Work from Home - Fresh Meadows,NY

T.M.
I really understand what you are feeling at this moment. I have 4 kids, 10 and under, with no help, one income even though my spouse and I are both well educated, I have a Master in Conflict Management, but he is the sole bread winner because we could not afford day-care for 4 kids. I have been caring for them for the past 10 years, fully, no day-care just occasionally when we both have to be out, seldom. I have a mother, no mother-in-law, she passed 10 days before our wedding, our kids never had a chance to see her, but my Mom does not help out, she once spend 6 months with us, she was hysterical, unhappy even though she was not really babysitting, but I just notice that we can not count on her, so we decided to do our job, this is our responsibility and no harsh feelings, We do not complaint about it and we trimmed our expenses, and survived it. Sometimes, it is not about babysitting or so, it is about other stuffs going behind your back and people usually do not express openly those feelings. If your mother-in-law does not babysitt your children, she resent you for something else, I can tell and she want talk about it because you are her son's wife; unfortunately men do not see things that way, he might just feel that you are exaggerating the whole thing. If I were you, I would put the issue of babysitting aside, thank my MIL for what she did, have a honest coversation with her about your relationship and once that page is closed, hopefully you and her would get along better, but at the same time, I would not come back to letting her babysit the kids unless we are visiting, but she is the kids grand Mom and they deserve the relationship with her; just make it clear in your mind that she is not going to babysit the kids. I would not pay my Mom or MIL to babysit my kids, it changes the whole relationship, family is family, we should not confuse this. You can not fire your MIL the way you would fire your regular babysitter, do not pay in-law for such thing, if she wants to help, it should be out of love, not the out of the love of money.
Vava
Certified Mediator
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful

This may seem like an obvious answer (it was for me), but have you considered starting your own daycare business from home? I did that for a while when I was in school... stayed home with my kids, watched other kids (playmates! so much fun for my babies!), and had a part time job just so I would file my taxes at the end of the year. It was exhausting some days, but I made it a point to help out single mom's who couldn't afford 'real' daycare, and emotionally and financially, it really paid off in the long run.

Also, I was fortunate enough (when the economy was good) to work from home for a trucking company. THAT was a LOT of work (as I was the only employee other than the drivers and the owner)... but man, it was fun. I worked 7 days a week, and long hours, but I was HOME... trucking has gone down since no one is buying, but it's always worth a shot. Look online for over the road trucking companies in your area that are looking for dispatch people... most places are small ma and pa family companies that don't mind their employees working from home, since then they won't have to spend the money to rent office space.

One other thought, only because this is what I'm doing now, look up online any websites in your area that may need help answering support emails. I happened to get this particular job because my kids godfather owns the company, but there are tons of websites that could probably use the help, and since it's all online, no phone support, you can do it from home, in your jammies, while doing laundry, with kids screaming in the background. The pay isn't glamorous, but it's a paycheck, and when you factor in the money you're not spending on daycare, driving too and from work, work clothes, lunches, etc... that smaller paycheck is totally worth it since you're not spending most of it on those things!

I know I didn't touch on the MIL thing, but really... sounds like she needs to get a grip and realize everything you are doing for her son and your family!

1 mom found this helpful

Check out the forum at workplacelikhome.com. It is a great place to learn legit ways to earn money at home, and they even post job leads and can tell you what to look for to see if it's a scam.

If you like to write you can supplement your income at associated content. Also check out Demand Studios, Textbroker, and Suite 101.

If you like to blog or want to get into blogging, check the The Niche Blogger program at http://www.thenicheblogger.com/amember/go.php?r=3549&...
You do have to pay to join, it's 19.95 a month but you can have a free trial to see what it's about. I love this program, Amy, the owner, walks you through what you need to do step by step. You don't need any knowledge about blogging or websites to get started. Also, what is great about this program is that you know it works because it is something that she actually does herself. She started 2 years ago and now she makes $5,000 a month for blogs she already has set up.

Also, check out KGB or ChaCha.com. Neither will give you a full time income, but it can help supplement your income. These are great because it requires no phone work and you can set your own schedule up.

Check out www.TreasureTrooper.com/minella I made 58$ last month and I did about an hour ever week night while I was watching TV. It's a very easy way to make extra money. I think of it as a hobby that makes me money.

If you have Facebook, check out http://cloudcrowd.com/i/65abd6 They offer tasks for you to do. I've heard it's very easy. I don't have any personal experience with it yet, but I am starting it today. But I have heard good things about it.

