What can I do?

[Shye]

Hello all,

I could really use some advice.

I am in desperate need of a job.

We are struggling to get the basics covered [food, diapers, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gas for my husband to get to/from work, minutes for his prepaid phone so that his work can contact him] and pay our bills [car loan from repossessed vehicle that comes out automatically, internet (which my husband needs to have to do things for work, it's also how we keep in touch with family and pay bills), auto insurance, and past debt.]
Luckily we don't have to "pay" for rent/electricity/heat, but it's coming out of my husband's check at $500 more than we have ever paid for those 3 things.

I have no work or volunteer experience at all, so I have no references.
I have a high school education, but I was in special-ed classes; I graduated 8 years ago.
I am unable to use the phone or doing any audio transcription work.
I can't drive.
My state's vocational rehabilitation counselor in my county has been unable to help me [tried to place me at stores and fast-food restaurants] because of my limitations and the fact that I don't have childcare. (I have a 2 year old and an almost 4 year old; my husband is in the military so he works long hours, we don't know anyone who could watch our kids, and we can't afford childcare.)


I need to make at least $500 a month (what I was getting for SSI disability, which I received from the time I was in high school [but it wasn't that much then] until last year when they stopped payments because I got married 6 years ago).

I have been doing Amazon MTurk, (as well as surveys and similar sites) but I can't make enough.
I am not good at writing.
I was not good enough to do Key For Cash.
I couldn't get in at LeapForce or LionBridge.

I've been searching this (and similar) sites, and I just feel so hopeless.

Any advice about what I can possibly do for work would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for all who took the time to read this.
And thank you very very much if you respond.

Also, if this is in the wrong place, please move it to where it belongs.

Thanks again.

[LorettaA]

Hi Shye,

You are in a tough position. I'm sure it is very stressful. Have you thought about watching other children in your home? Do you have any domestic skills that may be of service to others? Maybe baking cakes? I'm just throwing some ideas out there. Try to think of things that are minimal to no investment to get started.

It doesn't sound like the right time to start a business because you will need to invest in your business.

[ybnegood]

You're in a pretty tight spot right now.....holiday season is the best time to make a little extra cash, but
time is running out with Christmas just a month away.

I have a couple of items that are perfect for Christmas, won't make you a ton of money, but could help some
with the bills.

I need either people to promote my Christmas items (for a referral fee paid to you for each person that buys)
or people that want to sell these items and keep the profit for themselves.

I would be happy to send you samples free, and discuss further via email... if you are interested, send me a
private message with your email address...

martin

[avonlady916]

Being strapped for bucks during the holidays somehow is just worse than at other times. My prayers are with you for an improvement in your situation.

Bonnie

[Rachelz]

Hi Shye,

Sounds like you are in the perfect position to start your own business. Do you know how many millionaires started with nothing (no quals, limited skills, learning disabilities, and so on)? They were basically left with no option other than to start a business of their own. Not being able to find other's to hire you is an exceptionally powerful motivator to build something of your own!

I was sad to see so much negativity in your post. You didn't mention a single thing that you actually enjoy doing or any of your skills (I'm sure you have much more than you think you do). You would be surprised the number of businesses you can start with very little money. What are some of the resources in your home?

If you could add to your post with a little more (positive) detail, I (and I'm sure many others) will be able to help you more....

[cmfrerx1966]

The first thing I thought of was for you to provide childcare. I did this for several years when my girls were preschoolers. I loved it. You would have to find out the registration/licensing regulations in your state. I live in IL and ran mine as unlicensed at the time as was allowed then. There are minimal start up costs and adding a couple more children actually forced my day to be more structured and alot less stressful. Is this an option at all for you?

[ginene]

Maybe you should look into blogging and affiliates. It's not money overnight but it can help. You said that you are not good at writing but after reading your post you will do good at blogging. You don't have to be a professional writer to blog. If your are interested, start with ProBlogger.Community and read the WarriorForum - Internet Marketing Forums. When you get good at it you can promote your surveys and any future businesses. People that stay dedicated at it make really good money from it. Just a suggestion and you can sign up with a free one at www.blogger.com in the mean time while your looking for other ways to make money.

[Phyllis J. Smith]

Hello....so sorry to hear of your hard times! I agree with several of the above about possible day care in your home...another possibility is Caregiving..many elderly need someone to stay with them 24 hours a day....you could work this out with an agency, and work when your husband is home with the children. Look into CARE.com in your area!

I wish you the best!

[Twilightprincess]

Sorry to hear of your hard times. Stay strong and have faith.

Have you looked into incentive marketing? or maybe those interest earning websites. I heard people can make around $100 a day with those and it doesn't take too much to start (like $10). I can get more info on it from a good friend if needed...

Hope everything gets better for you soon.

Also try living on coupons to buy things from online websites and free samples.

[malea]

If I where you I would look into a home business.