PDA

View Full Version : I am the reason for my failure...



LyndaG
09-30-2010, 07:40 AM
Over the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to be able to be a SAHM.

I did work a few jobs here and there to help supplement my DH's income when he worked construction and work was slow or he was laid off.

But, I never had to work, it was always my choice. It was something that DH and I talked about and agreed on when we started our life together.

I never felt bad, embarrasses or worthless over the past 15 years on my choice. I have enjoyed watching my kids grow and develope, I felt proud that I was home when they got home from school, that I didn't have to juggle home, work, kids, daycare and still have to find time to give them one on one attention.

I know there are so many women that didn't have the option that I had to stay home. I did feel like it was my job to be as frugal, cheap, bargin hunting as I could to help make up for the missing income.

When the kids started to get older, DH and I talked about me working. I thought at least a PT job would not only help us financially, but as a way for me to get out of the house.

In Dec of last year I applied for a job at family dollar, a few blocks from my house. My boss was a very leaniet boss as I had to have my youngest come to the store after school to wait to be picked up by my middle daughter when she got off the bus, about 10 minutes. This really helped as I didn't have to pay daycare, work was close so I could walk back and forth, even in the winter, only having one vehicle this was great.

After about a month into working everything went south. There was so much tension at the store between me and my boss. Several times I wanted to walk off the job, quit, tell her to stick it. But, I bit my tounge as my DH switched jobs and now my income was needed. Over the next five months I came home every night from work and cried. I was mad all the time, I started to take it out on my family, friends and even myself. I knew every job will have it pros and cons, but this job was only cons. I dreaded going to work, I once was this happy, chatty, cheerful person, but turned into a mean person, not caring, and started to shut out my family and friends.

I was let go from my job there, the first time I have ever been fired. I cried and cried and cried. Not because I lost my job, but my income. I talked to my DH and told him that I wanted to take the summer off of looking for work. I had a lot at the house to do. So I took off the summer and cleaned out my garage, house and basement. OMG We had accumilated so much over the 6 years since buying the house. Even though I took the whole summer to do this, I'm still not done.

Even though I haven't compleated my house clean out, I'm done enough to start looking for a job. So that is what I started about two weeks ago. There are some jobs in my area, but living in a small rural farming town, only having one vehicle, my DH's hours are so varied, that it is hard to put one hunderd percent into looking. If I need the car I have to get up at times as early as 2:30am to take DH to work, then there are times he doesn't get home until 9p or later.

I talked to my sister about going back to school. Ok, I dropped out of school about a month into 11th grade, so I only have a 10th grade education. I did get my GED at about 26 years old. I even started tech school. But, at that time my DH didn't have a license, so I would get up at 5a, get the kids up, dressed, take DH to work, get home, feed kids, then off to school and daycare, go to school myself, after school I worked PT, then pick up kids from daycare, start supper and go pick up DH. Then try to do my home work. It was getting very stressful a month into it. I had a lot of medical problems about a month before school started and when I went to the Dr for a check up and test. I got a phone call from my Dr about an hour later, I was pregnant with #3. Went in for a check up, my Dr then told me, you have two options, school or baby. I chose baby and dropped out of school.

Now here I sit 7 years later, a 10th grade education, a GED and no work history. I'm not surprised that I'm not getting hired anywhere.

I feel like a failure, and I am the reason for this. I had options, that I didn't take, I had jobs that I walked away from. I am spoiled in the fact that I won't take just any job. I don't think I'm better than any job, I don't think any job is beneath me, but I feel like a spoiled brat in that I'm so picky.

I am the reason for my failure and only I can change this. I just need to find myself again, find my dreams and my passion.

Lynda

wendy1214
09-30-2010, 07:46 AM
(((hugs)))

KellyMarie
09-30-2010, 07:54 AM
Lynda, I have had these feelings many times in the past, I also only have a GED and have similar experiences to yours. I worked when I had to, and stayed home when I could. I have been at home for 3 years now and am afraid if I have to get a job, and I may have to through the winter this year, it's going to be at McDonald's or back to Subway....BUT.....you are not a failure! You have stood behind your husband and helped him for many years, you have done everything you can to raise happy well adjusted children and be there for them whenever they need you and because I have met you in person, I know that you are a wonderful, caring, loving and sweet woman.
I hope you get through this time in your life and keep your chin up, just because things are hard does not mean you are a failure! I wish I could drive up to Minnesota and give you a huge hug!
Love ya :)

KarrenOliver
09-30-2010, 07:55 AM
:hug: I think you are being too hard on yourself....you are certainly not a failure in my eyes!!

bnkkey
09-30-2010, 08:06 AM
I agree...you are not a failure.Your kids are the most important part and you were there to see them grow up.They will remember that.(((HUGS)))))

Jeanne
09-30-2010, 08:08 AM
:hugs: You are not a failure. You are raising your children! Take a deep breath and if you really need to work see if you can find a job online. I have run into a few people working for staples and 1800 flowers that work from home.

