Help with Adult Education

The job market is tough these days, so it may take you a little while to find what you want and what you need. Check out every online job website you can (Monster, HotJobs, etc) and send your resume to every business that you might consider working for. Even if they don't have openings, they'll usually keep a resume on file for a few months.

As far as the students loans go, see if you will be able to get them deferred or repayment based on your income level. Also, check on consolidation. If the loans are private, that probably won't help you. Most of my loans were federal, so I consolidated them a few years ago and got locked in at a great low interest rate. If none of that works, call up the loan company and plead your case. They worked with me when I started repaying as I am a single mother too. Good luck!

You didn't say what your degree is in and whether or not you're working now and in what field. More information would help us give better advice. :)

Sometimes it takes time to get the right job! Think positive!

As for your profile....I know you didn't ask but my question would be...why are you getting little or no support from their dad? Its surprising that so many women don't pursue child support. It is the bare minimum of what their father should be providing. Personally, I let the court handle mine. They set the amount and they collect the payment. In Kansas, they will automatically take the support from their paycheck and send it to you. This is for your kids and its the least he can do. It doesn't make you any less of a good mom to accept this support! This could really help you make ends meet.

Good luck T.! Hope the New Year brings a great job your way! Will say a prayer for you...

Hey,I'm sorry you're going through this time but you should atleast be proud of yourself for graduating. It is a MAJOR accomplishment (especially with kids) and have faith that the rest will come slowly. If the job you're at hasn't offered you a promotion, more responsibilities, or better pay... demand it! If they won't give in, start looking elsewhere. I know it can be hard to job search while you're already working and raising kids but if you made it through school, you can do this too. Try the unemployment office too. They have access to for hire databases that are busineses which are serious about hiring. I want you to know, even if I'm the only one who says it, you are a determined, dedicated, and amazing person, and I am very proud of you for continuing to strive for the best in yourself despite the things in life that could hold you back. Give yourself a big hug from someone who knows how hard it is... you have done incredible things! Good luck to you.

T.,

My best suggestion is to tap into the amazing resources of the Women's Employment Network (WEN) here in the Greater KC Metro area. They help women in your situation every day. Their Web site address is <http://www.kcwen.org/&gt; ... check it out, call them up, make an appointment, and go see them. From resume building skills to interview training to professional wardrobe assistance to employment placement, WEN rocks! And it is all free to you.

You can succeed. You will not fail. You can do anything you set your mind to. Believe it.

Steff

Hi T.,
DON"T be afraid to ask for help. It's out there and it is meant for everyone!
My daughter is in a similar situation and felt as you do,
fortunately she has a family in her corner too...

There are people in this world who don't want/try to better themselves in order to make a better life for their children. They take advantage of everything available, with no intention of moving on ward and up ward.

It is women like you who deserve all the help and support possible.
Please see what is available to you, you and your children deserve it.
C. K.

Hi T.,

Are you currently employed? If so, have you talked to your employer and discussed the fact that you have obtained a degree and would like to renegotiate your salary? If you haven't, you should. Also, what did you earn your degree in? Have you talked to your professors and let them know you are looking for a job in the field? Sometimes, it may just be that you are not networking correctly. You may have many resources that you aren't using. Talk to your college professors, get in touch with your college career counselors, attend job fairs and let people know that you are looking. Good luck!

Have you looked into working from home in your spare time? I know that your boys must be your whole world, so working from home in the evenings, etc...would be ideal for a mom like you! Feel free to check out my website, and let me know if I can help! www.healthyhome4family.com and fill out the GET MORE INFO form.

Many blessings to you - keep your chin up!!!

Hey T. have you though about starting your own business?
D.

I think it's great that you are standing on your own two feet, you have gone down the path of getting your degree. You are doing things right!!! My advice would be to be patient, start asking your friends who they know so maybe you can hop jobs to somewhere in your field where they require a degree. Most places that require a degree pay better. Talk to your professors from school, see if any companies have contacted them for recruitments. The best way to get a job is knowing someone that works at that company. You are to be proud of what you have accomplished. If your kids aren't proud today (because they don't know any better), they will be later...Congratulations and think of job hunting as a new adventure, a new chapter in your life. Good luck!

You simply have to have faith! You also have to "act is if"... What I mean by that is you have to act as if you already have the job you want. Do you KNOW what you want? Specifically? Write it down. When you act as if, you also have to roll in some good feelings. Its a smple process that is written about it many books these days and it helps you get over these humps.

What kind of degree did you get? Many of us had horrible problems getting the job we wanted after college and I for one, had to go back and get an advanced degree. I would also try Toastmasters to get your comfort level up. Everyone needs help here. If you went to a trade school like Medical assistant, etc, sometimes I see these new graduates out in the field applying for jobs and expecting much higher salaries than they are worth. Basically new graduates aren't worth that much in some industries because of lack of experience. You have to show how you can not only pay for your salary by increased business but also bring in a profit. Tall order! Good luck and definitley try Toastmasters for a year or two.

T.,

Hold on! I was in your shoes about 18 years ago, and things will work out - they WILL. I divorced, and went back to school with a 3 year old and a five year old, and money was SO tight.

First, do all the stuff Amanda suggested. AND... give me some facts. Maybe I can even be helpful. What is your degree in? What jobs have you been doing until now? What do you enjoy doing and what are you best at? What would you like to do - your eventual dream job? I have some friends who run, own or have management positions in companies. Maybe I can help you...

It WILL work out!

I just graduated and got hired somewhere without having a degree yet. I got hired there right before I got my degree. Someone suggested to me that since I got it that I should ask for more money. I havent done this yet but its an idea. It never hurts to ask. Whats the worst they could say? No? Hope this helps!
--S.