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View Full Version : Advice
littledb
03-27-2006, 01:16 PM
OK. I'm making good money with Discovery Toys, full time income, but not one budget full time income. It's more I made with my other job, but not paying all the bills.
Right now with our other business, my DH is not bringing in an income. In fact, we are still paying into it.
Dilema: I love working from home and being a SAHM. A job that I was eyeing before kids came open. I emailed the HR director, who happens to be one of my hostesses, and asked what the flexibility is. Like can I do part of it from home.
She said the last PR director did do some.
So here is my dilema. I didn't want to think of going back to an office at all until my youngest was 5 if ever, he's 2 1/2. I'm comfortable with where I am. I'm seeing growth, though not as fast as I'd like. And putting more pressure on myself is burning me out, so that's not the answer.
An extra income would be helpful.
You girls know me pretty well.
Do I apply and see what happens? Or just let it go?
If I did it I'd also continue with DT and I have a strong enough team and customer base that it wouldn't be that hard to maintain.
Debbie
Right now with our other business, my DH is not bringing in an income. In fact, we are still paying into it.
Dilema: I love working from home and being a SAHM. A job that I was eyeing before kids came open. I emailed the HR director, who happens to be one of my hostesses, and asked what the flexibility is. Like can I do part of it from home.
She said the last PR director did do some.
So here is my dilema. I didn't want to think of going back to an office at all until my youngest was 5 if ever, he's 2 1/2. I'm comfortable with where I am. I'm seeing growth, though not as fast as I'd like. And putting more pressure on myself is burning me out, so that's not the answer.
An extra income would be helpful.
You girls know me pretty well.
Do I apply and see what happens? Or just let it go?
If I did it I'd also continue with DT and I have a strong enough team and customer base that it wouldn't be that hard to maintain.
Debbie
*Bama*
03-27-2006, 01:37 PM
Have you looked into some of the work at home jobs offered here that you can do just from home? Even after the little ones has gone to bed, or you could do off and on thru out the day? I would check into that, but it doesn't hurt to apply for that job.
Let's say you do get a job offer and you can work from home part time and office part time. Its enough money and worth it, meanwhile your dh biz takes off and you aren't putting money in and not getting it back off. You are still building your DT biz, so maybe in 6 mo or 1 yr you could quit.....now...thats not great news for your boss...but that is one option.
I don't know if I helped any, but if you need the money, check into a wah job first. Goodluck either way!
Let's say you do get a job offer and you can work from home part time and office part time. Its enough money and worth it, meanwhile your dh biz takes off and you aren't putting money in and not getting it back off. You are still building your DT biz, so maybe in 6 mo or 1 yr you could quit.....now...thats not great news for your boss...but that is one option.
I don't know if I helped any, but if you need the money, check into a wah job first. Goodluck either way!
littledb
03-27-2006, 01:53 PM
I also want to do coaching. But I know that will take time to build.
Ikes! I hate decisions. smileys/smiley36.gif
Debbie
Ikes! I hate decisions. smileys/smiley36.gif
Debbie
AtHomeLeah
03-27-2006, 02:24 PM
Debbie,
If you don't apply at all, you'll have nothing to think about.
If you do apply, you could be giving yourself options that will require thought. But if you don't apply, you'll never know what options you may have had. Just because you apply doesn't mean you'll get the job (no offense) and if even if the job is offered, you don't have to say yes.
Sometimes giving yourself a bunch to think about is almost worse, but at least you won't wonder...what if...
If you don't apply at all, you'll have nothing to think about.
If you do apply, you could be giving yourself options that will require thought. But if you don't apply, you'll never know what options you may have had. Just because you apply doesn't mean you'll get the job (no offense) and if even if the job is offered, you don't have to say yes.
Sometimes giving yourself a bunch to think about is almost worse, but at least you won't wonder...what if...
nattiesmother
03-27-2006, 02:48 PM
Debbie,
If you don't apply at all, you'll have nothing to think about.
If you do apply, you could be giving yourself options that will require thought. But if you don't apply, you'll never know what options you may have had. Just because you apply doesn't mean you'll get the job (no offense) and if even if the job is offered, you don't have to say yes.
Sometimes giving yourself a bunch to think about is almost worse, but at least you won't wonder...what if... I agree with this comment,if you do not apply you are always going to wonder what could have came from it.Good Luck!smileys/smiley1.gif
If you don't apply at all, you'll have nothing to think about.
