If you were financially desperate with kids what is the worst you would do?

[Pax]

If you wanted to better your life by studying but had no financial way of providing for yourself and your children what is the most you would do in order to provide fro yourself and kids?

lets face it Austudy and FTB FTA doesnt cover it!

[Tam-I-Am]

Get a part-time job?

Ask my parents for a loan?

I'm not sure what you're looking for here...

[Fuchsia!]

I just wouldn't study. There is no way i would lower my standards to prostitute or strip or whatever else just to get ahead.

i would just plod along the best i could, budget my butt off and live the best i can on what little i have.

[flyawayfree]

I am in that situation pretty much, I spoke to my nab who offered to buy my textbooks and am putting my fees on hecs.

[meggs]

hmmm I would probably start visiting lots of garage sales and finding bargains then reselling for hopefully more than I paid... or Id try some nanny work to help out... i dont have any skills in anything i can make and sell or any services so that would prob be my options..

[MummaBear03]

Turn to drug dealing and prostitute myself :yes: I think that sounds fun :yelclap:

Also not sure what you're looking for here but since the sensible options were taken, thought I'd say something different :D

[lotti]

I would probably wait til I was able to do it finanically.
Maybe when the kids are at school, get a full-time job and study online.

[Chunkydunks]

In that situation I'd move into the cheapest, smallest possible place I could find, cut out all unnessesary expenses, and buy from charities as much as possible. I know some charities even have groceries cheap that have been donated, often because they're short dated but hey, who cares. Its food.

[Lemonhead]

Turn to drug dealing and prostitute myself :yes: I think that sounds fun :yelclap:

Also not sure what you're looking for here but since the sensible options were taken, thought I'd say something different :D

Well, if sh!t turned to sh!t and it was between my children not eating or me prostituting myself then yeah...Id do it.

I know a woman who works in the sex industry and she is one of the strongest most amazing women I have ever met. She was left high and dry by her ex husband and had 3 kids to support...they have never gone without.

I hope his thread doesnt turn into a big judgemental argument because some women would do certain things others wouldnt and I dont think anyone could be criticised of just trying to make the best life for their kids.

[meggs]

Turn to drug dealing and prostitute myself :yes: I think that sounds fun :yelclap:

Also not sure what you're looking for here but since the sensible options were taken, thought I'd say something different :D


:laughing: anyone that has ever seen "Satisfaction" would be tempted...

[1+1=5]

Turn to drug dealing and prostitute myself :yes: I think that sounds fun :yelclap:

Also not sure what you're looking for here but since the sensible options were taken, thought I'd say something different :D

yeah me too. i've done pole dancing classes and i was told i'm a natural :rolleyes:

[crazymuma]

To be honest if it ever got so bad that there was NO WAY for me to feed the kids and noo one for me to turn to then I wouldn't hesitate to sell myself. Yes it goes against what I stand for but I would sell my soul to keep my kids happy so why wouldn't I sell my body to keep them fed!!

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

Make cakes and sell them or clean peoples houses.

I would never prostitute myself as other people have suggested, as I don't feel it would be worth it.

I don't think badly of the women that do it, and I fully understand their reasons, but I in our society as it is where I am not going to starve would not do it.

I do think badly of the Johns.

[crazymuma]

Make cakes and sell them or clean peoples houses.

I would never prostitute myself as other people have suggested, as I don't feel it would be worth it.

I don't think badly of the women that do it, and I fully understand their reasons, but I in our society as it is where I am not going to starve would not do it.

I do think badly of the Johns.


Sad thing is if you were truly in that situation you wouldn't have the money to make the cakes in the first place.

And finding a job cleaning sounds easy but isn't always - I have been trying to do this for the last 6 months (with years experience cleaning 5 star resorts) and still have found no work.

You are right though - the way our welfare system is designed the government is providing enough that our children won't go hungry. Hopefully that never changes.

[Pinkzy]

To be honest if it ever got so bad that there was NO WAY for me to feed the kids and noo one for me to turn to then I wouldn't hesitate to sell myself. Yes it goes against what I stand for but I would sell my soul to keep my kids happy so why wouldn't I sell my body to keep them fed!!

:iagree: In a heartbeat.

