Help - I am not sure what to do!

[DonnainME]

Hi everyone. I have been trying to live frugally but need extra advise.

I am expecting 2 extra children (my youngest 2 that live with their dad usually) for a month this summer and my parents also. I had planned to take a leave of absence from work, but they decided to change the rules in the middle and now they won't give me the leave. I haven't seen my 2 children (the oldest lives with me) since October and I told them I wouldn't be working when they are here. I have put in my resignation because I will NOT lie to my kids. I can go back after they are gone - management told me to re-apply. Anyway, I will be getting extra foodstamps when they are here (already talked to DHS) so food isn't an issue. I'm just worried about electric and phone.

Can you all give me more ideas on ways to reduce?

[Frugal Cook]

Can you explain why your electricity and phone bills will go up sharply, thus a financial burden, with two extra children for one month?

[DonnainME]

I don't know how much they will go up, but I was expecting to be able to have a leave of absence instead of having to quit. I am going to try to get another job when the kids do leave (at the beginning of July) but I don't know how long it will take.

[mombottoo]

Tell your boss you changed your mind and keep working???? If you did this you wouldn't be lying to your kids...kids need to know that sometimes adults have to do what adults have to do and that's just the way it is.

[Jamauk]

I don't know how much they will go up, but I was expecting to be able to have a leave of absence instead of having to quit. I am going to try to get another job when the kids do leave (at the beginning of July) but I don't know how long it will take.

I'm confused - I thought you were going back to your current job after your kids left - so why are you looking for a different job? Also, was your leave of absence going to be paid or unpaid? I guess I'm a little confused about what exactly you are asking....

[stinkbug]

You're quiting your job when your kids visit??? Why would anyone quit a job in this economy??? If your parents are there and can help care for them while you work...I really don't understand this reasoninng.

[LuvMyHubby]

I totally get that you only get to see your kids for a short time and want to give them your undivided focus but the is Maine here and jobs are not growing on trees. I am not so sure I would quit, but that is just me.

If you do quit what is your back up plan? I don't see your phone bill going up as long as you make it clear no unneeded long distance calling or buy a prepaid calling card for that purpose. You may use a bit more electric but that will be because there will be people there during the day where there weren't before. See if you can make a payment plan with electric co. before hand.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[bumplett]

I agree with LMH, your phone bill shouldn't increase - that's pretty much a set rate.

Electric shouldn't go up much if you keep lights turned off when not needed, etc.

I don't agree with quitting a perfectly good job because it's inconvient - sounds like your priorities are a bit skewed.

jmho.

[Evie]

I agree with you Donnainme taking the time off to be with your children as you havent seen them since october. They are not children for long and time with them is precious. Its a shame the firm you work for is now being unreasonable.
Is there anyway you could prehaps explain things to your boss or his boss and appeal. I think this is unfair that they changed their minds about your leave.
Maybe you could claim for constuctive dismissal as they are forcing you to resign.

[DonnainME]

I agree with you Donnainme taking the time off to be with your children as you havent seen them since october. They are not children for long and time with them is precious. Its a shame the firm you work for is now being unreasonable.
Is there anyway you could prehaps explain things to your boss or his boss and appeal. I think this is unfair that they changed their minds about your leave.
Maybe you could claim for constuctive dismissal as they are forcing you to resign.

Thanks for understanding. It is WalMart and I only work 3 days per week there - Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I have tried to explain to them and to the district office but they all keep saying "No Exception".

The reason I said something about a different job after they are gone is because I am not sure I want to work for a company that acts like this.

I am working until May 22.

I sell Avon also, so that does bring in a little bit of $ but not enough to pay the bills. I have decided to really PUSH this business and if I can get it to make more money I might just be able to do that only. If not, I will look for another job somewhere.

I have health conditions that are keeping me from working full time and that is why I am part time there.

Donna

[Jamauk]

Ok - I was just a little confused! Thanks for clearing that up. I don't have any experience with Wal Mart, but I have heard they are not the greatest company to work for. Since your direct boss told you to reapply, that's a good back up to have.

You mention you sell Avon - have you ever considered giving Mary Kay a shot? (I'm not trying to drum up business, I just know a lot about this company). I used to be a consultant with them and they really do offer a lot of opportunities for women. You have to put some work into it, but it can really pay off big time....just something for you to think about...

Good Luck and have a wonderful summer with your kids!

[DonnainME]

Avon does bring in some money and I am going to push it and hopefully have it bring in enough. I usually make $200 to $300 a campaign (2 weeks) and if I can keep that up and bump it a little more things will be ok. I'm just worried about it. DH is trying to get SSI - has applied and is still in process but hasn't heard no or yes yet. If that comes in we will be ok also.

Mary Kay is not something I am interested in. I have looked at it before.

I almost didn't come back to the thread because of the people that were saying I was crazy for leaving a job. WM is a bad place to work and if I can keep from working there - my Dr and DH and everyone that cares about me and my health would be happy.

I'm busy trying to decrease all expenses and learning how to stretch more. My in laws have been paying the bills here and we JUST turned everything over to our name so that is another reason I am concerned. I'm worried that the first month everything is OUR responsibility we won't be able to pay the bills. I have a cell for the business (and used it to call the kids since they are long distance) and have cut that back from $65 to $25 - we got a tracphone also. I am cutting off all extra lights - opening up windows, everything is compact florescent.

I'm just scared I guess.

Donna

[Jamauk]

Its understandable to be scared - its a big change all at once. Just do everything you can to cut back and if worse comes to worst, at least you know you can always go back to Wal-Mart to make ends meet until something better opens up.

[DonnainME]

Thanks Jessica. We have started picking up bottles and cleaning up around here - In laws left lots of crap. So far we have turned in $19.25 in bottles. We're going to have a garage sale - hopefully sell some stuff and maybe get some NEW Avon customers.

I miss my kids too. My oldest lives with me and she's so sweet. I want everyone to have fun this summer and we are trying to come up with free/really cheap things to do while they are here. I talked to my parents and they are bringing up tents and sleeping bags - we can go to a state park and camp a night or two.

[Suzi T.]

Don't forget to let God help out too.Amazing things can happen.