Sunday 13 December 2009

Difficult decisions

A cold reality has been slowly dawning on me and I don't like it not one bit.

I have been struggling with my finances for years and every now and then I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. But right now reality is biting hard as it always does at this time of year. It is hard enough struggling for the rest of the year but the lead up to christmas always makes it worse. The realisation that I can't afford to buy any treats for my boys hurts.

Following the recent episode with my bank account I have found that I am several weeks in arrears with my rent. I am also in arrears with my Council Tax and sewerage rates. Every single month is a struggle. Every month I tell myself that next month will be better.
But I have come to the realisation that I simply do not earn enough to cover all my expenses even though I am very careful to keep spending down to a minimum.

I have a choice, I can change my job for one that pays more. That is not going to be easy besides I am one of the lucky few who has a job that I enjoy, working with people I like. Or I can continue with my current job (I have checked and I am earning the average amount for similar work) but take on a second part time job. I get tired easily so that would put an extra strain on me. But it would get me out of the house meeting other people. I could look for bar work a couple of evenings a week but that isn't going to make up the difference of £600pm between my current income and that of a year ago when I was on higher child tax credit and family allowance. Or as a family friend has suggested, a local coach firm are looking for more drivers particularly women. This would give me more money but would the greater number of hours be too much for me.

I have decided to apply for part time work with the coach company for the moment and see what happens.

8 comments:

Fire Byrd said...

Just be careful it doesn't affect your diabetes. Let alone your levels of exhaustion.
Take care.
xx

Lady in red said...

Thanks Fire I shall be careful but it affects mt diabetes now in that I can't afford the right food. The constant worry about paying the rent etc doesn't help either.

Mel said...

Oh boy....I know times are difficult. For once in my life I'm experiencing that all too well. I can't say I like it.

Easy does it, please. What Byrdie said, yaknow?

DJ Kirkby said...

Well ok, no point repeating the advice you've already been given so how about this atempt at a positive spin: perhaps you'll like the coach drivign so much that you'll give up your other job and do the driving permanently instead? x

Elaine Denning said...

What about renting out a room? Is that feasable?

I'm having the opposite problem to you. I'm earning the most money I have ever earned in my life, but I am so stressed out. I often think about leaving but then I think of how worse off I'd be financially if I got another lower paid, less stressful job.

It's never easy, is it?

nitebyrd said...

Aw, LIR, this makes me concerned for you and your health. The good thing is, you're smart and won't do too much. Is a coach like a taxi? People pay you to take them places? That could be interesting, right?

MarmiteToasty said...

Im just about ticking, but like you the child tax credit and family allowance and me tosser X not paying childsupport and now cos of all me operations and problems Im only working part time, Im £1299 down to what I was a little over a year ago....

But Im ticking, our mortgage is the priority....

Its hard being the only breadwinner.... when I here a few maties moaning about money it pisses me off cos I know they have probably 4 times coming in what I do, and yet still I scrap through..

maybe the new year will bring us both some good news or luck at least lol

keep ya chin up matie..

x

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