| Author | |
mommy4ever
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2011
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 596
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 8:25am | IP Logged
|
 |
|
I am sitting here, dreading the day. I have been running a home daycare for about 15 years, and I'm tired and burnt out. However, for our family to stay afloat, we do need me to earn money.
I'm trying to think of something else I could do. I am still homeschooling, so working out of the home isn't really an option, evenings are out as we have kid activities that require 2 drivers most of the time.
As dd13 is going up in grades, I'm finding the little ones are a huge issue. She needs to be able to study and she is disrupted by them. She needs space for projects. I want my home to reflect who we are as a family, not a daycare. I'm finding it harder and harder as the kids need more discussions, more time to do experiment time than I can provide. And ultimately, I'm not enjoying having other peoples kids now. I'm ready for something new.
I'm looking at only one more year, so I can build an income doing..... something. So I'm focusing on building savings and paying off the 2 debts we have. I'm willing to give up some things we have so we can do better on one income. We can save on satellite, cell phones, 2 of us barely use ours, so I think we could easily share one. I think the other child that has one, could look at earning to pay for her own. That would be 2 instead of 4.
Any suggestions what I could do to earn money? I am truly burnt out from doing the home daycare. I'm not sleeping well, I want something new, not want, need. I know it would still demand my time, but I can set aside a couple hours during the day, and then around our busy schedule evenings. It wouldn't interfere with my family as much, instead of 60 hours a week of the daycare.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Servant2theKing
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 13 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1505
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 4:01pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
mommy4ever, 
It must seem insurmountable to make a transition from something you've done for 15 years, especially since it has brought your family certain benefits. In time you might actually discover that the amount of time, energy and family life you've had to sacrifice in order to make it all happen actually outweighs any benefit from the extra income ~ especially if you're able to invest the energy you formerly put into running the daycare into adjusting your lifestyle, to compensate for the loss of income. If you make cutbacks you may even find you can make ends meet without replacing the income from the daycare.
If you examine your current budget and expenses you might find areas with unnecessary or flexible costs ~ especially hidden extras that might have crept in while running the daycare:
~Groceries *Cutting back on less necessary items like expensive cleaners, paper products, convenience foods or snacks can save a great deal. **Shopping by the month can save a lot, as can cutting out most or all prepared or convenience foods and cooking from scratch.
~Cell phones or satellite *Could you use the cheapest "pay as you go" plans with no contract, or eliminate any of those altogether? **We use Verizon pay as you go cell phones at $30 for three months (120 min.) per phone ~ even less expensive would be $100 for 1 year (400 min.) We haven't had satellite or cable TV for the past 20 years.
~Outside activities *Cutting back on these can save a considerable amount of gas or extra expense ~ the average family spends minimum of $20 to $50+ every time they leave their home. **An example of keeping this in check; we provide one outside activity, fencing, for three dc ~ cost is $10 family rate for class + $10 for 2 pizzas + $10 for gas = $30/wk for outside activities. Period.)
~clothing, household items, etc. *If you haven't already been shopping thrift stores or garage sales, as opposed to retail, you could save considerable money. **Another personal example ~ dh is taking a list of sizes for needed clothing to Goodwill tonight, on the way to the weekly fencing class. One recent Goodwill trip netted 7 pairs of pants, for three dc who need adult size clothing ~ just $25! Garage sales or rummage sales are usually even less expensive, but I seldom make it out when those are running.
Cutting back expenses might seem daunting, but the trade-off for family relationships can be invaluable!!! Running a daycare for 15 years, you've certainly faced your share of challenges! You can do this!!!!
Praying for grace and wisdom for you and your family, especially for renewed sleep and peace of heart, mind and soul for you.
__________________
All for Christ, our Saviour and King, servant
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
WithAllMyHeart
Forum Rookie
Joined: June 08 2012
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 85
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 4:06pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Etsy(.com) is a great place to sell all kinds of things with hardly any overhead cost. People there sell mostly arts and crafts, but also baked goods, handmade soaps and the like, patterns they design, vintage items (think thrift store/yard sale finds), and craft supplies. It's a vibrant community with lots of helpful advice and support. I don't know what your talents are or how much you need to earn, but it might be something that could work for you.
