Returning to Work for Benefits: Please Help My Friend!

My first thought would be that her husband needs to make a change: either a new job with better benefits, or as he works for a small company, he needs to talk to them about his situation and see if there is something they can negotiate/work out together to add his family to his benefits.

Of course, with the economy as it is, neither of these might be viable options. In that case, she might have to rought it out until things turn around.

As for working from home, I did hear of an interesting job opportunity. If she has any secretarial skills, have her check out internetgirlfriday.com for a work-from-home job.

S.,
I own my own business and we are growing. I can talk to your friend to see if I can help her. It won't necessarily help with benefits (because she would be her own boss) but she would make way more than $10 an hour and be able to work the hours she wants. No, it is NOT a party type selling job :)

There is a start up cost involved but I can discuss that with her. My business made a record profit in 2008 so definitely recession proof. It is the right time to start your own business. The tax benefits are fabulous! Have her give me a call.

P.
Lil Language Scholars
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I agree with the first poster that hubby maybe should consider something that helps the family a bit more but have to say that this is actually a GREAT time to start a Home Based Business if you pick the right one that suits the troubled economy. My business has increased over 20% over this time last year. Tell her to check into food companies. People aren't eating out as much so they are looking for ways to save money by eating at home. Moms are really into the slow cooker meals and things like that right now. www.homemadegourmet.com/amy22885

I would suggest that she would get the health benefits through the state and stay at home with her daughter.

Also I have a friend that works from home and she does great. She doesn't sell any products, but she has her own business and it seems like the economy won't bother her. Her business is growing and she works for a reputable company registered with Better Busines Bureau.
If she wants more information on that she can check out my friends website at: http://www.EnjoyingMyTime.com

I also suggest she look into the All Kids program. But, if not, you can get some reasonable plans through Blue Cross. I pay $203/month for my husband and son with a high deductible, but only a $30/copay for doctor visits so it is not prohibitive to go for regular care. We had a plan with a much lower deductile for $340/month last year.

Also, trying to find a job with family benefits is tough. Most employers do not cover dependent benefits or do not fully cover them anymore and they are very costly.

With the economy the way it is and her husband working for a small company, I would say she should start looking for a job. If she doesn't make much money I would suggest that she looks for an in home daycare as they are much less expensive than the cookie cutter daycare center. She can also look for friends or relatives to help her with her child. It doesn't have to be permanent, if her husband can change later than she can go back to being home with her child.

As great as it would be for her husband to change his job for better benefits, right now it probably won't happen. One option she can check into for benefits is the state programs. I have heard other moms say they have family coverage in the All Kids plan. I don't really know much about it though. It might be something that could work for her. I would also say that for moms, the kids come first and we still look for something for our kids to do outside of the everyday humdrum. If there was an affordable activity for my kids that they would enjoy, I would look further into it. As it is, my park district only offers programs right after school which is unfortunately not a possibility. Maybe she could do that or babysit for the extra money to pay for the state program.