| |
Luvmygirls
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 77,965
March 2003
Posts: 2,182
Layouts: 5
Loc: Middle of USA
 |  Posted: 2/5/2013 9:02:32 AM
A couple of months ago we relocated for DH's job. I had to leave behind a wonderful job that I loved. I am now looking for a job, but have not had any success. Seems like I have to much experience for the jobs I've been interviewing for...imagine that. So, for the past 20+ years I have either worked for stayed home with my babies. Now my kids are in school and I'm home by myself all day. I'm wondering what you do at home all day without kids. My house is clean and organized so there's nothing else to do but shop, but I don't have the extra money for that. I'm thinking about volunteering, but don't want to start and then have to quit if I find a job. Can you all give me some ideas before I start getting depressed. I need to get off the couch. | |
|
SDeven
Love Letters Pea
PeaNut 65,852
January 2003
Posts: 28,315
Layouts: 380
Loc: Nashville, TN!
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:15:17 AM
Volunteer
Attend classes and Bible study
Prep meals for the new moms at church
exercise
Write
Craft |
|
|
scrappin mama
PeaNut
PeaNut 105,398
September 2003
Posts: 265
Layouts: 3
Loc: Kansas City suburb
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:15:47 AM
I had a career 4 years ago. Just like you, we relocated due to my husband's job and I did not return to work. Last year, I started working in childcare at a local church. It's just a few hours a week, but it's better than nothing. I have a cleaning schedule for the house and that keeps me busy. I'm really hoping to go back to work next year. But I have a special needs child that needs me when he is not in school, so it's a challenge to find a job with those hours.
In the beginning, it was very hard on me. I was bored to tears. Once I set up a daily routine, that helped a lot. | |
|
*Lisa Dale*
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 6,845
September 2000
Posts: 2,276
Layouts: 278
Loc: Virginia
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:18:07 AM
get involved in church, volunteer, have you thought about direct sales? I love working for Thirty One Gifts, make my own hours, meet wonderful women, and make a little $$ too. You can pm me if you'd like more info.
Also, could you possibly start an Etsy business? is there a craft you enjoy doing? |
|
|
JENNRS24
PeaNut
PeaNut 132,195
February 2004
Posts: 86
Layouts: 0
Loc: Indiana
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:19:44 AM
I enjoy being a stay at home mom even though my kids are older now. I spend time doing the cleaning, organizing, laundry and cooking, of course. I also keep up all of the yard work and gardening in the summer, painting and deep cleaning.
For fun I read and I still scrapbook once in a while. Something new I started in the Fall is joining ancestry. com which has been very interesting and fun to do. I have never really been interested in researching my ancestors but once I got started I was hooked and have been able to fill in some things on there that others were missing. Also I go out shopping or to lunch with friends once in a while. I manage to keep busy most of the time.
I hope you find something that makes you happy and busy. | |
|
writermom1
Thrift Whisperer
PeaNut 114,407
November 2003
Posts: 22,401
Layouts: 66
Loc: At the intersection of Hooterville and Stars Hollow
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:26:45 AM
I would suggest you volunteer. I think they would still rather have you as long as they can - and the contacts might be valuable.
Do you like to cook? That's a nice time filler - then add working out to work it off  |
|
|
Peabay
Happy now?
PeaNut 156,993
July 2004
Posts: 44,813
Layouts: 13
Loc: Connecticut
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:31:08 AM
I play tennis 3 times a week, go to a Pilates class, take the dog for long walks and volunteer a TON: I'm the President elect for our HS PTA; the advocacy rep for the elementary PTA; do stuff for our town library, our church, National Charity League.
