I don't know what I'm doing!!!

[Barefoot~Baker]

I can't even think straight. My life has been turned upside down now. I've been separated for almost 4 months now, and my at home-business is not making nearly enough money to support myself and the kids. I"m getting no support from X because he has no job.

I'm getting food stamps now and applied for public assistance. I have friends who are going to help me with my work-at-home biz, and if it doesn't start growing quickly I will have to get an outside job and put my 10mo in daycare. In Sept my kids will be back in school which gets out at 2pm.

I don't know who will help pick up /drop off the kids. I don't know where the heck I will work. I don't know where I'll be living in a few months.

I'm looking at the possibility of having to sell the house and split the profit (it was bought by my FIL so I don't know how much I'll get out of it by the judge).

I don't even know what I"m asking, my mind is just swirling with questions and anxieties. Please give me advice and encouragement! Thanks!

[provocativa]

if your house is big enough, think about moving another single mama in to share rent. there should be a service for utilities assistance- here it is called the community action center or similar, and they are a gatehouse to funds that the utilites themselves put aside for helping the needy. here it is funded yearly, so it's good to get on the waiting list in the summer for heating assistance. use the food pantry before you need it- having staples can ease your mind. sell your stuff on craigslist or your local online yardsale. use facebook and linked in to promote your business. when you have the extra cash, sampling out product really gets you business. i can't remember- were you starting a bakery?

[MissLotus]

Have you consulted with a lawyer? That would help you to formulate a financial plan, for starters.

[samy23]

What sort of business is it? Do you know anyone else with the same type of business who can give offer you some start up help with it?

Incase it doesn't work out, you could start looking even now for part-time jobs you can work during school hours....I know there aren't many available, but there are some if you really look. I found a store which offers the shift of 9:30am till 2:30pm, or 10am-2pm...which are both great if you need/want to be there with your kids in the mornings, take them to school, then be able to pick them up from school and be with them for the rest of the afternoon/evening.

Or if you can't find anything with those hours, maybe look into starting your own home daycare? Then your baby can still be with you all day.

Regarding your home, if you have to move out, are there any family members you could stay with for a while?

[Barefoot~Baker]

Thanks

I've printed out the form for energy assistance and found the food pantry. I do have family that I can stay with, although it will be tough, but, at least it's somewhere to go.

I mentioned my worries to my pastor and he's looking for people to help me get on my feet as much as possible.

Renting is a great idea

Thanks so much. I find myself panicking a lot these days