Single mum to 5, striving for debt free life

Jill12

Another new shiny day today. The feeling of positivity continues today. Time has come to decide how the extensions is going to look. After initial excitement with the architect he has failed to get back to me with any plans so back to the drawing board.  Another option that is possible for extending is a loft conversion so maybe something to look further into. I have been playing about with ideas for a while now so really do need to try and make some concrete decisions. I feel like I am ready to commit to making them!! Once home from work tonight I am going to sit down and go over finances again and evaluate my debt fighting as it has taken a back seat for a while. Short and sweet today but I need to jump in the shower before the teenagers all surface!!

Honeysucklelou2

Catching up on your diary...sorry to read about the assault. Your trip to Switzerland sounds amazing. Good news about the remortgage.

[Deleted User]

Hello, I've just read some of your diary and I'm inspired by you. I'm a Nurse by background but currently taking a break to care for my children. 
Good luck on your journey x

Jill12

Hello @Honeysucklelou2 and @Adeley, thank you for your kind words and encouragement x

Quick up date on the debt outstanding

M&S car loan £12286.58
MBNA  £176

new total of £12461. I have repaid £5192 since January meaning I have cleared 29.4% of my debt. Good going considering. My gas and electricity are also in credit by £33. I took a gamble and fixed my deal in March before the prices jumped, I know this went against Martins advice but £175 fixed for 12 months was so much more palatable than the unknown.  

I have a builder coming next Thursday to look at the possibility of a loft conversion. I will be able to put two rooms up there if my sizes and measurement are correct. I ll have to wait and see what the professionals say. With regards to the job front I am still unclear what I am going to do. I have the option of taking a 12 month career break. My job would be kept open and I would be able to return to the same hours and pay but I would not be able to undertake any other work like the occasional agency shift during the career break. I have worked out income and expenditure if I were to take a career break for 12 months and it is doable. It would be tight but is completely doable. I have been watching utube videos about people that have taken a year out and I have yet to find a negative side. The real downside is the drop in income but it will only be for 12 months not forever.... and the budget planner is so far saying that I can afford to do it. I think in my heart I have already made up my mind what I want to do it is just having the b*lls to go through with the plan..... if you are still with me apologies I do realise I am rambling!! My notice period is 12 weeks which would take me to the beginning of August, however I do have some parental leave to use up so perhaps sooner??? Gosh this is such a difficult decision to make.

I have walked the dogs no less than three times today over the moors, poor things were reluctant on the last walk to leave the house. I find the walking helps bring clarity to my thinking and is doing a fabulous job keeping me calm, must be all the fresh air. Maybe tomorrow the new day will bring clearer thinking..... stay tuned for the continuing adventures of Jill and tribe x

[Deleted User]

You're welcome.

Oh I didn't realise you were considering a break. I think the hardest thing for me was mustering up the courage to actually do it. Once I'd done it ( I handed my notice in and didn't want to return after 12 months) it was a massive weight and although scary I suddenly allowed myself to be excited. Again I'm not sure of your reasonings but regardless I think to leave a job temporarily or permanently feels scary. Nursing was all I'd ever known, I felt vulnerable at the thought of leaving but almost 3 years on and I have no regrets. I hope you can settle on a plan that works for you and your family. I'm sure others close to you will freely share their thoughts but all that matters is what you decide is best. 
Good luck x

savingholmes

At least a career break doesn't completely burn your bridges

Jill12

@Adeley, your comment helped me with some decision making so thank you and I am glad it worked out for you in the end, @savingholmes I do love to burn my bridges, keeps life interesting and everyone on their toes!!

So today was the day..... I handed in my notice to quit and I am filled with such excitement and relief. I have had so many meetings with HR and my manager has been absolutely fabulous and understanding. Yesterday I was offered a dream contract but I still did nt want it. After I left the meeting I realised I just wanted someone to say, it is alright if you want to go so last night I gave myself permission to leave my job. That simple action relieved so much guilt and pressure. For the first time in my life I have no definitive plans. I have a rough financial plan but nothing solid. I do realise this sounds mental but sometimes life just catapultes lemons at your face and you just need to roll with it! I am still in a state of shock that I have done it but so, so happy. Perhaps I might sleep a little deeper and sounder than previous night now I have made the decision, goodnight xx 

[Deleted User]

Jill, reading your message made me well up! I remember feeling that exact same relief, I still feel it now. I remember colleagues Inc the head of Nursing saying she wishes she had been as courageous and that she admired me. My mother thought I was absolutely bonkers but over the years she seen my mental health improve significantly and my contentment puzzles her. I'm not sure if I'll ever go back to Nursing and I'm OK with not knowing, I'm literally taking things day by day and enjoying the journey. Its not all daisies but life is 1000 x lighter.

You gave yourself permission to trust your instincts. Be excited about the unknown  xxx I don't know you but I'm so proud of you x

savingholmes

Exciting times ahead. 

Savingtomove

Well done sounds like very exciting times ahead.  

I was listening to Dr Chatterjee podcast on walking and there have been studies which prove walking helps your thinking processes and learning! So the walk obviously were a key part of your decision!