homeschooling and work

Discussion in 'Homeschooling' started by monkeysmum, Nov 12, 2013.

  1. monkeysmum

    monkeysmum New Member

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    It looks like I will need to work one or two days to ensure we got enough food on the table (well, to be honest, more so we can go out for diner every so often, I'm not that desperate). I'm a single mum.

    I still want to home school, though. It doesn't make sense to send my kid to school just so I can work 1 or 2 days. Would this work? What could I do with my child when I work? I work in a secondary school and it's not possible to take him with me (but I could change jobs to a P-12 school). I have no family here and don't know anyone who home schools (that could change, obviously).

    We don't have rules here regarding how many days they need to be schooled, so that's no issue. I'm sure my kid is smart, so we can probably get away with less days of actual schooling. It helps that I won't need to spend 40% of my time teaching him to sit still on the mat and listen to teacher :roll:

    I can't really see a solution, but I'm sure I'm not the first in this situation. I'm kinda hoping I find a new husband (or wife, let's be inclusive). One who is a rich artist, not a dirt poor one ;) One that doesn't mind supporting me, rather than demand I support him :evil: One can dream, right?
     
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  3. sweetsarahbeth

    sweetsarahbeth Member

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    Are you currently working already and you just need a couple extra days? What do you do with your children now while you work? Could you cut back expenses to stretch your funds? Clip coupons, meatless meals, etc?
     
  4. monkeysmum

    monkeysmum New Member

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    we're vegan! so already meat less and yes, that is a whole lot cheaper :D

    DS is in childcare 3 days a week at the moment, which is ok-ish, I don't like the concept of it, but feel we have no choice for now. I need to get ahead first.

    Thing is, child care only goes until the age of 4. then the kids got to kinder and then full time primary school. I don't think there are day care centers that cater for older kids.
     
  5. crazymama

    crazymama Active Member

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    You would need to hire a private babysitter or find an in-home daycare that is willing to take him. If you get some kind of government funding for daycare that would most likely stop (here it would) because he could be in public school. It may not pay you in the end to work honestly, that is why most of us stay home... we would pay more in child care than we would make working a few hours a day.
     
  6. sweetsarahbeth

    sweetsarahbeth Member

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    I agree with crazymama about the costs of childcare cancelling out any benefit to working more. Have you sat down and listed out your budget and crunched the numbers? Are there any big luxuries you can cut or downgrade? (Cable is the first to come to mind)
     
  7. monkeysmum

    monkeysmum New Member

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    thanks. it's ok at the moment as I get extra funding (I'm also studying, which is why). But yeah, haven't calculated yet what it would be worth when I do finish. Pretty sad prospect though as I'm living with an income below the poverty line here. Trust me, I've cut every single luxury except a little bit of internet.
     
  8. sweetsarahbeth

    sweetsarahbeth Member

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    Yeah, before you start looking at extra hours and stuff, sit down with the numbers and calculate it all out: what you've got going on now, what it will be in the future.

    There are a ton of resources online on how to save money, how to make money from home, creative ways to save on groceries, etc. My #1 absolute favorite site for that sort of thing is moneysavingmom.com there are articles specifically geared toward your exact predicament, i.e., how to stay home with your kids when you need the extra money. Check it out! It's a very encouraging blog.
     
  9. monkeysmum

    monkeysmum New Member

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    thanks, that is an interesting website. I've seen a financial counsellor and really, there is nothing left to save. I can't even go on a diet as I weigh nothing already LOL.

    I might have the option of working from home, as a tutor or something else. Teaching is easy money, though.
     
  10. lovetoteach

    lovetoteach New Member

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    You should try doing a certificate in TEFL. Teaching English is nowadays a great way to make money while gaining experience teaching. That solves half of your financial situation.
     
  11. sweetsarahbeth

    sweetsarahbeth Member

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    Or online editing if language arts is your strong point. Freelance writing? Online surveys? Any stuff to sell? Be creative!
     
  12. monkeysmum

    monkeysmum New Member

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    thanks. I'm a science teacher. I can sew and sell that, I guess. I'm going to try out in the coming year and see how it works. There is still a few years to get it organised anyway.
     
  13. Lindina

    Lindina Active Member

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    You could cut electricity bills by using Steve's potato battery!
    Seriously, though, I wish you all the best with this endeavor. Somehow, it will work out, I hope.
     
  14. Pdxevergreen

    Pdxevergreen New Member

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    There are many things you can do to fit into the schedule.....I know a good site that gives options if you are interested.
     
  15. CrazyMom

    CrazyMom Banned

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    I worked while I homeschooled, but my inlaw's home was adjoined to my workplace...so it was very doable. Also had lots of help from grandma and grandpa...which was also pretty nice. One thing I did do...and made a shockingly large amount of money doing...was shopping thrift stores and selling on Ebay. I'd shop the thrift stores for the best name brand stuff, and do pretty well. Sometimes I'd make as little as $2 an item and sometimes as much as $20. Average net profit would be about $5 per item. (I really worked at it, took my iphone along and checked what it was selling for on Ebay before buying things) I had a goal of making $250 per week profit. I listed 10 items a day and nearly always made my goal (sometimes exceeded it by quite a bit!). Also, picked up stuff on Craigslist for Ebay. If you've got an eye for taking flattering pictures of things, and just a little tech savy....this can work out pretty well.
     
  16. BatmansWife

    BatmansWife New Member

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    I'd like to know more about this. I'm doing a proofreading/editing job right now for a homeschooling mom who writes curriculum. But, what I end up getting is a free copy of the curriculum. Which is fine, I'm not complaining about that. Buuutt...I would love to do this and make some money. I've tried searching....but come up with nothing. Any ideas...anyone??
     

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