Obviously this would be an absolute last resort (after exhausting all other possible options) but hey...if it meant my kids would be eating that week...yep. In a heartbeat.

[missie_mack]

Do whatever I would normally do to support my family and study by correspondence or part time picking up only a subject a semester :confused:

Studying does not have to be full time and does not mean you cannot work :no:

[Pinkzy]

Make cakes and sell them or clean peoples houses.

I would never prostitute myself as other people have suggested, as I don't feel it would be worth it.

I don't think badly of the women that do it, and I fully understand their reasons, but I in our society as it is where I am not going to starve would not do it.

I do think badly of the Johns.

I'm agreeing with crazymumma (again) on this.

Also with the cleaning - not that simple, I'm a domestic and commercial cleaner by trade with all my own products and equipment.

Unless you've got the equipment, all your necessary cleaning products and an ABN, your chances of finding work cleaning peoples homes (unless you know them personally) are extremely low. Not saying this to be argumentative - just letting people know that it isn't that easy.

[Janesmum123]

Sad thing is if you were truly in that situation you wouldn't have the money to make the cakes in the first place.

And finding a job cleaning sounds easy but isn't always - I have been trying to do this for the last 6 months (with years experience cleaning 5 star resorts) and still have found no work.

You are right though - the way our welfare system is designed the government is providing enough that our children won't go hungry. Hopefully that never changes.

How come you can't get work cleaning? Even night cleaning there is nothing around, or how does it work?
Just curious cause I wanted to go clean after bubs is born for extra cash.

[SassyMummy]

If I couldn't do the obvious things like get a job or whatever, I'd go move in with family. Done it before. Annoying, but much better that than starve.

[Blueberry Crumble]

I would never ever under any circumstances become a prostitute. I would find other means for money for my kids! I dont know what, but I would find something. Geez, what kind of example would I be setting for my daughter selling my body? Ugh

[missie_mack]

Unless you've got the equipment, all your necessary cleaning products and an ABN, your chances of finding work cleaning peoples homes (unless you know them personally) are extremely low. Not saying this to be argumentative - just letting people know that it isn't that easy.

Your joking right? Trying to get someone into clean your house is a nightmare. Most of them are booked to the hilt. I know quite a few people who have done just what SSP posted and built a fulltime job out of it in the end.

Incidently to get a ABN these days you need to demostrate an existing need for one from my understanding. So you would need to get the work first to request the ABN ;)

[lotti]

Your joking right? Trying to get someone into clean your house is a nightmare. Most of them are booked to the hilt. I know quite a few people who have done just what SSP posted and built a fulltime job out of it in the end.

Incidently to get a ABN these days you need to demostrate an existing need for one from my understanding. So you would need to get the work first to request the ABN ;)

SO TRUE! lol I just clean my own house, can't be bothered trying to get someone to turn up now. I think once you start 'word of mouth' would have you with too many cleaning jobs. Thats what happened to a close friend of mine. :yes:

[Janesmum123]

Your joking right? Trying to get someone into clean your house is a nightmare. Most of them are booked to the hilt. I know quite a few people who have done just what SSP posted and built a fulltime job out of it in the end.

Incidently to get a ABN these days you need to demostrate an existing need for one from my understanding. So you would need to get the work first to request the ABN ;)

I got an ABN but I heard I need to get insurance aswell? Do you know anything about this.
I really would like to start a little business like this when bubs is born but I hear so many different stories some say it's impossible to get work others say it's easy.
I will have all my own cleaning products and am willing to travel (within reason)
How much roughtly do you get cleaning an hour? do you know? I heard it's 20-25 an hour?
Also I want to advertise in the local paper/saturday paper and white pages...

[delirium]

Are you talking about a single or partnered parent morri? Is this a philosophical question or a real one about yourself? I can offer some suggestions in regard to CL but unless I know the circumstances it makes it hard.

[sockstealingpoltergeist]

Sad thing is if you were truly in that situation you wouldn't have the money to make the cakes in the first place.

And finding a job cleaning sounds easy but isn't always - I have been trying to do this for the last 6 months (with years experience cleaning 5 star resorts) and still have found no work.

You are right though - the way our welfare system is designed the government is providing enough that our children won't go hungry. Hopefully that never changes.

Yes you are correct, I am saying along with receiving welfare.