I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day, honestly. |
|
|
fredfreddy
Alex told me to change it
PeaNut 120,522
December 2003
Posts: 19,106
Layouts: 543
Loc: never in one place very long (...in San Jose, CA)
| Posted: 2/5/2013 9:32:16 AM
I've been a SAHM now for 13 years. My children are 13 and 10 (with a 20 yo who has moved out). I find plenty to do during school hours because I am busy after school with homework and driving them to activities and having their friends over. Currently I am working on three crafty projects (cards, stained glass, and video transfer). Last fall I did tons of volunteering so I have scaled that back a lot. I exercise every day including going walking with other moms two mornings a week. I like to have lunch with my mom, go to a movie at the theatre by myself, read books, and read on the internet. I did a ton of organizing last month. It seems like I always have a list of 10 items I want to get done each day and it is nice that I don't have to get to it all. |
Alana
it rhymes with banana
mom to a 20 yo dd, 13 yo ds, and 10 yo ds and a scrapper for 12 years | |
|
|
creativechicky
PeaAddict
PeaNut 370,325
April 2008
Posts: 1,075
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:37:39 AM
What about applying at a Temp Agency. It will give you the chance to see different companies. It's easier to get hired if you're already working. It will give you a chance to do something different. Plus you'll earn some money, albeit not your regular salary. | |
|
kckckc
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 19,061
July 2001
Posts: 2,545
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:38:17 AM
I am in a similar situation. I haven't worked since we relocated because of DH's job. My children are grown and live several hours from us. I take care of everything around the house (cleaning, cooking, yard work, bills, shopping, errands, etc.) while DH is at work so we can do fun things on the weekends. I go the gym everyday, I volunteer one day a week at a local food pantry, and occasionally with church projects and with the Friends of the Library. I attend a Bible study one morning a week. I also read a lot (2-3 books a week) and work on craft projects.
Where I volunteer, there are regular volunteers, but there are also a lot of people who only volunteer for a short time (several are doing community service time). There are plenty of volunteer opportunities where you wouldn't have to worry too much about quitting if you found a job. |
|
|
matleavepea
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 382,038
July 2008
Posts: 2,566
Layouts: 1
Loc: hogtown
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 9:56:00 AM
i second the suggestion for a temp company. you can let them know you are looking for full time work so would prefer short term contracts. who knows, you could end up FINDING a job that way.
that's what happened to me, registered to temp, did a two week assignment answering temp office phones and ended up being there for over 12 years and had 5 different positions in that time!
Good luck! | |
|
wobeejoe
PeaNut
PeaNut 190,644
February 2005
Posts: 476
Layouts: 15
Loc: TN
| Posted: 2/5/2013 10:06:06 AM
I'd encourage you to talk to your local Girl Scout office and see if they have somewhere you could volunteer. Some of the positions would be long-term, but there are plenty of places and events that could use short-term volunteers as well. And young women always need successful adult women to look up to.
We also have a great volunteer resource in our town that I'm sure is in other cities as well. It's called Volunteer Hub and it allows you to see many volunteer opportunities - some one offs, some longer term - where you can step in as your schedule allows.
HTH |
|
|
Runner5
Pea All You Can Pea!
PeaNut 36,843
April 2002
Posts: 16,621
Layouts: 25
| Posted: 2/5/2013 10:10:51 AM
(said tongue in cheek) you could teach slobs like me how you have kids & a husband, a clean house and so much free time?
I took on the yard (and to be fair - it's 1 1/2 acres right in the city) but the yard work alone just about consumes all my time.
I've been online all morning but plenty of work has piled up.
I'm never bored. |
|
|
megmc
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 497,090
January 2011
Posts: 5,126
Layouts: 0
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 12:21:42 PM
Garden, craft, and cook. | |
|
Maizie
* Happy Camper *
PeaNut 223,117
September 2005
Posts: 16,353
Layouts: 22
Loc: Heffalump Hollow
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 12:24:53 PM
Homeschool my kiddos. If I were not doing that I would work at their school as a para or volunteer there. Volunteer at an organization I believe in would be next, then just the life of our home : all appointments, cooking, gardening, cleaning, etc. |
|
|
dalayney
Shut the PEA UP! Yer gettin me all twitterpaited!
PeaNut 123,471
January 2004
Posts: 16,407
Layouts: 165
Loc: Husker by Heart in WI
| Posted: 2/5/2013 12:30:33 PM
If you handmake anything, you could easily start an etsy shop.
