What Can You Live Without?

[pjlla]

I have to go against the substitute teacher route--maybe it will work for the OP but in our state you have to have a teaching degree and be licensed to substitute teach. Some private schools will hire you with just a college degree but not many. Just throwing that out there.

The requirements are different in every state, so if it is something that the OP wants to consider, she needs to find out what is required in her state. Here in NH you only need a high school diploma and pass the legal end of things (get finger-printed). While I wish the requirements were more stringent (as far as my kids' educations are concerned), it certainly made it easy for me to get the job I've had for 5 years now!......P

 

[CajunDixie]

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Some people have been burnt in the past, so they are automatically suspicious of everyone..

Some people refuse to believe there are areas in this country right now that are not hiring- or only hiring for very specific high skilled jobs..

Some people don't understand the concept of living in a very rural area - making it extemely difficult to get back and forth to the nearest town to apply for the one job that 200 other people are applying for..

Some people will automatically assume you are here trying to run a scam - to get people to offer you money or whatever..

Some people just like to kick people when they're down - makes them feel good..

Some people only post here to be nasty- seriously.. Guess it must be how they deal with the misery in their own lives..

Some people are "cautious" - not necessarily a bad thing - but it can be done with kindness, not insults..
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And some of us deal with this day in and day out in our jobs. I have people that come into our office to apply for aid because of layoffs and factory closings. When they list their expenses they write down things like NetFlix, internet, landline phones & multiple family cell phones, cable TV, satellite tv, BMG music club, extremely high utility bills, dog food, vet visits for their pets..... The list of unnecessary items is endless!!!! But they want us to pay their rent or utilities. And they get offended when we tell them to cancel the internet (library has it for free), cancel the cable tv and give the pet away. Isn't a place to live more important than having a dog? I'm sorry the economy sux and that your employer closed up shop but you (an in general you) need to take responsibility for your situation. When you were working where did your money go? Obviously not in savings.

We also require those w/o disablities to apply for 4 jobs before we help them if they aren't working at all and aren't on a temporary lay off. In this 2-stop light town where everything is within walking distance several of the people we've helped are hired but within 2 months they lose those jobs because they don't think 20 hours a week "are worth it" so they quit. Now we don't have to help them because they quit a job. You can't be choosy when you have no money. 20 hours is better than no job at all.

No I'm not trolling. Why are some people so suspicious? I come here asking for help and I get mud slung at me. Like my life doesn't suck enough as it is. Thanks.

I'm not slinging mud. As I said above I see jobless people day in and day out. Where did your money go if your house is paid for? You need to look around at other places to find a job if your paper doesn't list them. In our area I have a job list emailed to me weekly. Some of the jobs listed are through a job staffing company. Some are temporary. Included on the list is all the job openings at our local hospital. Some require training but some only require that you know CPR. The ER registration desk requires CPR and they will train you on their computer system. The cafeteria asks that you have prior food service experience but they will train people also. Nursing homes have high turnover for some of their positions in activities and the kitchens. Colleges also are a good place to look. After applying follow up with a phone call within 3 days also. Many people never bother to call...this helps you stand out in their minds as a responsible person.

 

[golfgal]

No, that's what got some people in trouble. A lot of others got in trouble by using their home equity as a credit card then the aforementioned troubles kicked in.



Oh really? So let's say your home is worth $200k. You take 10% of that out while you job hunt. Now you have no job and $20,000 in new debt. You personally might be disciplined enough to be frugal and set aside enough for living, finding work and keeping up with your new house payments. Recent history in the economy says not everyone is as disciplined as you are.

So you are suggesting that it is better to have your heat and electricity cut off, not have ANY money then to tap into the equity in your home to LIVE? That is VERY different then using the equity in your home to buy a car or a boat. Yes, they will have $20,000 in debt (if they use that much of the line) but they will have heat, electricity and water too. It has nothing to do with being disciplined. Their house is paid off, that is more then most people can say. That $20,000 will be a monthly payment of about $200 for 10 years or so, which can be paid off early when they gain full-time employment and the interest is tax deductible. In THEIR situation it is a solution to their problem--it is NOT the solution for everyone.

 

[MrsPete]

In Ohio you have to have a substitute teaching license to be a substitute (takes about 6 weeks to get). The license starting this year costs more than $100 to get and you have to have a college degree (doesn't have to be in education, just a 4 year degree in something). So, it isn't something anyone can just get. I don't know what state the OP lives in, so I don't know what her states requirements are.

In my state, a sub needs three things: a high school diploma, a clean police record, and a one-day class at the community college. I forgot about the community college class when I wrote my other post, but it doesn't even cost anything -- I had to take it before I could student teach. Admittedly, a person might have to wait until the next chance comes along, and that might not be 'til next month or so. Still, it takes very little to SUBSTITUTE in most states.