If you do apply, you could be giving yourself options that will require thought. But if you don't apply, you'll never know what options you may have had. Just because you apply doesn't mean you'll get the job (no offense) and if even if the job is offered, you don't have to say yes.
Sometimes giving yourself a bunch to think about is almost worse, but at least you won't wonder...what if... I agree with this comment,if you do not apply you are always going to wonder what could have came from it.Good Luck!smileys/smiley1.gif
TOHE Momma
03-27-2006, 03:13 PM
Deb,
I say apply and see what happens. Then you will be choosing between real options, not "what if" options. KWIM?
As the PP's said, you don't have to say "yes" if you get the offer.
I say apply and see what happens. Then you will be choosing between real options, not "what if" options. KWIM?
As the PP's said, you don't have to say "yes" if you get the offer.
bianca5454
03-27-2006, 04:34 PM
Deb,
What sort of office work did you do or do you like to do? Something that works for me and I got into even before I started a home business is working for the school system!
My thought is to apply with the board of education in the educational arena - maybe as an aid or secretarial work. This way you would start out as a sub and fill in when they need somebody.
You can get a feel for the office world again, expand upon and build your DT network in other areas, and always be home with your kids! This is the part I love most! I am on the same schedule as my kids - we even get snow days!
Just my thoughts~ Good luck to you~
What sort of office work did you do or do you like to do? Something that works for me and I got into even before I started a home business is working for the school system!
My thought is to apply with the board of education in the educational arena - maybe as an aid or secretarial work. This way you would start out as a sub and fill in when they need somebody.
You can get a feel for the office world again, expand upon and build your DT network in other areas, and always be home with your kids! This is the part I love most! I am on the same schedule as my kids - we even get snow days!
Just my thoughts~ Good luck to you~
SpiceitupNY
03-27-2006, 04:46 PM
Have you thought about doing another party plan ontop of DT, since you already have the clientel.. It wouldn't be that hard to start up.. Or at least you'll have a start..
Otherwise.. I would say the same as these other ladies :)Edited by: SpiceitupNY
Otherwise.. I would say the same as these other ladies :)Edited by: SpiceitupNY
littledb
03-27-2006, 05:06 PM
All good ideas.
The only reason I'm thinking of this is because I love PR. This is a public relations job with a college I worked with when I established a non-profit Shakespeare Co. My dream "outside of the home job, working for someone else" is to do PR for a non-profit and get paid! I've done PR for non-profits for free! smileys/smiley36.gifSo the job appeals to my, "this would be fun", rather then "this would be money". But then I think, "the money could be good."
I've thought about other Party Plans, but I don't think that's the answer. You need to focus and to be fair to your team, I believe one is enough. Plus, I did try Greeting Cakes and I couldn't focus and just flip-flopped and it didn't work.
I did think about the school, but Billy is still so young. He's my major reason for not wanting the job.
My real destiny is to be a coach or to help others. I know that. And I know when the time is right, it will happen.
But this would give me some real life experience.
And you are all right, I haven't even applied! smileys/smiley36.gifThey'll probably look at my resume with this huge whole, except for selling toys, and laugh.
ButI think I will apply and see what happens. God works in mysterious ways. If it's not meant to be, then it won'thappen.
Debbie
The only reason I'm thinking of this is because I love PR. This is a public relations job with a college I worked with when I established a non-profit Shakespeare Co. My dream "outside of the home job, working for someone else" is to do PR for a non-profit and get paid! I've done PR for non-profits for free! smileys/smiley36.gifSo the job appeals to my, "this would be fun", rather then "this would be money". But then I think, "the money could be good."
I've thought about other Party Plans, but I don't think that's the answer. You need to focus and to be fair to your team, I believe one is enough. Plus, I did try Greeting Cakes and I couldn't focus and just flip-flopped and it didn't work.
I did think about the school, but Billy is still so young. He's my major reason for not wanting the job.
My real destiny is to be a coach or to help others. I know that. And I know when the time is right, it will happen.
But this would give me some real life experience.
And you are all right, I haven't even applied! smileys/smiley36.gifThey'll probably look at my resume with this huge whole, except for selling toys, and laugh.