If you enlist your children's help, it might also provide some great learning opportunities in entrepreneurship. I've even seen a few successful shops there that are run by kids. 
Just brainstorming...
-Jennifer
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
WithAllMyHeart
Forum Rookie
Joined: June 08 2012
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 85
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 4:26pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ditto Servant on the thrift store shopping. I purchased almost all my daughter's clothes for this season at local thrift stores for about 50 cents per piece (on average). Nice stuff, too! You can't make clothes for that much. And one of my thrift stores has all their children's books for 25 cents each!
And thinking about the telephone expense- we got rid of our landline and now just have two cell phones, and that ended up being cheaper and more convenient for us.
Still brainstorming- maybe tutoring? Teaching at a local rec center or something like that? (Again, don't know what your talents are, but I assume you at least have some pretty formidable homemaking and teaching skills, right?) Knitting, crochet, freezer cooking- even couponing seem to be very hip right now. And couponing can save you a lot of money, too...
-Jennifer
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 4:27pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
One thing you might want to do is make a list (and maybe share it here) of things you are good at doing and/or enjoy doing. That could help you figure out some new work from home ideas.
Off the top:
Pet sitting/house sitting
Freelance work (writing, web design, etc. - whatever you know how to do)
Running errands for homebound/busy people (yes, it takes you out of the home, but you can set your days and hours)
House/yard work (same as above)
I totally understand your burnout (I, too, had a home daycare business). Starting something new will be an exciting challenge!
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mommy4ever
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2011
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 596
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 4:55pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Ok, I guess I forgot to mention, I'm in Canada, so some companies won't work :( Unfortunately, Verizon is currently only an American company, for now.
I would love to lose the cell phones, however with dd15 being on city transit to get to school, I feel it a necessity. I have the cheapest plan for her, but it's no where as cheap as a pay as you go, but she'd be over all.the.time so that is that.
I do purchase the majority of our clothing at thrift stores, the kids get gift cards at Christmas, b'days from family for their favorite stores for new.
I do coupon. It's different in Canada, but I am pretty good at it and save quite a bit.
I am able to sew, I do have a small embroidery machine, I can do various crafty things too. I'd like to be able to say I can write, but I don't feel I'm that good at it.
I am not a great house keeper  not my strong point.
I don't mind if it takes me out of the house for a short bit but I do have to school my kiddos, and they have evening activities. I'd cut those back, but I don't have much say in it.
Dh doesn't want me to quit unless I can replace some of my current income. I'm currently exhausted. I need a change. I'd love to just be the stay at home, homeschooling mom, but it's not feasible right now. Plus dh company isn't all that stable. While he could find the work, we'd be looking at his income being cut, so I need to be cautious.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 5:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
any sort of typing or business paperwork that you can do at home? Editing? (maybe for a local college?)
Advertise for doing mending and altering since you can sew. Also with the embroidery machine personalizing. Also if there's an active reenactment type of community around you, period clothing isn't that complicated to make. 
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
kristinannie
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 27 2011
Location: West Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1363
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 6:15pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Have you thought about a new home business? Scentsy? 31? Discovery Toys? I sold Discovery Toys and did really well. God led me to quit because of other reasons. I could put you in touch with the person that I was under. She is really great.
Kristin
__________________
John Paul 8.5
Meredith Rose 7
Dominic Michael 4.5
Katherine Elizabeth 8 months
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mommy4ever
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2011
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 596
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 7:39pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I thought about trying one of those. I've tried in the past, and it is so not my thing. I'm not able to do public speaking. I really struggle with it. I'm not ruling it out, but I do need to really evaluate it.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 8:03pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We have a pay as you go cell phone plan with unlimited data and texting through Virgin Mobile - I think they have a Canadian company, too, or at least they did last summer when I looked into international coverage. You might need to buy an upgraded phone (I did), but you make up that cost pretty quickly in monthly savings.
I realize you don't have as many cost-cutting options (gas prices are the same almost everywhere, fewer cell phone choices, high food costs - I love your beautiful country, but it's expensive to live there!).
If you could free up an hour or two a day to craft, mend, pet-sit, do errands for pay, etc., you might be able to replace some of your child care income. (Also, you would be able to spend more time cooking from scratch, shopping for bargains, etc., to cut costs, as well as working your "new" job, since you won't be chasing toddlers all day long.)
