clientele in the area. They even said that "so many members wanted training, that they were currently unable to keep up with the demand". I worked endlessly to have everything lined-up to start working once we moved, and thought everything was going to be great!
REALITY CHECK...
...over 4 Months went by with 0 clients and $0 income.
With a family of 4 (and big doggy) to support....I had to start searching for other options. I looked EVERYWHERE to find some sort of income. I applied to everything from home construction to coffee shop barista. However, finding the job that allowed for the flexibility I needed to take care of the kids (since we don't have any family in the area and child-care costs more than a mortgage.....), was nearly impossible.
I need to be available to put my kids on and pick them up from the bus, take them to their extra-curricular activities, and be available in case someone is sick or if they have a snow day/delay/early dismissal. My wife's school and clinical schedule does not allow her the flexibility to do most of these things if I'm not available, so we are left with few options and a crazy budget!!
I LOVE taking care of my children, don’t get me wrong, but we honestly did not think it would be this difficult to find a job (there, I said it!).
Just a little background:
I grew up in the construction business. My father raised me as a skilled contractor and hoped I would one day help him run his company. I decided that was not what I wanted to do, so after our son was born, I earned my degree in Criminal Justice and also became a Certified Personal Trainer. Things quickly became busier at home once our daughter was born (14 months after our son), and we decided that it was best for our family if my wife worked full-time (3 days a week) as a nurse, while I personal trained clients on the side. That way, one of us would always be home with the babies. Now this is the first year they are both in elementary school...YAY! |
HOW WE MANAGE
2 . CAR PAYMENTS We moved here with 2 car payments and now have NONE! My wife paid her car off (with some of our savings). I sold mine and bought an older Honda Accord off Craigslist with cash. We are saving over $600/month from doing this. And my kids were actually excited to CRANK a window!! 3. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS There are MANY programs for families and children that provide financial assistance to those in need....LIKE US! For example, the YMCA offers great membership rates based on what you CAN pay and our son's soccer league provides financial assistance as well. PLUS, there are many government and local programs to help with food, medical, and child-care costs. Look into every option...you never know what kinds of help you can find! |
We are very fortunate to have help from our families, as well, and are EXTREMELY grateful for this. Even though they live far away, they have helped us tremendously and have been a huge support system. We would not be able to do this without them!
Everyone's situation is different, but no matter what....there are many options that will help you attain your goals.
Everyone's situation is different, but no matter what....there are many options that will help you attain your goals.