Botanical blunderings on a budget - good life starts here.

vl2588

ooh thanks for the awesome advice NL! I need to brush up on the general 'graduate' style q's I think as they are bound to ask some of those *toodles off to actually engage brain*

Karmacat

It doesn't sound like cloud cuckoo land to me either, Pippi. You could get a f/t job, probably, where you are, in a related field. But you don't want one because (a) you don't want that sort of life and (b) you want to make time to spend with your kids, who are soon going to be off doing their own thing, being the ages they are. And a part time job is feasible, as it will allow you working time for your own business *and* cover the tiny ordinary shortfall and give money for debt repayments, savings, and one-off expenses.

Is that a fair summary? Well, it absolutely sounds doable to me - there are consequences, of course. Pensions, sick pay, all that sort of thing. What I would say is think about whatever you do in terms of your CV, or your outline on Linked In or whatever - you have an immediate fallback, and you keep thinking about the "shape" of your working life, if that makes sense, to be sure you're doing what you want, instead of what comes up.

I'd also say, stop trying to fill every waking hour! Those walks to the beach with peedie and the cellist are important ....

Pippilongstocking

Goodluck today VL excellent advice there NL - waves hello - off to worky poos - floor painted, changed me clothes and off I go!

have a good one everyone!

Cheery_Daff

Karmacat wrote: »

It doesn't sound like cloud cuckoo land to me either, Pippi. You could get a f/t job, probably, where you are, in a related field. But you don't want one because (a) you don't want that sort of life and (b) you want to make time to spend with your kids, who are soon going to be off doing their own thing, being the ages they are. And a part time job is feasible, as it will allow you working time for your own business *and* cover the tiny ordinary shortfall and give money for debt repayments, savings, and one-off expenses.

Is that a fair summary? Well, it absolutely sounds doable to me - there are consequences, of course. Pensions, sick pay, all that sort of thing. What I would say is think about whatever you do in terms of your CV, or your outline on Linked In or whatever - you have an immediate fallback, and you keep thinking about the "shape" of your working life, if that makes sense, to be sure you're doing what you want, instead of what comes up.

I'd also say, stop trying to fill every waking hour! Those walks to the beach with peedie and the cellist are important ....

SUCH good advice KC! :T :T Especially doing what you want to do rather than just what comes up - while serendipity is important, make sure you grasp things *because* they are interesting, not just because you think there won't be something else if you don't act now...

Good luck for interview! :T

MrsMoo2U

Some real pearls of wisdom on here today. Pippi you are not living in cloud cuckoo land at all. I read somewhere that having more money doesnt make you happy it is the being in control that brings the happiness. By being in control it allows you to do the things in life that matter to you most. I agree with KC your kids will fly the nest sooner than you imagine and then you can maybe take on that high flying job if thats what you want to do then. Too often in life do we do the thing that is seen as "normal" such as working full time because thats what people do, having kids because that is what is expected (not you - others) living in the home town that you grew up in because thats where the family is. You can do anything you want to do and you are SO in control of money that it will allow you to do that. Think of all of the people that have gotten into the wage trap and dont know how to get out of it.
Now I know that you feel that you have to work towards clearing the debt but as long as you are not missing payments then you are doing fine. Life is so short please do what your heart tells you to do and trust in your own instincts.

Hmmmm think I need to take on board some of your patchwork lifestyle. I long to have the courage to work for myself. I will eventually

lucielle

Hear, hear if doing something makes your heart sing keep doing it.
L

EssexHebridean

Yes indeed. Wot they all said!

You go get'um Stripes! :T

Hope it goes well VL!

savingforarainyday

Good Afternoon:D

Pearls of Wisdom hmmm. The time you spend with your children is precious; whatever age they are and they remember that time forever. Up until ds was 11 I had worked full or 3/4 time. Had more money and spent more money. More Money + Less time = Knackered + stressed + unhappy. Less Money + More Time = Happier. I am not saying you don't need money, you have to have some too live; cant be avoided,;)

I don't regret a minute of giving up my job and home educating Ds. Now he is more independent and in charge of his own destiny. It is my turn. I still balk at the idea of spending a full week in an office again, and I shall fight that one screaming and kicking, but sometimes opportunities come a knocking and you can't turn them down, so watch this space.

I hope the interview goes really well. I lol'd at the ironing remark. I believe we share the same philosophy on this:p

Went into town today and bought a black top to go with smart pinstripe trousers for work and a primarni £3 tan handbag to go with sandals. It is so long since I have had to do this. I am sooo out of practice. Looked at the "allotment" hands:eek: and think I better start gloves for weeding

Talking of the allotment/ garden the allotment is grand but I can't take all of the credit sil is a wonderful "plant person" I think she can grow anything. My garden needs weeding and I think that will be my next task today (rain is forecast for tomorrow)

Another cup of tea anyone??

Cheery_Daff

Yes please! :coffee:

greenval

Hi Pippi
Just trying to catch up on everyone. Just wanted to say that I think your plan is doable if only because the p/t job may have fixed hours but the gardening can hopefully be worked around it and the volunteering may also be a way of making new contacts and picking up work.
Must go and empty washer !