Women should never be put in that position and that is why they should be supported more then they are right now.


If I lived in a third world country, or somewhere where I had no oppotunities and less choice then I do now I honestly can't say that I wouldn't prostitute myself, because I wouldn't be me. I would be a different person in a different set of circumstances.

[Pinkzy]

That's news to me about the ABN.

I got one easily before I started working as a sub-contractor.

[Mum2Mimi]

i wouldnt sell myself,not a very good example and there are plenty of other options,u would get f/n centerlink payments and you could get food stamps from charitys if u couldnt feed ur child to get you through and get clothes,toys furniture ect from charity stores aswell,there is always somebody willing to help you to get on ur feet ur children wouldnt starve
Ild even steal the old loafs of bread out the back of a bakery or something before i resorted to prostitution... Im sorry but i think thats abit drastic jmo, i think theres plenty of other avenues you could try before turning to that kinda industry
I know stealing a loaf of bread isnt really setting a good example either but its better then having sex for money i beleave
Thats prob the most desperate thhing ild do and i wouldnt study until i can aford 2 if that means scrappin along until i get work to get on my feet again then save for study then so be it but i wouldnt go sign up for a course if i couldnt feed my kids my first priority would be finding work

[Mum2Mimi]

or you could go to a food hall thing for the homeless and get a feed or a shelter or something i sure they would tak u in

[missie_mack]

That's news to me about the ABN.

I got one easily before I started working as a sub-contractor.


To be entitled to an ABN you must be carrying on an enterprise in Australia. An enterprise, among other things, is an activity or series of activities done in the form of a business. Your enterprise, if it is in the form of a business, must have commenced trading or have undertaken sufficient activities to establish an enterprise. An intention to operate a business is not sufficient to be seen as establishing an enterprise; you must have taken appropriate steps that show a commitment to starting a business.

Taken from ATO website :)

Rules change from time to time is probably a big part of it :)

[Pinkzy]

Ah - that makes sense then.

I got mine in 2007 so it's obviously changed since then.

[Pax]

I just realised within myself today.. epiphany ... I would do ANYTHING it took :o

[crazymuma]

How come you can't get work cleaning? Even night cleaning there is nothing around, or how does it work?
Just curious cause I wanted to go clean after bubs is born for extra cash.


Can't do night cleaning as I am a single mum and daycare isn't open nights.

Been a couple jobs advertised but need to be able to work weekends (babysitter is $10 a hour so not really worth it for me)

Have put up flyers heaps of places for private house cleaning but had no resposes yet.

[florence]

I would do ANYTHING it took :o

Me too.

[crazymuma]

Your joking right? Trying to get someone into clean your house is a nightmare. Most of them are booked to the hilt. I know quite a few people who have done just what SSP posted and built a fulltime job out of it in the end.

Incidently to get a ABN these days you need to demostrate an existing need for one from my understanding. So you would need to get the work first to request the ABN ;)


Might be hard for you to find a cleaner - but been hard for me to find a cleaning job!!

[~Bec~]

If I were financially desperate with DS (or more) I would do what ever it took. The short answer is that I would move back in with my parents if we/I found ourselves that destitute but I am fortunate to have that option. If I didn't have that option then I would find very cheap accommodation and a job. Fortunately I've got oodles of work experience in a few fields so if I really needed to, getting a job shouldn't be too hard.

If I was trying to better myself though and didn't have the finances to study then I would head down to my local library and start using some resources down there. Libraries are tops!! :thumbsup:

[WorkingClassMum]

If you wanted to better your life by studying but had no financial way of providing for yourself and your children what is the most you would do in order to provide fro yourself and kids?

lets face it Austudy and FTB FTA doesnt cover it!


I wouldn't put myself in this position.

I'd study off campus or online whilst working FT.

I have 4 jobs ATM which includes cleaning on the w/e.

I haves 2 part time jobs as a bookkeeper 9~3 atm and I work from home as well after hours (should be doing that now)

I'm no job snob, I have cleaned toilets in a factory to make end meet, and for three months I held down 2 full time jobs (before kids) - I worked 9~5 as a teller in a credit union and 6~2 in a toolroom in a factory feeding bits of metal into a machine. Prior to the teller job, I worked the night shift and cleaned the toilets and the offices after I finished the tool room.

