Hello everyone. I'm new to this site as of about 10 minutes ago. I'm still learning how to use everything so hopefully I will be able to converse with some of you soon.

I am a single mom of 3 wonderful kids (who completely wear me out!) I have been battling feeling hopeless and depressed. We are always struggling for money, time, school events etc and I'm just worn out with it all.

I have a low paying job that I can't seem to go anywhere with and I think I should go back to school to finish my Bachelors degree but where will I find the time? I can't quit working because my ex does not pay support or provide health insurance. I would love to hear from anyone with advice on juggling going back to school, working, kids sports, housecleaning etc. or would love to hear from anyone in general with a word of encouragement.

I'm looking forward to being a part of this site.

Thanks!

Hey Karen,
I am not too far from you and am currently dealing with these things too. PM me and we can talk.

In the meantime, this is the best place to be. We have the best people in here to help and listen. Most in here have gone through the same. If they have not they will be more than happy to just be there for support. Welcome and good job for coming in.

I have to say how proud you should be of yourself for making this step. You are now amongst friends and a sort of "family". Enjoy and breath.

Hi Karen and :welcome: I know you will like it here. I know how hard it is as well, but know we can/will make it. Just hold your head up and be strong and pat urself on the back!! Your are doin a great job!!!

Hi Karen,

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!!! It's one of the best places to be. Well ok I seem to think that but then of course being addicted to the board I would say that! LOL. Seriously the people here give great support and really do care about you. Many of us are in the same sitatution as you.

Lets see this is how I did school, work, raisng a son and housecleaning. I worked part time, went to a community college that worked w/my schdule, did get state asstiant, raised my little boy the best I could and had the messed house and always dirty laundry!! LOL LOL. Had to let something go rightL Anyways I graduated w/my A.D in Human Services. My son seems mental ok that the house was always messy and cluttered. Nope not therapy required for that yet LOL.

I have the one of those job that pay crappy but hey got the BIG name LITTLE pay. I want to go back to college for my BA in HS so I can get a better job. I'm hoping I am able to do so after my baby is born.

You're doing great with three kids and on your own. Hope to see you here more often.
SPIRIT

Welcome Karen!! I am currently juggling a full time job, 3 college classes (working on my BS in psychology) and a 2 year old. I also do not get child suport (or state support) and I don't get financial aid for school, either. AAAHHH!!! It's extremely stressful. I'm broke. I'm tired. And I drink A LOT of coffee!! LOL! But it CAN be done! Look into evening classes or early morning classes or even online classes. Alot of school offer classes online so you can take them at your convenience. (I wish I would have thought of that before!!) My boss works around my class schedule, so some days I come in late, some days I leave early...I just make up hours at lunch or on the weekends from home. Hope some of this helps you!

You can do it Karen. I am currently going to Medical Billing and Coding School 20 hours a week in the morning. I work part time in the afternoon and go to college at night. It is hard, but getting my business degree will be the best thing for my son and me.

Just some advice, visit this board at least once a day. I visit more like 5 times a day. It is source of inspiration and laughter. Sometimes sadness, but we are all here for each other.

I am so thrilled to hear from all of you! Thanks for the great advice on going back to school and the encouragement to hang in there.

Yes, my house never seems to stay clean and sometimes I feel as if I am running in circles, but my kids know I love them. Sounds like everyone else can relate.

Thanks for such a warm welcome. I feel truly united with each and every one of you. I am very shy and since the ugly breakup when my ex left, I have been quite the hermit. Hopefully this site will give me a chance to come out of my shell in a safe place. You all sound so positive and full of great advice. Thanks again!

Karen,
I will bet that you will be one of us before you know it. hehe

I am currently living in Oregon also, have kids whom I homebound educate through a program in the public Schools system, am working on Dual Masters degrees (accounting and HR) am looking towards starting my doctorate after finishing these masters degrees and have a very ill daddy as well as trying very hard to stay away from and hidden from my ex who knows my phone number now and is looking for me and the kids (he was abusive) trust me hun, if I can do it anyone can.

:welcome:

Welcome to our one big happy SFV family!! We are the largest dysfunctional family on earth, lol, but also the greatest, most supportive, and down right entertaining family you'll ever find. This is a safe haven, and we're here to listen, laugh, and love. Glad you could join us!

I'm a full time college student, and I do all my classes online. I know there are an increasing number of colleges that offer online based education. I know Portland State University has a few online programs, though I haven't checked them out in a while. And most colleges offer federal aid for students who need it. Federal Pell Grants cover the entire cost of my tuition and books, though I expect I'll have to take on a few student loans when I transfer to a 4 year college.

PS- I'm an Oregon native too(born and raised), though I live in AZ now....but there's nooo place like hoooome :::singing in the worst fake country singer voice you've ever heard:::