Debt Support Group

 I have a part time job that I have had for 14 years.  I make $14.49 an hour.  On average I make about $300 a month extra.  It's retail.  I hate it.  People make me angry because they are rotten- well most of them are as they ask for crazy stuff.  and it's your fault for everything. 

anyways.  I got a promotion at my full time job and a raise of about $200 a month after taxes are taken out (gotta love taxes!)  I had promised my husband that I would quit when I got a promotion- and that was a year ago. 

WELL.. we want to buy a house and I only have $5,000 to put down.  and that would wipe us out.  We went through bankruptcy in 2005.  I have 2 credit cards that I use and they are each about $1500.  I am waiting for the mortgage guy to call me back and i am sure that we won't even be able to get a mortgage.  My husband is on disability- super long story- so I would be paying for everything.

My dilemma- I gave my notice at my part time job.  I can't even get my brain around working through another holiday.  Customers are incredibly mean during the holidays.  And I didn't save the money I was making- I just spent it on stuff I don't need.  new clothes, makeup etc etc. 

But now I am rethinking that decision.  I mean really.  it comes down to the money.  $300 more a month would pay off one credit card in 3 months.  and in Dec last year I made $600. 

I am so torn.  But worried that if i do stay I will spend it on useless things.  not comfortable with my self control.  at all.

I would love to hear your thoughts

How about giving this one more Holiday try to get the most out of this position. Can you give the money to someone to hold onto for you so you don't spend it? Could you make an auto payment from your bank account to your credit card in advance to keep yourself accountable?

Can your husband do any work from home to bring in money? Maybe something online?

What about a different part time job that is less stressful, one you maybe enjoy?

Good luck--and get rid of the balances on those cards, they are holding you back of your dream for a house.

I would suggest staying with the job. I know what it's like to hate a job, but that's good money, especially for the holidays and especially since you have a little bit of debt. What you'll probably find is that when that money is gone, you are going to still want the silly stuff you used to buy with it, then you're going to be tempted to buy that stuff anyway except now you make less money and there is less of it to waste.

Keep the job, take your money that you make and immediately put it somewhere where you cant touch it. That's what we do with DH's part time job checks. They go into savings automatically. The money is incredibly helpful even though he only makes about an extra $200 a month. Maybe you can tell yourself that you can quit as soon as your debt is payed off and you have a sufficient amount to put down on a house. I bet you will miss that money when it is gone!

 

Abbie

 

Since you received your promotion, I would ditch the part time job that is a source of much misery for you.  When you factor in costs like travel expenses and time away from home that could be used constructively, it doesn't sound worth it.  I'm speculating that since you work retail, you probably end up spending your part time pay in your retail environment.   And working retail during the holidays can be hell if you aren't into it.

Working a full-time and part-time job is stressful.  I suggest using the time you worked part-time with finding new and creative ways to stretch your income...meal planning, coupon-clipping, etc.  It sounds like just staying home will be more cost efficient and more rewarding for you. 

I agree with PP: when you factor in all other unspoken costs of a job, it's just not worth it (what about changes to eating habits when working or things you buy because you are miserable? Maybe the latter is why you couldn't save). Besides, if you couldn't save then, you might actually be more constructive at home... if only by being less tired!

Secondly, most employers wouldn't look to keenly on taking back someone who gave notice unless you have a good relationship AND gave a reason that suggested extenuating circumstances that will not recur. Once you've given notice, unless they offer upon notice that they would take you back, consider the job dead.

Third, customers are customers and if you don't like them at one store, it is unlikely you'll like them at another. I would try not having the second job for a while and, if you have to get another one, find something different. What is it you do in your day job? You might be better trying to find something using transferable skills.

But seriously, after a healthy period of pure indulgence with the extra time (you mean I have time to sit in a tub with a face mask? Read a book? I'm home for that show?!?) and recovery, you probably will find the extra time to tackle money saving will help you more. You may even be happier with your new-found methods.