ButI think I will apply and see what happens. God works in mysterious ways. If it's not meant to be, then it won'thappen.
Debbie
gkoinski
03-27-2006, 05:16 PM
Debbie,
Just go and apply. If you get called in for an interview, hey, either way, it's always a good idea to keep your interview skills sharp.
Re: your dilemma - do what is "best" for your total situation. You know well enough about making those "lists": pros & cons. Have that made up so you have a visual, go to the interview, ask the "mom" questions re: flexibility and "kid" type questions - you'll be honest and they'll let you know where they stand on working moms (look for the non-verbal clues: body position & facial expressions).
Go with you gut after that. We can all use more money, but you can't replace what they miss when you're gone. I used to work full time, but now work part time while my girls are in school (they are school age now). I missed out on a lot when they were younger, but I can attend all their school functions now. I work for a non-profit; not great money, but I have some flexibility due to that fact.
Good luck. I know how you feel........
Gina
Just go and apply. If you get called in for an interview, hey, either way, it's always a good idea to keep your interview skills sharp.
Re: your dilemma - do what is "best" for your total situation. You know well enough about making those "lists": pros & cons. Have that made up so you have a visual, go to the interview, ask the "mom" questions re: flexibility and "kid" type questions - you'll be honest and they'll let you know where they stand on working moms (look for the non-verbal clues: body position & facial expressions).
Go with you gut after that. We can all use more money, but you can't replace what they miss when you're gone. I used to work full time, but now work part time while my girls are in school (they are school age now). I missed out on a lot when they were younger, but I can attend all their school functions now. I work for a non-profit; not great money, but I have some flexibility due to that fact.
Good luck. I know how you feel........
Gina
Swidmom
03-27-2006, 05:24 PM
Debbie,
I would apply...you really have nothing to lose. I agree with everyone about the what if's. Those are the worst. Good luck and keep us posted!
Ellen
I would apply...you really have nothing to lose. I agree with everyone about the what if's. Those are the worst. Good luck and keep us posted!
Ellen
yministry101
03-27-2006, 05:58 PM
I would apply and pray that God shut the doors that he doesn't want you to go through.
amccarthy
03-28-2006, 05:47 AM
Definitely apply. I work in the corp workplace and you have to keep your name out there.What is the worst that could happen, they say"no"smileys/smiley2.gif.You mayget an interviewand even if you don't get the job you have experience in interviewing which will help in the long run. I feel that a happy, healthy mommy, whether a stay at home or working outside the home, it the best mommy. Just by your posts I can tell you are a very ambitious person. You would not wantthe "what if?" question looming in your head. So grab this opportunity and whatever happens you can't say it was something you did or didn't do. Edited by: amccarthy
LisaS
03-28-2006, 06:21 AM
Ok, I'm going totally against the grain here and say stick with what you're doing! Your kids are only little once and although there have been many times money has been scarce here (and believe me when I say scarce...try 6 weeks w/o grocery shopping, among other things) and I've considered going back to work. But I just feel my best place is here at home at least until they're in school. When I've thought about getting a "real" job I've also thought that will kill my business which I love. I won't have the time or certainly not the energy after working to go out and do what I love to do! So, I've worked hard at getting my business to pay what it needs to pay. We've tightened our belts to the point of barely breathing, and my kids have rarely dressed in anything but hand-me-downs, but I'm also teaching them that money isn't everything and that you don't need the biggest and brightest things. We've sold our house and moved into and apt. that we already owned, then bought a super cheap ($5000 - believe it or not) fixer-upper with the help of my in-laws (still not fixed up but liveable), and then been forced to sell the apt. building because we couldn't afford it either. We have 2 older vehicles that need fixing from time to time but no car payments, no house payment thanks to my patient in-laws, and we're finally (after 5 long years) getting back on track to where we need to be. In all that time neither of us ran a business that could pay for anything. But we have a strong faith in God and knew the direction He was heading us and we kept plugging along. In all that time I've never gone back to work, and now I have a thriving business that (although like you couldn't be a single income) is now making about 25-40% of our total income and the best part is, I'm still here at home with my daughter who'll be going to school in the fall. I haven't missed a minute. So that's my soapbox for now. smileys/smiley36.gif Whatever you choose you need to make sure that your family and expecially husband is on the same page. And maybe you want to thing about the "what ifs" that might come if you DO get the job...
hggood
03-28-2006, 06:58 AM
Debbie, I am going with Lisa S, Stay with me in love here. You did not mention what your husband business is actually you said DH was not bringing in an income, would DH have time or be able to pick up a part time job? Yes children are only little once, enjoy it. Also jobs are demanding and they suck you right in you start working part time, and enjoy it then you spend a few more hours at work, that money starts looking real sweet then a few more hours. Pretty soon 40+ hours and you are kind of enjoying the money and the extra dough. It is your choice, God will open doors. I will pray for you.