 

[MrsPete]

So you are suggesting that it is better to have your heat and electricity cut off, not have ANY money then to tap into the equity in your home to LIVE? That is VERY different then using the equity in your home to buy a car or a boat. Yes, they will have $20,000 in debt (if they use that much of the line) but they will have heat, electricity and water too. It has nothing to do with being disciplined. Their house is paid off, that is more then most people can say. That $20,000 will be a monthly payment of about $200 for 10 years or so, which can be paid off early when they gain full-time employment and the interest is tax deductible. In THEIR situation it is a solution to their problem--it is NOT the solution for everyone.

Neither one of these is a good choice . . . but I think the home equity idea probably isn't even an option. I doubt the bank'll grant such a loan with no income coming in. Plus, the OP said that finding a job turned out to be more difficult than she'd expected. Given that circumstance, taking on debt sounds like a bad idea. Plus, when they do find work, having a paid-for house means that they can live on much less than other people -- that could be their saving grace.

With so many strikes against this family, they need to work to preserve their positives: A paid for house, healthy adults willing to work. With those two things, they will get back on their feet. If they throw away the house -- or even a portion of it -- things would be worse.

Plus, they WON'T be living without electricity -- not once they go talk to Social Services. They can't cut off electricity for a family with small children. They can add on fines, they can put a lien against the house, but they can't take away the service.

 

[dvcgirl]

Well, I'm really sorry that you're going through this, but I think you need to get a little angry at your situation. Seriously, you sound really depressed and dejected. You're actually talking about burning the two trees on your property to heat your family's home! Get mad at that! Unemployment is at 6.5%, not 65%!! You've just got to get mad enough to not let this happen to your family......take help where you can get it....but it's your job to get out there and *make* something happen!!

Good luck!!

 

[CajunDixie]

Neither one of these is a good choice . . . but I think the home equity idea probably isn't even an option. I doubt the bank'll grant such a loan with no income coming in. Plus, the OP said that finding a job turned out to be more difficult than she'd expected. Given that circumstance, taking on debt sounds like a bad idea. Plus, when they do find work, having a paid-for house means that they can live on much less than other people -- that could be their saving grace.

With so many strikes against this family, they need to work to preserve their positives: A paid for house, healthy adults willing to work. With those two things, they will get back on their feet. If they throw away the house -- or even a portion of it -- things would be worse.

Plus, they WON'T be living without electricity -- not once they go talk to Social Services. They can't cut off electricity for a family with small children. They can add on fines, they can put a lien against the house, but they can't take away the service.

Yes they can and will shut off their power if the bills are not paid. Again I see this daily. The only time our local service won't shut off power is if a person has a medical problem that requires power to live. It doesn't matter if there are children or not.

 

[MrsPete]

but I think you need to get a little angry at your situation. Seriously, you sound really depressed and dejected.

I agree with this!

Yes they can and will shut off their power if the bills are not paid. Again I see this daily. The only time our local service won't shut off power is if a person has a medical problem that requires power to live. It doesn't matter if there are children or not.

Not according to my mom, who is the director of Children's Protective Services; in fact, if you're living without electricity or water, they'll investigate and perhaps remove the children from the home. Perhaps it varies from state to state.

 

[C.Ann]

Yes they can and will shut off their power if the bills are not paid. Again I see this daily. The only time our local service won't shut off power is if a person has a medical problem that requires power to live. It doesn't matter if there are children or not.

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Well that must be pretty awful for people who aren't "slackers" (like all of your clients seem to be) and have fallen on hard times due to circumstances beyond their control..

Do they at least point them in the direction of a homeless shelter?

 

[MsDisney23]

How about doing some odd jobs, house cleaning, babysitting etc. I am sorry you are going through this. Try to shop at Aldi if you have one, Wal-Mart, use a crock-pot, toaster oven. Call your local Salvation Army and see if you can get a food basket for Thanksgiving. I hope all works out for you... Peace Be With You.... Here's a big hug for ya hang in there.

 

[AnnaS]

I am sorry to read you are going through this. It's tough out there today. No job is safe regardless of what you do or how long you are there.

I also would suggest asking your local church - is there anything they can do for you? Christmas gifts for the children, help w/paying utilities (I know a neighbor's tenant once was given money for her apartment.

Babysit if you can, housecleaning, home care - where I live all the agencies advertise all the time that they will train you and place you. It does not pay much (I think minimum wage) but it's something and you get benefits. I know some have done home care privately also. Just some errands, housecleaning or companionship. Try the nursing homes if there are any close by.

Good luck and please keep us posted.

 

[happygirl]

oops posted twice

 

[perla75]

Try to appeal the unemployment denial.

I'm not sure they can appeal the unemployment. I used to be a contract employee for multiple places for several years. I did not receive any benefits, outside of a paycheck-no insurance, no unemployment if my work was terminated for any reason, they didn't even take taxes out of my paychecks. I think it was just the nature of a contracted position.

