I'm seriously considering a retail job or something very low key while I build a commercial writing biz. Haven't worked out how to make that work financially... but sounds ideal.
D12 and I have been talking about our dreams. She dreams about the house in Ohio every night. I know she has a lot of grief to work through about leaving her home still.
I need to figure out a way to earn an income and give us the chance to continue to work through these feelings until I feel stronger. God has done everything but hit me with lightening to tell me to quit this job. I know this will work out somehow, but details don't make sense so I hesitate to act. The reality is... I'm so burned out, I need to move on because I'm not able to do the job right now.
Continue to apply/send resumes to jobs which are remote... proofreading, editing, administrative from home, writing content for homeschool curriculums. The last one really, really, really appeals to me. SO MUCH. I called K12 Friday with a cold call for content writing. I have applied for two content writing positions with another homeschool curriculum supplier. Just want to call them and beg... BEG. Please hire me.
"You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am." Tony Stark/Iron Man
“Focus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.” Lois Wilson
Heather so sorry I missed your bday. Love your list, your focus on the future and reading about how you are embracing every event as a new opportunity.
I have a feeling this year is going to be full of whole lot of fabulous.
M:25 years at BD w/ 2 daughters BD: 5/14 Separated 6/14 - H moved cross country w/OW D Final 9/17
“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” ― Maya Angelou
I came down and talked to the publisher about the part-time editor job.
I have a decision to make.
He said he was 80% sure he was going to offer me the job, but already promised to interview this other guy who doesn't have a background in journalism. I will know for sure on Monday.
The publisher is a salesman. He wants someone to come in and run the newspaper. I'd be the editor and I would have a reporter and one person who handles layout. This paper has tons of advertising, but it lacks good copy. The guts--the articles--are missing. In some ways, this past year has been a terrific training ground for this position.
The position is only 24 hours and I would only have to be in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Here's what would make this worth it:
Asheville is BOOMING. The newspaper is just north of Asheville in a popular area with lots of business. The publisher has no problem with me pursuing commercial writing. The woman who has been giving me tip on commercial writing made six figures last year in an area without the benefit of this thriving business.
My aunt has been in the Asheville for 20+ years an knows everyone. She is a business owner and could introduce me to everyone.
I'd still be an editor and have similar freedom with putting together this paper, in a thriving economic area, but would... essentially be a part-time employee.
And, this sounds like a strange pro...but, the office is directly above this awesome YMCA where I could work out.
I have difficulty working for other people... especially in a corporate environment. This office is very laid back and I would be the only actual journalist in the place. I wouldn't be the incompetent, I'd be the one knowing more than everyone else.
So many cool shops and better winter. Lots to do and see. We'd be closer to all sorts of fun/educational stuff. And, I'd have no problem finding a church with a gospel choir.
Negatives:
The money doesn't add up to what we need. I would HAVE to freelance to make it work. And, I'd have to push it in order to get us where we need to be quickly. Do-able, especially with my aunt to help, but still difficult.
So many people! We love the rural area in upstate NY. We'd be going from an area with more cows than people to a place with winding interstates an lots of traffic.
I'd have to get over the hump of figuring out how to get the he!! down here.
I'd be running with the big boys. This economy is built on successful businesses and people. I'd be right in the thick of things with this paper. Could I keep up?? Do I have what it takes?
The people around us now are people who are a bit downtrodden and I'm the big fish in the tank with my outgoing personality. Here, I'm just another friendly person.
Does that make sense?
Right now, I'm like the only person who dresses a bit trendy and so forth.
Still, tons of opportunities for freelance writing for businesses... newsletters, brochures, websites, etc... The woman helping me is insisting I ask for $75 per hour with my experience. She charges $125 per hour in a much less thriving area.
These are definitely Louisa's peeps. Her blue hair doesn't stand out here at all.
I had this fantasy of us moving to a small, quaint New England village... which we did... and Louisa would go to the small school and walk to school and have all sorts of friends and yadda... Instead, I have a kid who seems to thrive on the unconventional and loves the history of that little village, but doesn't really fit with that type of life. She is a naturally talented photographer who knows Coco Chanel's life story and enjoys independent learning and projects. Asheville is a much better fit for her. But, feel sad about letting the small village fantasy go. We are two hours from Macy's in NY. It takes an hour to get to a Target.
It hasn't worked. But, I still want Ozzie and Harriet.
Upstate NY is so beautiful. But, where we are, there aren't the employment or business opportunities.
On another note: Matt has gone dark again. Didn't even send Louisa a b'day card. He has only texted her a couple of times since the hearing.
I've been so sad. HE BREAKS MY HEART OVER AND OVER. Just makes me so sad. I didn't think I could still feel this yearning for him to "get" it. Snap outta it dammit.
In a strange turn, the IRS took the past child support out of our tax refund. I was sent a doc to notarize in order to release the funds to my account. I know, since the judge forgave the past due child support, they will simply subtract the amount from what he gives me this year. I don't know.
Last edited by LoisB; 09/11/1510:32 PM.
"You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am." Tony Stark/Iron Man
“Focus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.” Lois Wilson
Congratulations...but are you able to afford to move to Ashville and find living quarters for you and your daughter that you can afford working part time? Yes, I know you are planning to do other things...but to start out...it's going to be bare bones when it comes to paying your expenses and you shouldn't rely on your aunt to help you out if you get in a pinch...or are you planning to live w/her until you can get on your feet?
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
I don't have time to post much right now. I will need about $1860 a month to match what I'm earning now. Can't count on my aunt for housing or finances--she isn't able to do that. Still hoping for a flex job copywriting or doing something else to come through. But, relieved I can still call myself an editor and there is loads more opportunity with this position.
Plus, much more relaxed environment.
Need to push my brain to figure out the income diff. Very tired.
"You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am." Tony Stark/Iron Man
“Focus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.” Lois Wilson
Heather, I’m sure it feels great to have a job offer! Congratulations! I’m confident that you will be able to figure out the logistics and finances. I’m so excited for you and your daughter!
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state
Granted, I had already told them I was leaving. But, I just shut down. I froze. I hit this wall and couldn't push through it. There's more to the story, but I'm too tired to write now.
Told my mom and she is angry and disappointed with me.
"You know, it's times like these when I realize what a superhero I am." Tony Stark/Iron Man
“Focus on what you can do, then do it with all your heart.” Lois Wilson
Heather, I’m so sorry about this. It can imagine that it feels terrible, even though you wanted to leave anyway. Take your time to process… This is just one unfortunate event in life. You will not remember it a few years later, because I know that you will achieve what you want in life. I’ve been fired before and I was rejected after the interviews multiple times before. I don’t remember most of these anymore, because I have all the confidence that I’m good in what I do. You will get to that place too. I have all the confidence in you!
Hang in there. (((((hugs)))))
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state
