Help, I Can't Afford to Be a SAHM

Updated on April 07, 2011
K.B. asks from Woodridge, IL
13 answers

With the birth of my second child in December, I was forced to quite my job of ten years because we could not afford to pay daycare prices for two children. I've been searching and searching for work at home jobs, but I haven't found anything that was legitimate yet. I know about Partylite, Tupperware, Tastefully simple, and I'm really not interested in selling products. I have a brand new computer system with cable internet. There has to be something I can do on my computer. Five months has gone by since we have gone down to one income and the bills are pilling up. Our credit score is horrible because we have so many late charges on our mortgage and car payments. I'm stuck, I would not mind working if I could find affordable daycare. I thought about going part time but I don't think It will be enough to cover our monthly bills. We don't have any debt. We just don't make enough. There is got to be something I can do to make money without putting my kids in daycare. If I knew someone who could watch my kids for cheap, I know that would help too.
I need help any suggestions ?

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R.V.

answers from Chicago on

What about selling Avon? My mom has sold it for 21 years. She had me answer another poster asking specifically about Avon with the following things...

1. You make out of it as much work as you put into it. The more you sell the higher percentage profit you make.

2. A benefit she likes is no home parties... which means she didn't have to leave us at home at night. She could drop off books or orders with us in tow or while we were at school.

3. Avon sells itself... everyone knows Avon.

1 mom found this helpful

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J.C.

answers from Chicago on

You could be the daycare provider.

2 moms found this helpful
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R.N.

answers from Chicago on

I know you said you don't want to "sell" but what about if it was something you loved and you didn't feel that you were selling? I do it and I love it. I found my passion. There are so many legimate home party plans out there that you can really make good money at that it might be worth it to at least check some of them out.

If you like to read to your children - what about a book company (and along with making money you get free books for your boys)
Jewelry - gosh there are so many out there - mine being one of them LOL.
Decorating/entertaining
Cooking
Candles
Beauty and spa
and the list goes on and on. It would get you out on some "girl or mom" time a few days a week and you could make a decent income at the same time. And there are alot that you do not have to invest a small fortune to start with.
Find your passion and then find the company that is right for you.

I worked in corporate for over 25 years and just did Direct sales on the side. But 3 years ago my company closed down and I also found my current company at the same time. I have never had to look back. I am making as much as I did at my full time job (honestly) on my own schedule, getting out of the house, and loving every minute of it.

It may not be a long term solution for you, but it could help in the short term and you never know - you might just find that you like it.

Hope this helps a little.
R.
lia sophia jewelry
http://www.liasophia.com/ringsandthings

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I agree with Jenny. You could be the daycare provider in your own home or perhaps work at a daycare where costs are free or at a discount. I did that with my children. I saw them all the time. It didn't say what you did before but you could be a teacher's aid if you do not qualify for teacher. A lot of these daycares are very flexible. You make some money, your children are there and there is a lot of social networking for everyone. Plus even though this might not sound as exciting, perhaps you could alter your lifestyle a bit, such as getting a more economical car or even go down to one for awhile and shop together as a family! The most important is paying for your home so do that first no matter what. And always pay minimum on your credit cards. A lot of people think their credit is good only if they pay off the whole thing. Not so. Credit card companies like you when you make the minimum just as well. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.K.

answers from Chicago on

One thing I have thought of doing is working part time at night. That way my husband can work his full time job and I could work when he's home - no child care costs involved. I have 3 kids with #4 on the way, and I think after my last baby comes I might be doing just that very thing. There's no way we could afford daycare either. I have no interest in selling either, and it's what I have done in the "real world" before I stayed at home. So I am with you there! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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K.B.

answers from Chicago on

If you babysat one child full-time, that would give you some income. If you are not a licensed daycare provider by the state, you are limited to 3 children (including your own). That is what I do. I watch 2 other children each day in addition to staying home with my son. I have a contract with parents so I have steady income. I am not licensed but am a licensed teacher, and have good references. I do make sure to carry the insurance and am CPR/First Aid certified. I wasn't sure if we could afford for me to quit working full-time, but by doing in-home daycare, I save on my own childcare, gas, wardrobe costs, eating lunch out, etc. It really adds up what you save.

1 mom found this helpful

T.B.

answers from Chicago on

I second the "work at night" or on weekends idea. You don't mention what you used to do, but there are plenty of places you could work PT and make some money to help with some of the bills. What are your skills? Could you do some kind of consulting? What are you passionate about?

T.
www.shaklee.net/tammybristol

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K.C.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,

I used to teach and in order to stay home with my kids and make some money at the same time, I tried a home based business in which I had to carry inventory. That was great for a while until I found a company in which I was passionate about their wellness philosophy...and no carrying inventory or distributing anything! I will cut to the chase and I can give you more info later if you would like. I simply open up accounts for people (like Costco or Sam's Club) so they can shop for wellness products. Products that they might buy at WalMart, Target or Trader Joe's, but they can buy online at wholesale prices. This month, it is only $14.50 to open an account and start a business and if you know 8 people that would like to open an account in May, you are guaranteed $500. Then each month they shop online, you'll receive a commmission month after month. I started off with family and friends and went from there. Anyway, I don't normally give that info right off the bat, but I thought it might be helpful information to you. If you're at all interested, just contact me and I would be more than happy to help you.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do!
K.
____@____.com

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Hi K.,
I totally understand 4 months ago I was in the same boat! I work with a group of local moms that are partnered with an Inc 500 International Green Company. There is no Distribution or Direct Sales and they have been around for 23 years. I'd love to talk with you and see if you would be a good fit for our team and help you get out of your financial crisis.
J.
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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi,

I saw your ad and thought I would respond. I am a sahm to 3 beautiful (but very time consuming!) kids. Anyway a couple of months ago I was debating whether or not to go back to work and with daycare costs, and gas prices what they are, I realized I need to do something from home. I thought about doing daycare but realized I value my freedom way too much (and my 3 kids are PLENTY of work;) I found a position with a solid 16 year old company, marketing and enrolling new members into discount health benefit programs. You can work from your house as long as you have internet access and a phone. The company offers 6 months adv. pay, daily pay, health benefits for your entire household, 401k options and life insurance. The position is commission based but very lucrative considering 7 out of 10 people are either uninsured or under insured. The programs are VERY affordable ranging between $19.95 - $59.95 per month for the entire household. This is a booming field to get into given the current economic situation and healthcare crisis. Let me know if you would like more information, it has been a great opportunity for me and my family.

Best of Luck!

M. Menzel

Health Benefit Specialist

www.everyonebenefits.com/michelemenzel

____@____.com

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J.S.

answers from Chicago on

Well, sometimes, you just have to do something that you don't want to do just to make ends meet. If that means working in the evenings doing retail, then so be it.

I don't know what you used to do in your professional life, but unless you're willing to go out and actively look for work and sell yourself, projects and jobs just don't fall out of the sky. Maybe your husband can look for a higher paying job or take a second job.

Good luck.

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D.B.

answers from Boston on

get a job that you go to at night and your husband can watch them. i suggest this all the time but woman dont want to hear it or do it so they pretend i never said it.

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J.G.

answers from Chicago on

I know you have said that you don't want to sell but you may want to look into Arbonne. I will start by saying I do not sell the products I only buy them:) But my neighbors are both consultants and it does seem like a good and honest program that you really can make good money from without necessarily hosting parties. Check out the website and I can put you in contact with someone if you are interested. I know there are a few ladies on here who are consultants also.

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