Can't sleep..

GeorgeUK

Shoozles - your online comment sparked a memory there.

If you've got your CV together, put it up on monster.com
That way you can advertise to employers what you can do as well as applying for jobs through agencies or the job centre.

Shoozles

Debt Free Chick, I think gymfiend is advising me to look for work, but also telling me that I don't have to give up my business completely, as it is possible to do both.

Sue-UU

Hi again Shoozles, not the best of starts to the day, but lets hope you can maybe get a full time job asap and keep your other as a sideline. Debt_Free_Chick and George are giving you great advice. I'm glad you're taking note, it's only then that you'll be able to help yourself far more. Though to be fair you've been a great listener all the way through this. Keep it up Shoozles.

Sue

dumpy

You've had some really good advice about your business from people.

I just wanted to add another thing to think about on the emotional front, which was triggered by your BF not wanting to get rid of sky, internet etc.

When ex and I were together is I said I was short for bills he always suggested I gave up something of mine. When I said I didn't want to do that (bearing in mind I was paying 95% of the bills) he said well there you are. It made me feel guilty for asking him to give up one of his amusements even though he was spending more on his own leisure entertainments than contributing towards the bills.

Good luck with the job hunting and do take some time to think about your relationship and where you see yourself in 5 years.

Debt_Free_Chick

Shoozles wrote: »

Debt Free Chick, I think gymfiend is advising me to look for work, but also telling me that I don't have to give up my business completely, as it is possible to do both.

Two full-time jobs then?

Shoozles

Debt_Free_Chick wrote: »

Two full-time jobs then?

Why not! I'll do anything I can to get myself out of this mess.

Thank you again everyone for your replies. I am taking it all on board.

Dex

Hi Shoozles,

I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said, I just wanted to offer my support.
I was in a similar situation a few years ago while I was at uni, I had a boyfriend who was working full time (but had a gambling and drinking problem) i didn't really know all that at the time but i ended up bailing him out and in enormous amounts of debt, which I am still sorting.
I now own my own home and have been with my partner for 5 years(diff boyf) though we don't live together.
It will get better, but things have to change if he is not willing to take some of the responsability imagine what could happen in the future.... if you do get yourself out of this with an attitude like his you will be right back in it again.

anyway big hugs to you

Dex

Shoozles

Thanks all. We've had a big chat this evening, I was an absolute state after today and I showed him all the figures, so he understands what we're dealing with now.
Sky is going to go, and we think we will be able to make it work if I get a job too, even though it is a very long journey. He's worried about my state of mind, I've spent most of today in tears but have taken steps in the right direction.
Although, I know some of you will disagree with this, but I'm not giving up my business. Yes I will get a job too, full time if I have to, but it would devastate me to give up all that I have worked for and I'm not letting it go. Seeing other people take pleasure in my work shows me that my life is not completely hopeless. Although at times today it has certainly seemed that way.

ajaney

If you can keep your business going while having a second job, without you being 'worked into the ground', then go for it.

I don't think you've ever said what it is you do but consider if it is 'crunch-proof' i.e will people still pay as times get tough?

Neither you nor your life is 'hopeless'. Many, many, many people end up in financial straits at some point during their life & some don't realise what is happening until it is far too late. You have seen there is a problem & sought help & advice.

I hope your OH is finally on board with you & you can support each other on your debt-free quest.

Keep your options & your eyes open!

lauzjp

Shoozles, I'm sure there must be a half decent business adviser somewhere that can show you how to make your business work out. google for 'business link' - they sometimes also have networking events; it would be perfect if you could find a fellow self employed mentor..