Lisa
Lisa
~Becky~
03-29-2006, 06:40 AM
Debbie,
No one can tell you what the right thing to do is, but you (and your DH since he'd be involved too). I think you need to find what works for your family. If you apply and take the job, are you willing to juggle kids around and hire sitters for the boys? Is your husband willing to take time away from his "non-income brining in" business? Even though part time jobs seems like the answer, doesn't always mean that those part time hours are hours that YOU choose.
I know you pretty well, and I know that your boys are your LIFE. I know you love to be home for them and I know they like you to be home for them. And coming from a mom that has two almost-teenagers....they grow up WAY too fast. Before you know it, they won't WANT you around smileys/smiley19.gif.
Up in your other post you said "My real destiny is to be a coach or to help others." So, if you know your real destiny (your PASSION) then why delay it? Why not start working on that now? Why focus on other things to put your passion on the back burner? You know where your talent is....feed it.
Ok, that's my advice for what it's worth smileys/smiley1.gif
Rebecca
No one can tell you what the right thing to do is, but you (and your DH since he'd be involved too). I think you need to find what works for your family. If you apply and take the job, are you willing to juggle kids around and hire sitters for the boys? Is your husband willing to take time away from his "non-income brining in" business? Even though part time jobs seems like the answer, doesn't always mean that those part time hours are hours that YOU choose.
I know you pretty well, and I know that your boys are your LIFE. I know you love to be home for them and I know they like you to be home for them. And coming from a mom that has two almost-teenagers....they grow up WAY too fast. Before you know it, they won't WANT you around smileys/smiley19.gif.
Up in your other post you said "My real destiny is to be a coach or to help others." So, if you know your real destiny (your PASSION) then why delay it? Why not start working on that now? Why focus on other things to put your passion on the back burner? You know where your talent is....feed it.
Ok, that's my advice for what it's worth smileys/smiley1.gif
Rebecca
littledb
03-29-2006, 06:53 AM
Todd and I bought an automotive repair shop 1 1/2 years ago. Since then, we've been living off my toy income and a combo of savings. smileys/smiley36.gifI'll tell you though, this is where direct sales can become a life saver. Without DT, we'd be in huge trouble.
I emailed the HR person of the job, who happens to be a hostess of mine, to see if how much if any could be done at home. So I know I won't get an interview if it's not plausible, since I told her that I need flexibilty. A little bold of me, I know. But then I'm putting it in God's hands. I haven't heard back.
I'm also starting to research my coaching biz a little more and see if it's plausible. Though I am soo excited, I do have an interested customer! smileys/smiley32.gifSo as I put this together, and talk with another coach, I'll be looking for feedback. So maybe I was meant to falter.
My belief is everything happens for a reason, we just may not know the answer for another 10 years.
Debbiesmileys/smiley36.gif
I emailed the HR person of the job, who happens to be a hostess of mine, to see if how much if any could be done at home. So I know I won't get an interview if it's not plausible, since I told her that I need flexibilty. A little bold of me, I know. But then I'm putting it in God's hands. I haven't heard back.
I'm also starting to research my coaching biz a little more and see if it's plausible. Though I am soo excited, I do have an interested customer! smileys/smiley32.gifSo as I put this together, and talk with another coach, I'll be looking for feedback. So maybe I was meant to falter.
My belief is everything happens for a reason, we just may not know the answer for another 10 years.
Debbiesmileys/smiley36.gif
SpokenWords
03-30-2006, 06:22 AM
I agree with you Deb everything does happen for a reason, If you have to go outside of the home to take care of your family --don't beat yourself up. It wouldn't be forever right? I hope you come to an resolution that suits your family.
Good Luck!
~Vanessa~
Good Luck!
~Vanessa~