If you have any questions about any of this, I would be more than happy to answer them.

1 mom found this helpful

I have my own Shaklee Business. Absolutely you can do this from home, probably putting in no more than 15 hours per week. Your kids can even be in the room while you are working for most things. I'm talking about your own business, not working for someone else.
Take a look at my website at the business section and if you have an interest contact me. I'd be happy to help you.
http://healinghappens.myshaklee.com/us/en/welcome.html

A word of caution.......don't get int he MIL trap. If you can politely tell your MIL how much you appreciate her but do not want to take advantage of her. Ask her what she is comfortable with in regard to babysitting and honor what she says. As far as the criticism.......do your best to smile and ignore her. Don't let that get to you. It will go far. I know! Easier said than done, but complain to a friend, not your husband or sister in law.

Hang in there!

1 mom found this helpful

Have you looked into an au pair? Up front it's costly however you can break down the payments. Once he or she is in your home the actual weekly pay is close to 400.00 more like 360.00 however this covers all the children. You can schedule the hours as you need it. They drive so they can run errands for you and pick up and drop off your children. You just have to make sure you have the space i.e bed-room. By resigning how much will you loose and how much will you gain? Weigh your options very carefully. What will one income do to your tax return?? what about health coverage? are you all on your husband's plan if not can you all go on his plan now? Is your career something that you can pull out of now and jump back in at a later date? There are alot of issues that need to be addressed before you make a decision like this and I urge you to not make a decision based on emotion. Don't let your mother in law push you to make a decision that long-term may not be right. Good luck

I think that situation is unfortunate, and I'm sorry because I know how in-laws' influence can be. I, too, have been trying to find legitimate work from home opportunities to supplement my income. Could u let me know what u come up with? As for ur in-laws, pray!

Have you checked into www.toysofdiscovery.com Discovery Toys? You can build a team of others who sell and sponsor like you do, selling educational toys through home parties and other venues (schools, etc). You earn commissions and bonuses on your own sales as well as the sales of the people you sponsor. I have been part of the company for 15 years and just returned (last night) from this year's incentive trip to Puerto Rico. Our trip for 2, all expenses paid, for next year is to Costa Rica. You could be there with us if you join now and start working. We train and coach you! You only need a $35 deposit on our starter kit. Go to my site and contact me to get started.

Hi T.M.

I know that family issues like this can be so hard. Everyone has a different feeling so everyone has different ideas on how to fix it. I am sorry for your frustration.

I know there are a lot of scams out there about working from home. I have always had the dream to work at home with my kids so I have been scammed a couple times. I have finally found my perfect fit. I love it because I get to help others plus it doesn't matter if my girls are talking or playing in the background. We are a team of moms so a lot of us have kids in the background. I love what I do and it could be the right fit for you too. You can request info. at my site http://www.AttainingMyDreams.com and I will personally call you back with details. There is no risk or money up front. You get all the information and then decide if it is right for you.

Good luck with your MIL and your search!

C.

I know there are a lot of "consulting" options (Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chef, etc...) out there that are extremely reliable but don't create much of a reliable income (unless you want to invest a lot of time!) But I definitely wouldn't go with any of those "work from home" gimics you see on the internet or TV. You'd most likely be wasting your time and money and causing yourself a lot of frustration. I would just do some research into something that might make you happy and use a trusted source. Is it possible to just reduce the hours that you work rather than resign altogether? Or maybe do something that would allow you to have your kids with you? Maybe offering to do childcare for someone else? Just some thoughts.

But on another note, I think that having a serious conversation with your husband about how his mother is making you feel is definitely necessary. The key is not to be hostile and blaming but rather letting him know you're "concerned." Ask his opinion and try to see his point of view.

Now I'm just rambling. Trying to find some soothing words for you here! :) Good luck though and hang in there!

I can see how difficult this is for you since you are considering resigning. Maybe you can find someone else to watch the kids? In the meantime, there is this site called hiremymom.com
you have to subscribe but they have some great job opportunities for moms. A lot of different kinds of postings. Good luck!

T.M.
I am so sorry that you are going through this. It must be so frustrating for you, especially when you get in-laws involved. It all to often is such a sticky situation that doesn't have any immediate answers or results. What do YOU want to do? Do you enjoy working full time outside your home? Do you want to be a stay at home mom? Maybe something in the middle working less hours at work or maybe being able to bring some of your work home? There are several options available for you.

You are so right in asking if there are any trustworthy work from home opportunities out there, because the truth is, that there are so many scams everywhere you look. I was shocked to see all of the crazy ideas that people had in promising me that I could make $1000's by stuffing envelopes or other insane notions. So please do your research on everything that you come across.

