I'm a single mom. I currently go to college part time, work at the college during the week and I work Fri, Sat, and Sun, nights. Recently my live-in stepmother had to move, so now I have to pay for childcare for the weekend. With what I am earning (I only work 2-4 hours a night) I have to pay almost all of it in childcare, then pay for gas on top of it, not to mention that I don't get enough sleep or time with my kids! I am wondering if I can get a job where I only work saturdays for 8-10 hours? Then, I could have at least one day off with my kids and that one day would supplement the 3 days where I am having issues with finding childcare. Please help! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!
I dont have any experience waitressing or bartending. I can do office work, cleaning, cooking, driving. I had many different jobs with a temp service I worked for, so I can do a lot more than too.
If you have a friendly personality and learn quickly, you don't always need experience to wait tables. I worked as a waitress/bartender in college, and actually took a pay cut when I started teaching. Depending on where you work, you can make a ton of money (if you're good) working just a few shifts. You may want to consider it.
When I had my first apartment, I cleaned O. house on Saturdays.
4 hours/$50 (this was almost 30 years ago!)
Not sure what you make in your 3 days--maybe O. full hour or two 4-5 hour cleaning would do the trick?
Good luck, busy mom!
Have you looked into local retailers? A lot of people don't like to work weekend shifts at all, so they need people willing to work full day or evening shifts on a Saturday or Sunday. Check the local malls and pharmacies and clothing retailers.
M.:
Have you talked with the guidance counselor at your school? You might be able to find an internship while you are going to school to get the experience you need in your chosen career path.
Get involved in your church. Find out if there is a high school student who is wanting to take care of children on the days that you need them to be watched.
The job you have that you are losing money at? Quit. If you are paying the wages you earn in child support AND gas? It's not worth it. You are NOT earning anything to help you or your family. So quit.
Talk with your social services office and find out if you qualify for any social programs we have here in the U.S. - subsidized child care, subsidized housing, subsidized educational grants, etc. to help you through this tough time and get you back on your feet. That's what they are there for.
Good luck.
Consider doing a friday and sat "Date Night" babysitting service...
Maybe see if you can find a neighborhood of families that would schedule nights for you to sit up to 4 children or something. Advertise at Day cares or at churches..
I have always thought someone could make a fortune on New Years eve if they organized a giant, sitting event for New Years eve.. The kids could bring their sleeping bags and wear their Pjs.. They could play, watch movies, have pizza.. and bubbly apple juice.. Drop off from 7:00pm.. All children must be picked up by 1:00 am.. Charge a high late fee.. so parents will pick up their children on time.
Maybe waitressing at a nicer restaurant where you'd get substantial tips.
I guess your Fri, Sat and Sun night work days with the hours is what has most posters thinking your are waitressing or tending bar. Whatever it is you are doing, it obviously isn't making enough $ to be worth the time away from your kids. I see part time job postings all the time for bank tellers wanting someone to work early mornings and Saturdays. You are getting close to the end of a semester, maybe it is time to consider scheduling your classes in a manner that would allow you to take on a better paying part time job. I have a friend who teaches full time and waits tables at night. She only waits tables about 10 hours a week, and yes, she is a mother, but she makes enough money to pay her college loan payment with just her waitressing job.
Good luck!
Definitely look into retail! There are lots of people who DON'T want the Saturday shift. I have a friend who works at a furniture store. She works during the week while her kids are in school (hours are 10-3 or something like that) and every Saturday. She's married, so no worries about childcare. But she has worked her way up in the sales force and makes decent money. Good luck to you!
I agree with checking with your college employment center or guidance counseling for ideas.
Also, just Google "weekend jobs Lansing MI" to see what is posted. I did that recently in my area and was surprised at the number of options.
Maybe advertise around your neighborhood as a babysitter. Parents could drop their kids off for a night out or for a mom to go and do her grocery shopping. They could pay you cash. You would be home and wouldn't have to spend money on gas.
If you go to a church see if they have any paid nursery workers on staff. Maybe they would hire you.
Pet sitting or walking ( your kids could maybe help).