I worked as a motor bike courier whilst studying and after hours I delivered pizza's

Granted all this would be very difficult with kids, hence if it meant being on the breadline I wouldn't do it until I could manage to care for my kids, work and study at the same time.

[MummaBear03]

If I were financially desperate with DS (or more) I would do what ever it took. The short answer is that I would move back in with my parents if we/I found ourselves that destitute but I am fortunate to have that option. If I didn't have that option then I would find very cheap accommodation and a job. Fortunately I've got oodles of work experience in a few fields so if I really needed to, getting a job shouldn't be too hard.

If I was trying to better myself though and didn't have the finances to study then I would head down to my local library and start using some resources down there. Libraries are tops!! :thumbsup:

Finding a job is the easy part, finding care for kids is the hard part, or finding a job that fits in with other arrangements such as school.

[~Bec~]

Finding a job is the easy part, finding care for kids is the hard part, or finding a job that fits in with other arrangements such as school.

This is very true. I guess in my head in the scenario DS would still be in his current CC or be looked after by my parents.

[MummaBear03]

This is very true. I guess in my head in the scenario DS would still be in his current CC or be looked after by my parents.

All I have is school. No childcare, friends or extended family who can have her at any time. I guess as she gets older and carseats aren't such a hassle it will be easier. But then all her friends are from bigger families, so a mum with a sedan and 4 kids already has a full car without taking on extras and that seems to be the way all her friends are. Or they have an 8 seater 4wd but 7 kids. No extra space to on a child for the afternoon even without the hassle of changing carseats over to different cars.

[Pippi Longstocking]

If you wanted to better your life by studying but had no financial way of providing for yourself and your children what is the most you would do in order to provide fro yourself and kids?

lets face it Austudy and FTB FTA doesnt cover it!

We made it happen. We moved to a cheaper house, scrimped where we could, went without luxuries and just made it work. FTB etc can cover it, if you only need the basics. We are lucky in that we don't smoke, drink or indulge in any other expensive behaviours.

It's all starting to pay off now. :smiliedance:

[Amara]

Um I would can the study idea and get a job. There are unskilled jobs that pay just as well as skilled ones. We have a number of people with degrees at my work and they dont earn any more than those of us who dont have them.

[moozle]

I would never ever under any circumstances become a prostitute. I would find other means for money for my kids! I dont know what, but I would find something. Geez, what kind of example would I be setting for my daughter selling my body? Ugh

Yup, me too, I'd never allow it to get to that point. The minute things started going pear shaped, I'd get some help.

[Nowhere]

Well if I still had the figure I had years ago I would work in a strip club, however these days they would be paying me money to keep them on hahahaha.


Honestly when I was workng in clubs I met alot of girls in that situation they could work one night a week and get the lil ones looked after and earn in one night at the club more then they could earn in a weeks ful time work putting there kids into day care. Yes they where strippers not ideal for a mum, but payed the bills put food on the table with out the children missing out on time with mum. not for most people no but I sure as heck wouldnt nock any of them for doing so.

[MummaBear03]

Well if I still had the figure I had years ago I would work in a strip club, however these days they would be paying me money to keep them on hahahaha.


Honestly when I was workng in clubs I met alot of girls in that situation they could work one night a week and get the lil ones looked after and earn in one night at the club more then they could earn in a weeks ful time work putting there kids into day care. Yes they where strippers not ideal for a mum, but payed the bills put food on the table with out the children missing out on time with mum. not for most people no but I sure as heck wouldnt nock any of them for doing so.

Hahaha I'm the same. The post I made at the start was just because someone had to say it :p but really I haven't even been with a man in literally years so have no idea what to even do anymore :o

I've met people working in the sex industry and they always have their children at the front of their minds when they do what they do. It's not that they want to do that, it's that no other work fits in with their family and pays enough.

[Nowhere]

I just realised within myself today.. epiphany ... I would do ANYTHING it took :o


I would give you a 5er







To keep your kit on

:raspberry:

[TacoFest]

When it comes to looking after my child, I will do anything if takes. I am not above anything if it would help me to feed her. I would do anything and everything to keep a roof over her head and food on the table.