I am a busy mommy of 4 kids ages six and under and now work from home advertising for a green manufacturing company. I LOVE MY JOB! I love the flexibilty that it provides around my kids schedules, I earn a reliable, ongoing monthly income, and it is something that I can be super proud of. I am a registered nurse by profession, and can't sell a thing to save my life, so when I found this company and saw what they offered me, I jumped at the opportunity and haven't regretted a minute of it. I would be happy to share with you what I do and to see if it would be a great fit for you and your family as well.
My website is www.enhancingfamilies.com

Good luck, I know that you will make the best decision for you and your family!

I also just had my second child and I work full time outside of the home. Before my first son was born or even conceived my mother in law was over for lunch. She was talking about moving to Florida and I quipped "who will watch our children!". I wasn't serious, maybe I was trying to guage her reaction, but no joke she still talks about it when I am not around and that was like 5 years ago. The experience was humiliating considering that my own mother passed away 10 years ago, and my father lives out of state, so it is not like I have tons of parental support. Now that her own daughter has twins she will be sitting one or two days a week for them.
Sometimes having family involvement can make working a much worse situation. We got a nanny after my first child and she is still with us 2 and a half years later.
There are affordable daycare options out there that provide amazing care, but you do have to look for them. My employer has worked with me on my hours so we have worked out a schedule that everyone is happy with, and I do love my job. I love being a working mom, even though I don't get hardly any 'me' time, my career fulfills me and I have lots of time in the mornings and evenings and weekends with my children. I think the question you need to ask of yourself is do you really WANT to be a stay at home mom or are you concerned of someone else giving your children care that is up to your standard.
I am allowed to occasionally work from home, but seriously what the other mommy said about a child crawling on your lap or underneath the table to play with the wires, is totally my oldest son. I get virtually nothing done when he is in the house. I have to have the nanny take both kids out and I furiously get work done when the house is empty or everyone is sleeping. I don't even like working from home anymore because it is too complicated.
I say ask around for affordable daycare options with flexible schedules. I bet you can find a home based daycare that fits your needs. Get rid of Grandma, it is tough on you and her and it is not easy to have the person providing 'care' not be allowed to discipline anyway.
If you do decide to be a stay at home mom because that is what you truly want (because that also comes with some serious strings attached) think of restructuring your bills or getting rid of some of the things you pay for every month, you might could find a few hundred dollars somewhere that you never thought you could.
Good luck!!!

I am so sorry to hear what your going through! I work from home and LOVE IT! I have meet some amazing people doing this and I have so much more time with my family. Check out my website at www.nstyletravel.worldventures.biz and watch the videos of what it is we do! If you would like to talk please feel free contact me at ____@____.com a Great Day!!
K.

Your MIL sounds like a handful. She may feel that you depend on her and doesn't know how to come out and say that she just doesn't want to be your daycare provider. If she doesn't want to care for two little ones all day, then she is entitled not to have to do that. If you're paying her to watch the kids, you could pay somebody else.
Most genuine "work at home" opportunities come from jobs women already have, where they are "telecommuting." Please realize that working a real job from home does not mean not using any childcare. You can't be working and providing your full attention to a baby and older child at the same time. I know it sounds good to be working from home but if you don't set yourself up with childcare, it's likely to be very stressful.
Either way, it sounds like MIL does not want to be your babysitter and doesn't want to tell you, so I would look into other childcare options.

Check well all your options because working from home is working and it's very hard to work + take care of the children + take care of the house.

I have been working from home for the last 4 years. Since my daughter is born, 10 months ago, it became impossible. I quit my job. Now, I'm back at working from home but with a full time nanny. The office door is closed when I work, so its like if I was working outside, except that we have all lunch together and my commute is 10 seconds.

It depends a lot on whether your children are quiet or active, clingy or independent, on reliable schedule. Some children will not let you work if you are at home because they demand attention and you cannot close the office door because someone has to look after them. Some children will have a tantrum/wake up crying from their nap... just when you are talking with a customer. Some children will climb on your lap and press the wrong button or crawl under the desk and play with cables...
So you have to think about it very well and assess how much time you can really and realistically put on your work. Then, you need to do the maths if these hours will match the earnings you need/expect.

If you don't want your MIL to baby sit anymore (it seems that you are not happy about it, and she is not either), maybe you can find some alternatives. For example, sharing a nanny, an au-pair, etc.

Good luck.