Maggie
09-30-2010, 08:09 AM
First, BIG hugs! Second, don't regret any of your choices... you are here and that's WONDERFUL. You are alive and you have love... do NOT take that for granted. Third, you are most CERTAINLY not a failure. Look how far you've made it. You were able to stay at home with your kiddos, by choice--a HUGE gift. When you think about being a failure, think about that... you are BLESSED! :D Lastly, we're in a recession... jobs are hard to come by I've heard. My friend that is a few credits away from her bachelor's degree can't find work! Don't let that drop your confidence.

If you want to change it, do it. Don't talk about it... be about it! <---tough love :lol: You absolutely can do it. It's not too late to go for classes! In fact, there is all sorts of money out there that'll pay for you to take classes for something. Don't be so tough on yourself... you're on the right track. Self-discovery sucks sometimes, doesn't it? :pound: Never too late to be what you want to be... go for it, sister!!!!!

KellyMarie
09-30-2010, 08:12 AM
Lynda, Maggie is right, with 3 kids at home and your hubby the only one working I bet you are eligible for a good chunk of schooling assistance.....do it now before the kids move out and you have to pay for it!

Delissa
09-30-2010, 08:18 AM
Ditto what Maggie said! You are not a failure! Big hugs!

carlajworkman
09-30-2010, 10:06 AM
:hug: You are certainly not a failure! Your kids and husband love you regardless and you don't need an employer to make you feel successful! We are all here for you :)

Champ
09-30-2010, 10:54 AM
You know I love one of my bed buddies! I can see why you would think that you are a failure, but you are NOT! One of the toughest jobs is being a great mother and wife. You have done both and your kids are great kids!

IT is time to do something for you and you can take online classes! No need for a car! Look into it Lynda!

You know you can always call me and chat!

LyndaG
10-02-2010, 09:43 AM
Thank you everyone for all your kind words!

I heard that if you write out your feelings or problems that you will find a solution. I'm not sure that I found a solution but it did help.

I have decided to put job hunting on hold. I have several applications out right now and I'll just wait to hear back. For the time being I'm going to sell some items on Ebay. I have collected scrapbooking item for 6 years and never used any of it, so will sell that also.

The kids told me that they have too many toys and want to get rid of them. So will start seperating and cleaning them up to sell.

DH and I talked a little the other night. It's hard to talk when he has only had 3 hours of sleep then worked for 14. When I want to talk we can at times stay up all night, not a very safe thing to do as he is a truck driver and I know that he needs his sleep.

I was going to talk more to him this weekend, but he went to my sister and brother in laws to help build their garage. But, will be home sunday and will sit and talk some more.

He told me that he understands that I'm being picky on my job hunting and that it is hard to look when we have one vehicle. He knows that it is hard to juggle house, kids and job hunting. I'm so lucky to have an understanding husband.

Lynda

wendy1214
10-02-2010, 09:58 AM
Glad you are feeling better Lynda- sometimes life can just get overwhelming. We are all here to listen and get you through any life events you may have:)

Rasha
10-02-2010, 11:59 AM
I would look at your life with a smile. Far too often those who do choose to work over being at home with their kids the regret it when their kids grow up, you were there for each moment of their lives. That means something. My boyfriends brother always says: "money is just money, when you die, none of it will matter" and that is true.... We need money right now, but more importantly we need to make sure we love and give love to our family.

Smile. Shake off the past, what's done is done. Move forward, work hard, appreciate your family and things will work out. :hug: Ill keep your job search and financial standing in my prayers.

Heather
10-02-2010, 05:19 PM
((hugs)) I'm glad to hear things are going a little better. It is hard when money is tight and jobs are scarce. My husband hasn't worked since July 09 and there aren't many jobs around here. We only have one vehicle too. I know you said you put off job hunting right now, but I thought I would put this out here for future reference or if you decide to apply. I work from home. So I don't have to worry about a vehicle, clothes, not being home for the kids..anything. The only thing would be that if your kids/hubby are home while you are working you will need a quiet place in your house to work, because most of the jobs are phone jobs. There are a ton of different jobs they have with this company. It's not a scam I promise. I have worked there since November 09. You get paid hourly every two weeks. It is just like a regular job, but you do it from your house. Go Here (http://www.hirepoint.com/athome/) for more information if you are interested. Good luck with everything! :)