Quote: I'm not worried about making big bucks. . . I'll work my way up . . . I'd take part time for 5.15 an hour.
Reality check here, honey - if you are going to be a single mom raising two kids, you need to be thinking about how to make enough money to be financially stable. You need to aim high. Kids are expensive. I think the point that was made to you is that V.A. jobs just don't pay very well even when you work your way up.
I'm not saying you have to give up your dream of working with animals, but you might need to plan for a position or business that would pay you better. Try this exercise - sit down and write out a budget for what you'd like to provide for your kids. What would rent or a house payment on a home for the three of you cost in your area (or in the area you would like to live in)? Remember to factor in the cost of living in a good school district.
How about health insurance? Let's assume your H is unable or unwilling to insure the girls through his job. Find out what health insurance for the three of you would cost. I know my girlfriend pays over $600 a month for a policy for her, her husband and her son.
Then add up childcare, food, car payments, gas, car insurance, clothes, piano lessons, braces, whatever - I think you'll see pretty quickly that a V.A. salary is not going to cut it. Aim higher, my dear.
(And - now that I've freaked you out - go to the library and take out The Tightwad Gazette by Dacyzyn for inspiration on how you can stretch your dollars and use creativity to give your kids a great childhood.)