[Veritas]

Depended what I wanted to study..... A lot of certificates can be done in the form of traineeships, so you're earning while you're learning....

As for uni degrees, well many can be undertaken by correspondence and flexibly negating the need for childcare or quitting a job, fees can be deferred to hecs, text books can be purchased second hand, equity scholarships are available to those with certain disadvantages, etc.... There are plenty of supports out there if you know where to look.....

There is no way I would sell my body, or lower my own moral beliefs for the sake of furthering my education, in that sense I feel I would be giving away more than I was gaining.....

If there was no way I could juggle finances adequately I would plan, and save, and make sure I got myself to a place whereby I could

[Opinionated]

Apply for scholarships for people in low income circumstances (there is heaps if you look), approach local businesses for sponsorship and offer to advertise their business on my car door with one of those big magnet things, study part time so that I could work part time toom study externally so that I could do it all online and not worry about childcare costs- with hecs, you then only have to pay your internet connection and for books.

I would never work in the sex industry as a parent. Weirdos follow girls home all the time and that is not something I would want to risk around my kids.

Study doesn't have to be expensive. What do you want to do Morrigan?

[Deserama]

My ex and I did this. We lived off austudy and family allowance for 3 kids while he studied. He did some 'cash' jobs to suppliment though.

[~Candy~]

I went back to work. I have only basic education (didn't even do half of yr nine) and happily cleaned toilets and offices for a while, then I found nightfill and I haven't looked back.

I've just finnished reading a book "In my Skin" by Kate Holden who worked as a prostitue to pay for her drug addiction...never would I go through what she went through for any money.

IMO, If someone is that strapped for cash that they would look into prostitution...surely the 1st moves to make would be to sell whatever you can, have a prepaid mobile and only use it to recieve calls, cut the landline, cut the internet and use the library ones, cut cable tv, do whatever possible to cut fuel and elect bills, buy the cheaper variety of foods and cleaning products, shop at op shops for clothing etc...

[Jakois]

Turn to drug dealing and prostitute myself :yes: I think that sounds fun :yelclap:

Also not sure what you're looking for here but since the sensible options were taken, thought I'd say something different :D

:laughing:.

I would also consider going out and "catching" myself a rich manz:thumbsup:. Then I wouldn't have to do nufin:p.

[PeppaH]

My ex and I did this. We lived off austudy and family allowance for 3 kids while he studied. He did some 'cash' jobs to suppliment though.

We are doing it now but living with my mum...Not that its any cheaper. Trying to find a good place to move to atm...Just need a fridge haha.

What would I do?? Well I have cleaned a family friends house when DS1 was younger, once a fortnight and it sure helped. Christmas was coming up so I did that for extra cash lol.

Not in the position at this moment that one would call struggling but Im still trying to find something to do... If we were seriously desperate I would sell myself, I would build a customer database and stick with the same ones...However I doubt anyone would want this body atm :p I dont think I would need to though.

I would probably sell as much as I needed to of my own stuff, from clothes, computers, tv etc etc.
Offer my services to the neighbours to clean their house, garden, wash the dog, car, windows etc etc

Of course I would try find free baby sitting for my kids so I can work. Maybe start a baby sitting club with friends who have kids, you watch my kids for free I watch yours etc

[bumMum]

good question. the smart thing to do is not have many expenses. but in my situation, we went and took on a mortgage and a house which needed a lot of renovations didn't we:hair:
so I am not able to afford to study right now.. because we simply will not survive.

but I am getting my diploma NOW.. which means I can be on better money and work while I study and be paid a reasonable amount..

honestly, the answer to your question is, work. work work work work work. even at mcdonalds. you have to do what you have to do to survive. and if you want to study and make a better life for yourself, you have to work in your spare time.

[ConfettiGirl]

I have been a stripper to pay my way through uni....I would do it again also without hesitation. I actually loved the work and given that I have 11 years of formal dance training it would seem a shame to waste my ability anyway (I can probably even still do the splits with little difficulty although I haven't tried since getting preg with my first).

I enjoy dancing and as long as I felt safe and secure in the club I was working in (and the club I did work in was very upmarket and very safe) then I don't see a problem in doing what I love anyway - just without clothes on. It really isn't as seedy and "dirty" as some people believe.....at least not in the place I worked (a very well known club in Melbourne). I also cleared a minimum of $1200 for 3 nights work - and I didn't even work the floor as much as I could have done as I preferred to chat for ages with people I found interesting.