Not sure what area you are in, but in the states w/4 seasons, right now is the perfect time to work at a plant/flower market. Planting season is busy, and those places always could use seasonal help. (loved doing that for a couple of years!)
Don't just look at what you're used to doing, look at what you love. Like stationary and gifts? Apply to a hallmark store. I worked at the gift shop at Cracker Barrell and loved it! Any hobbies you love? Look at expanding those, or finding a way for it to bring in extra money.
Good luck! |
|
|
Maryland
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 87,597
May 2003
Posts: 9,021
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/5/2013 1:13:04 PM
Volunteer! They would be happy to have you and would understand if you get a job. You could always tell them that upfront.
I started volunteering at my kids school when my youngest started school. I love it! I am now the volunteer coordinator. We have many volunteers that work part time. Some volunteer and stop when they gety a job. No problem! Happy to have whatever time they can give.
| |
|
pinkabella
PeaAddict
PeaNut 486,481
October 2010
Posts: 1,036
Layouts: 5
Loc: SF Bay Area, CA
| Posted: 2/5/2013 10:00:18 PM
Maybe you could host a meetup of some sort? I've heard that can turn into a stream of income. Or periodic craft classes. Ever heard of skillshare? | |
|
journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,586
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
 | Posted: 2/5/2013 10:45:05 PM
How about exploring your new city? Take walks and hikes, get a guide book, take tours, ask friends what's fun to do there and go do it! It might seem boring by yourself but you can consider it scouting for places to take your family later.
Check out the free/cheap programs at your library, community center, colleges, etc. Check Craigslist, Meetup, ...
If I had the luxury of free time, I'd finally learn Italian. Do you have a language or skill you've always wanted to learn? Pretty much anything is on Youtube (free) these days. Maybe something to make you employable in a new field since you're not having luck in your old one?
You could start your own business. Let us know your skills and work background and we can brainstorm with you |
|
|
care1
PeaAddict
PeaNut 60,649
January 2003
Posts: 1,681
Layouts: 5
| Posted: 2/5/2013 10:51:51 PM
Get a dog 
That completely ate up my extra hours!! | |
|
elphalba
PeaNut
PeaNut 31,845
March 2002
Posts: 461
Layouts: 53
Loc: Poconos PA
| Posted: 2/6/2013 6:23:02 AM
Take up a hobby
Craft
Volunteer
Be social, go visit friends
Get a pet (that will get you out and active)
Travel
Hike
Exercise
|
Erica
Mom to six kids, two pugs and a cat
2013 Layouts Completed: 131
2012 Layouts Completed: 219
MY BLOG
| |
|
|
Peabay
Happy now?
PeaNut 156,993
July 2004
Posts: 44,813
Layouts: 13
Loc: Connecticut
| Posted: 2/6/2013 6:31:39 AM
Get a dog
That completely ate up my extra hours!!
No joke!!! |
|
|
thepinkkitchen
PinkKitchenStudio
PeaNut 14,286
April 2001
Posts: 15,237
Layouts: 245
Loc: Louisville, Ky
| Posted: 2/6/2013 6:40:37 AM
I've been a SAHM for the last 13 years with our youngest in 6th grade. When she was in elementary school, I volunteered in her school, vice-president of the PTA, Girl Scout co-leader, social with friends, loved taking care of our house. Taught classes at the LSS for years & got two puppies in the middle of that.
Basically there wasn't enough time in the day to volunteer & I got really burned out on it. For the past couple of years, I have actually learned to enjoy not having all those commitments & want to be in our house, taking care of a garden, the house & the dogs during the day. I've joined a photography group in my city & sort of look forward to a new social activity through that.
I actually do enjoy being at home with no schedule! |
|
|
runandscrap
BucketHead
PeaNut 219,829
August 2005
Posts: 833
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 2/6/2013 6:49:45 AM
I think it can be easy to get in a bored rut as a sahm if you let yourself. I work part time now, but was home full time 12 years.
I think you have to almost schedule activities for yourself, including housework, etc..
Look for things outside of the house, volunteering, a craft class? Book club? Exercising, etc..