Perhaps someone with Etsy experience will weigh in or even start a new thread to help people who are interested in opening Etsy shops?
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Kristie 4
Forum All-Star
Joined: June 20 2006
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1508
|
| Posted: June 11 2012 at 9:18pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am also in Canada and in the same bind- I am working a day or so a week at our local farmer's market but that is just a little bit of an income.
I like to think of my paid income as Household Engineer- how to keep it all afloat on a single income in Canada seems almost impossible at times. I thrift shop, go for deals, eat heaps of beans and rice and make lots of bread to fill up all those teens! But it still doesn't seem to be enough alot of the time...
No answers, just commiseration!
__________________
Kristie in Canada
Mom to 3 boys and one spunky princess!!
A Walk in the Woods
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
knowloveserve
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 31 2007
Location: Washington
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 759
|
| Posted: June 12 2012 at 2:07am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I know the feeling. I have many things I COULD be doing to earn money... But I always talk myself out of it or wonder where I would find the time. I am building a small business now as a consultant for DoTerra. This was the last thing I ever saw myself doing! I am a natural skeptic with MLM companies and I have never been a big fan of hosting or attending home parties... Something about inviting my friends over to feel guilted into spending money on overpriced items felt yucky. So it's with some irony that I find myself pretty involved with this company.
I don't want to sound too self promotional so I won't detail my journey to this point much but I'll say a couple things if you or anyone is interested on what makes this company different than a Pampered Chef or Avon or Scentsy etc. if it were like the typical MLM company I wouldn't bother,
- The product is something that sells itself. It is something I believe very strongly in and something you can't just buy anywhere with such high potencies. I have experienced so many good things from using essential oils on a daily basis for non-emergency healthcare, cleaning and hygiene; it has opened our eyes to natural healthcare in sooooo many areas. I am happy to be selling these oils because I have seen firsthand how they can change people's lives and so it feels almost like a ministry to share the good news; once people star using the oils, they'll see for themselves how great they are.
- I don't have to do parties or shows. Huge, huge plus for me. I just use them, share samples with friends with certain ailments... I gave a class once to teach people about the oils but it was made clear that it was an educational class... Not one where you'd be expected to buy things.
- Even though it is a pyramid structure, I realize not all pyramid structures are bad. People "on my team" who sign under me have the potential to earn more money than I do or even the people above me... This is fairly unique.
- Lastly, it's nice to let people know that they don't have to be active sellers if they want to simply experience discounted oil prices. Once someone becomes a Consultant, it's just like buying a Costco membership... You pay the yearly fee and get access to the discount... There is no pressure to make it a business if you don't want to. In fact, I started out just having the discount and buying the occasional oil... But as my family started using the oils more heavily in place of traditional medicines, and as more and more people were asking me about them, I decided to why not try and make a little bit of money by signing people up? I don't make a lot yet... But that's because I don't actively TRY... I am just sitting back earning small commissions from the sales of those under me.
There is much more to this and I have so many personal testimonials regarding the oils helping everything from headaches, ear infections, warts, bee stings, fatigue, upset tummies, sore throats, anxiety and more... Just pm me for details if you want to know more.
Forgive me if this was very uncouth to go on at length about this... I thought it might be of interest to you and like I said, it issomething I believe in very passionately. Best wishes to you in your current dilemma!
__________________
Ellie
The Bleeding Pelican
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Rosesinsummer
Forum Pro
Joined: July 18 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 127
|
| Posted: June 12 2012 at 3:25pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I homeschool and work outside the home. It can be done.
I work weekends while dh watches the kids. I also work one day during the week in the afternoons.
It's a sacrifice-- I work all week homeschooling and keeping house, then I work outside the home on the weekend. Dh doesn't get a break either-- he works all week, then works being Mr. Dad on weekends. Sometimes we don't get to all those household projects (we have a young toddler) that most people do on weekends. We don't have the nicest yard/garden or cleanest house. We treasure the few weekends that we DO get to spend as a family. We manage to make it to mass-- either Sat night, or late Sun night, in shifts if necessary. :-)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angie Mc
Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005
Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11400
|
| Posted: June 12 2012 at 4:01pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
mommy4ever wrote:
I am not a great house keeper not my strong point.
|
|
|
You could learn: Speed Cleaning
Good luck!