I probably would not consider prositution unless I was in dire straits indeed. However I am currently going to uni and yes it is very tight financially (extra daycare costs, driving, parking, textbooks blah blah blah). I am also doing a double bach in Nursing and Midwifery and my course is not offered online or in any other mode except full-time/on campus. I need to travel half an hour each way to drop my kids off at their sitters and then pick them up + another 20 mins in driving to and from the uni. I really don't have time to get a job, part-time or otherwise unless I want to never see my children. My uni courseload is H.E.A.V.Y and I need weekends to study and make sure I absorb the information I learn during the lectures and keep myself up to date with the readings. A job is really out of the question for me.

[Pax]

confetti girl.. you have a lot on your plate there!

doing all that on your own must be difficult. You are very inspiring.

[ConfettiGirl]

confetti girl.. you have a lot on your plate there!

doing all that on your own must be difficult. You are very inspiring.

Aw thank you Morrigan! It must be said though that I do get more support than a lot of other single parents. I have a MIL who has the kids whenever my ex cannot. I am getting my younger two into occasional care 1 day a week so that MIL has a day off for appointments and groceries etc. I also pay my MIL to have the kids (I only pay $50 a week and my parents pay her the other $150 kind of as a loan that I will pay back bit by bit over the course of my life). So yeah it's not like I am doing it entirely on my own - I don't think I could to be honest!

[Pax]

Aw thank you Morrigan! It must be said though that I do get more support than a lot of other single parents. I have a MIL who has the kids whenever my ex cannot. I am getting my younger two into occasional care 1 day a week so that MIL has a day off for appointments and groceries etc. I also pay my MIL to have the kids (I only pay $50 a week and my parents pay her the other $150 kind of as a loan that I will pay back bit by bit over the course of my life). So yeah it's not like I am doing it entirely on my own - I don't think I could to be honest!

if she registers as a family day care mother, you would be able to claim back what you pay her.

when i was looking at trying to get in home care for my kids.. i called http://ebcc.com.au/fdc.html and they told me that if a family member registers with them that i could claim child care back off medicare etc.

[trishalishous]

I would escort before I would ever deal drugs, but I would strip/lingerie waitress (if I had the body for it) before I would escort.

Id rather take a legal avenue, like the sex industry, rather than illegal such as drugs/stolen goods/shoplifting etc

[ConfettiGirl]

Thanks for that link Morrigan. I will definitely look into it. The reason I am going with MIL rather than full-time care is because my son is autistic and doesn't do well with strangers and is basically a handful anyway. He has no social empathy and I doubt most daycare providors would appreciate the extra time they would need to devote to him (he has multiple meltdowns in a day). There is a special care centre nearby that I have been referred/recommended to so he will be going there 1 day a week. They deal with extra needs children so J will be "normal" in that centre.

Trichalicious - good point about the legality thing! As distasteful as the sex industry might be to some people it is legal (within certain certain parameters of course). I would never deal in drugs! Or do anything that wasn't strictly legal.

[motherev2two]

Well actually being there its easy to say oh this is what I would do.. truth be told it is never as easy as moving cheaper and selling the lot and budgeting pretty hard to budget on negative funds when you sold everything already.

I have done that and to be honest had my grandfather been overseas Id of worked ANYWHERE that was hiring and since stripping was the only place and I had the bod for it I WOULD have if it came to that... Id prefer to put food on the table the legal way even if it meant doing any job that was hiring (at the time no where but sex industry was hiring)

DH tried but his wage with the stupid lying new boss was really hard to live on when we had set bills that had to be paid and could not be reduced or cancelled

[sweetseven]

beg

I would consider stealling the discards of mass industry - ie from rubbish bins at shopping centres or on industrial sites - but never from people. I could not take something that someone else needed. (I feel bad enough with regards to pushing my case for public housing at the moment, because if I get a house that means someone else doesn't. Though I understand it is important for my children so am doing so.)

[kuddles]

I would do anything I could for my family!

[Mummyoftwo86]

Anything it takes apart from prostitution or killing;)