Good luck and I hope you find a job or whatever makes you happy. | |
|
TREZmom
Lost and Found in Pea-land
PeaNut 138,098
March 2004
Posts: 5,847
Layouts: 2
Loc: NC but wishing I was somewhere else
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:27:40 AM
Right now, I homeschool, which takes up ALL my time. I can't wait for the day when I can just relax, craft, learn more about photography, etc. Maybe in ten years, I'll get to do that! | |
|
journey fan
"Rome! By all means, Rome."
PeaNut 308,186
April 2007
Posts: 11,586
Layouts: 0
Loc: California Coast
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:16:33 AM
Here's an example of an at-home job you could do, until you find something in your field:
BRAINFUSE is seeking work-at-home online tutors in the following areas: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Resume Editing, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics, Nursing, Calculus, Statistics, History, and High School Reading and Writing. You must have a bachelor’s degree.
All tutoring is done online. You must have Internet – preferably high-speed Internet. The general tutoring rate is $10 per hour, $12 for accounting, finance, and economics tutors. Hours are flexible, and you choose your own schedule.
There are opportunities for advancement. If interested in this home-based opportunity, please forward your resume to: sdjz8-3584373570@job.craigslist.org. Please put “Brainfuse – the subject you want to tutor†in the subject line. Good luck!
|
|
|
Kelpea
In a HapPea Place
PeaNut 176,832
November 2004
Posts: 12,326
Layouts: 2
Loc: gone to chemo with BethAnne
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:34:52 AM
Substitute teach
Take online or in house college courses of any type
Take up a new language
Join your local neighborhood FB page
Start up a book club
Start up a bunco group
Sometimes people are just waiting for another to start something up! Good luck. |
|
|
scrappintoee
luv my bulldoggies
PeaNut 24,213
November 2001
Posts: 5,446
Layouts: 106
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:00:01 PM
(I'm not a SAHM), but I agree that if you volunteer and need to stop after finding a job, they will understand, and will always be appreciative for the time you gave. | |
|
kimberly38
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 198,401
March 2005
Posts: 6,161
Layouts: 0
Loc: Wernersville, PA
| Posted: 2/6/2013 7:29:30 PM
I take care of seniors in their home. I work though an agency.
The pay is not the greatest, but the rewards are.
You can work a few hours a day/week or more. Realize though that holdiays and weekends may be involved as there is always someone needing care 24/7. | |
|
PhotoHorse
PeaFixture
PeaNut 66,309
February 2003
Posts: 3,145
Layouts: 13
Loc: Central Iowa
| Posted: 2/6/2013 8:09:11 PM
I work part time, so sometimes have a little extra time on my hands. I enjoy learning and work on my Spanish, research web page authoring, work on my 20 year novel, train horses, improve our acreage, increase my volleyball knowledge and prep for practice, organize my track stuff from last year, craft, make tshirt quilts for other people, and on and on. We're super busy with the kids' activities right now, but when there's more time, I still don't have enough time for all I want to do.
Volunteer for as long as you can. You'll make great connections and who knows what might come of it. The animal shelter, the library, the local elementary, the local church, the food pantry, are some places to start. The local chamber might have more ideas. | |
|
scrappintoee
luv my bulldoggies
PeaNut 24,213
November 2001
Posts: 5,446
Layouts: 106
| Posted: 2/12/2013 3:11:44 AM
I know what you mean about leaving a job you loved--- When we had to move for DH's career, it was soooo hard to leave my job, too ....but even worse, our families  I hope some of these ideas helped | |
|
TripletMom
PeaAddict
PeaNut 149,833
May 2004
Posts: 1,065
Layouts: 108
Loc: K.C., Missouri
| Posted: 2/12/2013 5:24:12 AM
I volunteer in the classrooms of my four children, also for 3 different not-for-profits, sell stuff online (facebook, craig's list and Ebay) and run the household. (errands, cooking, cleaning, etc.) |
Liana
SuperMom to my SuperKids - Jack, Alayna and Emma (10) and Amanda (7) | |
|
|