I do not think it is so hard to believe that this person & her husband are having a tough time finding employment. We live in a rural area on the East Coast & my DF has been struggling to find a job for the past 3 months. We lived in the city prior to this & there were a few more jobs there, but cost of living was too expensive so we moved to the country. NO ONE is hiring-not even restaurants, convenience stores, gas stations, retail, not even those holiday kiosks in the mall. He has been diligently researching newspapers, Craigslist, Monster, walking around town & looking for help wanted signs. Temp agencies turned him away because they had no jobs available aside from a few specialized ones that he is not qualified for & they have too many people searching. We also only have one car, which limits us, & I have to travel a few times a day with my current job. We luckily have a pretty good bus system in our area though. We are so excited because last week he scored 2 interviews-waiter position in a restaurant & a bank teller. We are holding out for the bank teller position because it's more stable than living on tips, but will take either that are offered.

Point being-the job market is NOT good anywhere you live in this country right now.

 

[happygirl]

OP Do you attend church any where?? If you do please please please let them know so they can help. So many churchs have money set apart to help families just like yours. So many people are to ashamed or to proud to ask for help.

I wish you all the best, You might try to get your kids name on a Christmas angel list where they will be able to get some Christmas stuff

 

[perla75]

Okay, I don't want to sound mean. And I understand that the economy is rough right now and everyone is stuggling in one way or another. And I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough time. Really, I am.

But I have to say...there are jobs out there. I don't know where you live..but Target is hiring pretty much everywhere ( i travel for work and visit my share of target's) So is Walmart and Kohls. There are MANY things you can do for a few extra dollars. You just have to look in the right places.

Not only that:

But if you don't have enough money to possiably heat your house...get off the internet and cancel that $30 plus month bill.
Cancel your phone service.
I don't know, i can't even phathom. I have NEVER been RICH, I have NEVER been well off. In fact, we have always just gotten by. Sometimes on min. wage jobs. But for some reason, I just don't believe that you can't find a job. Often, it is just that you WON't take certain jobs or you are too picky about the jobs that are hiring. Be available whenever. You will find something.
Sorry to be so blunt.
Good Luck!

Target might be plentiful in your area of your state, but where we live we have exactly 3 Targets in our entire section of our state. 2 out of the 3 are
on our bus route, but NONE are currently hiring & have not been hiring since we moved here 3 months ago.

We have 5 Walmarts in our entire section of our state, but only 2 of them are on our bus route & again, NONE are currently hiring & have not been hiring since we moved here 3 months ago.

I don't think you can be so general with those statements. I feel what the OP is struggling with, as the job market is the same in my area. My DF has been unemployed for 3 months looking for work. & he is not proud-he would work at a gas station or what not if necessary, but no one is hiring. We are fortunate in that I currently have a decent job & we can make ends meet (just barely) with my salary alone for now. But we wont be able to forever.

 

[Planogirl]

The OP said she had free Internet right now so that's good. It's a lot easier to find a job through the Internet than any other method nowadays. I would apply everywhere!

I think that some people are applying the conditions in their area to the OP's situation. Conditions are not same everywhere!

 

[mickeysgal]

The sad thing is a used computer is usually worth almost nothing unless its a newer laptop. However, that computer can earn money--I'd keep if to list other items for sale on craigslist and ebay.

to OP. I hope you can find an agency to give you some help on your electric bill.

I'd keep the computer to keep looking for a job. Many places have online applications. But then perhaps the poster was using the library's computer or a friends' to post to the DIS.

My heart goes out to you. Many good ideas have been posted so far...hopefully some will work for you. Apply for assistance to all the utilities. All you can do is try.

 

[AnnaS]

I forgot to add - have you applied at your local supermarket?

 

[kydisneyfans]

Point being-the job market is NOT good anywhere you live in this country right now.[/QUOTE]

I think that some people are applying the conditions in their area to the OP's situation. Conditions are not same everywhere![/QUOTE]


It really does depend on where the OP is to determine any long term decisions regarding work. The type of work offered is going to be different everywhere.

I am a hiring manager and cannot find people to work right now. Things have slowed down some, but I have had to put past help back onto jobs as I cannot fill them permanently. My wife receives calls daily for interviews, and she isn't even looking for a job. Her employer just created 17 new positions with 100% paid benefits and is having a hard time filling them. They have 4 positions that pay 45K that have been open for over a year.

This is a list of openings here as of now:
Hospitals-over 200 positions between 3 of them
Meijer-both hiring
Target-both hiring
WalMart-signs in store and monster.com
KMart/Sears-hiring
Amazon.com-over 500 positions to get filled
UPS-hundreds of open positions
Pilot Travel Centers-all hiring
Speedway/Superamerica-having open houses for immediate interviews
Logan's/Culvers, etc all are hiring right now.

The trend here is that jobs are easy to find, career jobs are not. Sometimes you have to take a job just to get by, and quite a bit of the time that will open the door to a career. Obviously the situation is different elsewhere.

Good luck to the OP, I wish you the best. If you want to make a change, there are places to go to get back on your feet.

 

[SplshMtn99]

kydisneyfans, may I ask where you are? Georgetown University? There are Georgetowns in several states. Kentucky from your name?