Hoping for part time job suggestions... I have a great job, pays well, but I have my 4th kid in his last semester of college and 2 daughters currently engaged. ...a 3rd daughter engagement soon to come. At a time when we had 2 sturdy incomes, we (my husband and I) agreed to pay for college so the kids came out debt free. Now our paychecks aren't going as far and income not covering additional 25k yearly tuition..Long story short I feel I need to get a second job in order to cover bills, tuition and wedding expenses. I value my current job so I dont want to jeopardize it. Any suggestions on night and weekend part -time jobs that pay enough to make a difference? Or other creative suggestions for additional income?

11 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 3:49PM UTC

   OK, 2 things here:

   Why isn't your husband looking for the 2nd job as well if you are? two of you working the 2nd jobs will help cover costs faster.

   Secondly, I get you want to help as much as possible. But this business of killing yourself so kids can have a free college and a free elaborate weddings is getting out of hand in this society. Especially if you gave them a free college education. They are debt free coming out of college.

   I think it is time for you and your husband to focus on the two of you first. My mom and dad thought they had all of the time in the world to enjoy life. They didn't he died quite suddenly in his late 50's.

   A friend and her husband were trying to do it it all for their kids. No health issues for either one. He dropped his life insurance because of cost. He developed a cough, hospitalized because they thought it was pneumonia and upon further examination it was cancer. The guy never made it out of the hospital. He died - she and the kids had no extra money or his income.

   If you continue with the idea of paying for weddings and college, I sincerely hope you and your husband set very realistic budgets for your children when it comes to the weddings considering over 50% of marriages end in divorce.

2. KittyAugust 17,2024 at 4:10PM UTC

   I would have your girls finance their own weddings. It is good to start off Traci g them responsibility..

3. AnonymousAugust 17,2024 at 4:52PM UTC

   I would ask kids to pitch in for weddings. We too paid our kids' college so they would not have debt.

   As for part time jobs. What are your hobbies? Can you monetize one? What about technical skills?

   Another idea, but it takes a certification is insurance. What do you think about selling insurance. Many companies are picking up a part time or seasonal insurance agent. They sometimes train. But you must be able to pass a test. With insurance, you can work a few hours at night or on a Saturday or Sunday especially from September - January, AEP, or open enrollment for other insurance.

   Another idea is part time help at local hospital. Check listings to see what they need.

   Good luck.

4. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 1:09AM UTC

   Thanks. Great suggestion. I have my insurance license. Just haven't used it in 20 years... time to make use out of all that continuing ed!

5. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 1:35AM UTC

   I agree with the other posters. Your children are grown they can help pay for their college and weddings. Life is too short as you will neither benefit from their degrees or wedding cake. My parents did not pay my way, I did.

6. JB09718August 18,2024 at 3:53AM UTC

   Look for something that you would enjoy doing. Part time retail at your favorite store could be fun and you would get a discount, everyone will be hiring for the holidays soon. If you want more flexibility with schedule and something out of the box, look at resale shops/garage sales etc. to find antiques or collectibles that you can resell for profit. (if you’re handy you can refinish furniture and resell for profit too)

   It seems like you had a firm agreement with all of your children that college would be paid for but personally I would let the kids fund their own weddings. There are too many variables, what if one wants a destination wedding in Europe and another just wants a backyard potluck? Maybe you can agree on setting aside a flat amount to put towards the dress or the cake? Something feasible for all the kids that won’t break the bank?

7. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 1:05PM UTC

   Ridiculous. Your children can scale back on their weddings. Or pay for the weddings themselves. As for college tuition, time for them to work, go some place less expensive.

   I have two jobs, and it isn't easy. I work as a lab technician, at a substance abuse treatment program, obtaining and processing samples for the lab. Lots of part time work in this industry, and it does not require a specialized skill set, and since it is medical, the pay is amazing.

   I also have a customer service position working from home, on the phone. Jobs are out there, just look for them.

8. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 2:44PM UTC

   I hope you and your husband have been funding your retirement. Remember, you can't take loans out for retirement and reverse mortgages are for elderly retirees.

9. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 4:33PM UTC

   Yes, for 30 years I have put 10-13% in my 401k and I refuse to touch it. Probably not as big as it should be but I do know how important it is.

10. AnonymousAugust 18,2024 at 2:49PM UTC

    After all these expenses are you going to be able to retire? Are we supposed to work to death to pay everything for our children, then have nothing or struggle in future years? For the average person(s) this is impossible, there has to be a balance.

11. AnonymousAugust 19,2024 at 3:02PM UTC

    Have your children take out loans and/or apply for scholarships. There is nothing wrong with them paying for a portion of their education. Also, sit them down and explain the situation to them and let them know that with four of them and two of you, inflation has caused this to no longer be viable. You have relieved them of a lot of education debt already. Another option is to give them a budget for their weddings. They need to learn the value of money. For those who have graduated and have good jobs - ask for financial assistance with the younger ones. They do not have any educational financial burdens and should have freedom in their budgets to chip in or pay for their own weddings.