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Aagot
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 06 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 649
|
| Posted: June 13 2012 at 9:29am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Mommy 4Ever
How about canning salsa or jams with your mom? Maybe you could make gift baskets and sell them online or at a famers market.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mommy4ever
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2011
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 596
|
| Posted: June 15 2012 at 10:03am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Aagot, my mom actually lives 3 hours away, it wouldn't be feasible. But if she were closer, i would seriously consider it.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JennyMaine
Forum Pro
Joined: July 26 2005
Location: Maine
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 209
|
| Posted: June 28 2012 at 1:04pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I'm just seeing this thread now, hope you don't mind if I chime in.
My first thought is this -- when was the last time you took a week or two off? From everything - daycare and homeschooling? I'm wondering if you could find a way to give yourself a short break and then evaluate how you are feeling.
It sounds like you have a well established and stable business as a home daycare, and that husband's job security is iffy. That being the case, I don't know if I'd risk making the change to a new career at this point. I know that daycare has it's challenges. There's no denying that! But all forms of work bring challenges. Work is. . .work. And any job you do takes away from your family time. No way around that.
Might it be possible to focus on cutting expenses and reducing debt with the goal of reducing the hours you provide daycare a little? Could you do afternoon/evening daycare or just weekend care?
Have you tried cutting back on weekday activities and doing some evening homeschooling instead?
OK, if none of that is helpful, you might look into training for something like medical transcription. I have over 20 years experience as a secretary and a BS in library science. . .but right now I am also training as an MT through Career Step in addition to my p.t. job and our homeschooling. It is a lot of hard work and study - not an easy program or career. But one to consider because it might give you some flexibility to work at home after you are trained and have some experience.
__________________
--JennyMaine, Mom to Catherine (17) and Sam (15) "The countenance is a reflection of the soul. You should always have a calm and serene countenance." -- Therese of Lisieux
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SeaStar
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 16 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 9068
|
| Posted: June 28 2012 at 2:26pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I also wanted to add that even if you can't stop the day care work right now, you can at least give yourself raise. Even if raising your fees caused you to lose a kid or two, the extra income from the others would hopefully cover that, and fewer children around would be less tiring for you.
__________________
Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
pumpkinmom
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 28 2012
Location: Missouri
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1028
|
| Posted: June 28 2012 at 2:42pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I just saw this too. I have done summer daycare (for kids in public school that are too young to stay home by themselves) or I have done just afterschool care. This frees up some time, but you are still doing daycare, just less hours. Another idea is to offer a a "mommy's day out" one day a week or every other week. Offer daycare for stay-at-home moms and homeschool moms that could use a sitter to get some things done that they can't do with kids. Sometimes local churches need sitters during bible studies and group meetings. We have churches in our area that actually hire instead of asking for volunteers. Good luck! I need to find some income too. I was burned out on daycare and gave that up a year ago.
__________________
Cassie
Homeschooling my little patch of Ds-14 and Ds-10
Tending the Pumpkin Patch
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
mommy4ever
Forum All-Star
Joined: April 08 2011
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 596
|
| Posted: June 29 2012 at 8:41am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I am already at the high end of the pay scale for daycare, so upping my rates isn't realistic. Dh will not go for evening or weekend childcare as that is when the kids have their sports. Dh is firm that sports are beneficial. We have no control over when they have something as it's scatter by ice allocators. They love their sports.
I have a week coming up and then another 2 weeks, I had 2 at Christmas, and 3 last summer. It doesn't make a difference, I really dread reopening after those times. I am tired of it all. I dont' know if I can close, but I'm looking for options.
Yes, dh job isn't stable, but he has several offers, he's good at what he does, we just don't know what the pay would be elsewhere.
I am also finding that since starting to homeschool, getting new families is hard. I have one child that his last day is today, and I haven't had any interviews to fill the spot. People don't get homeschooling around here. So it could be that even if I decide to stay open, it might not be in the cards.
__________________
Mom to 4,
1 graduated June 2012
1 in Catholic school
2 homeschooled(one considering art school!)
ardently praying for a new addition to our family.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Need ideas for earning income
