I've been a single mom working full time for a very long time. I am usually so valuable at my jobs that the place falls apart if I have to leave early for a medical appointment. That's good on one hand....bad on the other. Male bosses, especially, have been very inflexible. However, missing work means missing money, so I never pushed too hard about things.
I have a friend who works full time. So does her husband. They have three kids under the age of 6. She gets scholarships and grants for her online school. She has a couple months left of her BS degree and then will start her Master's program. She has a gruelling schedule, but she does homework with her laptop on her lunch hours and after her kids are in bed.
It CAN be done.
As far as the Fiscal Cliff, be careful what you read and who you listen to. I'm not saying to be ignorant, just don't let yourself freak out about something that hasn't happened.
Don't borrow trouble.
Don't get into "the sky is falling" thing. You'll send yourself right into panic attacks.
Remember Y2K? The whole world was supposed to shut down and come unglued and guess what? It didn't. According to the Mayan calendar, the world was supposed to end. People have been predicting that type of stuff for centuries upon centuries. We're still here.
A lot of people are "just getting by". A lot of people are far worse off than we are.
When I get in a funk, I rely on my sense of humor. I watch funny movies. I listen to uplifting music. And yes, I pray. I mostly give thanks for what I have as opposed to asking for what I don't have.
I have a thing that hangs in my living room that says,
"Lord, Let me appreciate the wait as well as the answer".
Find something to laugh about every single day.
Laughter really is the best medicine.
Here are a couple of good songs that make me feel happy. Ignore the comments at the bottom, just listen for yourself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYi7uEvEEmk
Lovely Day - Bill Withers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzNvpHxWO8c&feature=re...
Break it Down Again - Tears for Fears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwgWHYcodg0
Canned Heat - Jamiroqui
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tPiUckBSM
Brenda Russel/Oleta Adams - We Will Find a Way
(the best version I could find was posted regarding eating disorders, but still a favorite and inspiring song)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrpaOyfIIeY
Burning Spear - Estimated Prophet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv1lJnTbQ60
Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6sqA9QtV5I
Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
So, if you want some happy movies, I can give you a list.
I resort to many of them often.
Just find ways to build yourself up, and I promise it does really help.
You can get yourself out of your funk.
Best wishes.
P.S.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-REi5Bjdie0
Incubus - Drive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6mKMV0d2cs
Cat Stevens - Peace Train
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQvmCzILBfE
Love Train - O'Jays
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kNGnIKUdMI
My Sweet Lord - George Harrison
These are all uplifting songs for me. Funny movies are a second best.
The sillier the better.
Best wishes.