Isn't it ironic...

[stargazer99]

Sorry for putting this all in yet another long post, but I wanted to respond to those that have posted since my original response. And I don't want to continue making separate posts.

Originally Posted by Raeven Skye

Honey, I am so sorry you're "knee deep in kim-chee" (as y Mom would say). Your situation totally sucks. I understand the difficulty in finding a techie job w/no degree. My husband has had the same problem for years: grave digger, pawn broker, customer service, just to get by. His last customer service job has turned into a really awesome opportunity, tho, so never give up! It's bad enough to have to live apart, but to have the situation you have would be enough to make me lose it. Stay strong, and know that we're here for you. I'll be sending love and prayers your way!

Thank you for the kind words!

Originally Posted by DavidMn

I really hope everything works out for you. You sound like youre really trying to live the right way as best you can. Good things happen to good people. Remember that.

Thank you too, David! This means a lot to me, because you strike me as a very good, kind-hearted person yourself!

Originally Posted by SuzeQuze

Mary, the money isn't as important as family. If he really wants to stay in Texas shouldn't he be really working his catering business? Won't you just be in the same predicament in 6 mos if he is not? This job may seem like a good idea but it sounds like a temporary solution that will just push this problem out 6 mos. Also, I really think he should be doing everything he can to be with you two. He should not be leaving you down there.

I'm so sorry this is happening. I also hope I don't sound too harsh. Women tend to compromise as a second nature. Then the years go by and you look at your life and think, "This isn't my life!".

Hang in there. Also, my standard advice here, consider couple's counseling. I hope things get better very soon for you.

Thanks for the good wishes and advice, Suze! As I've already posted in some of my responses, we both think him taking this contract is necessary. The out-of-pocket expenses this time should be fairly minimal, and he'll be making a good hourly rate. Our financial situation is dire enough right now that we're in grave danger of losing the house, so we can't wait for the catering business to start making money... we need money now. And this should buy us time. But he's not giving up the business, just putting it on hold for now while making some money that will hopefully not only help pay our regular monthly bills, but help pay down some of our debt so we have a little more breathing room.

I do understand what you're saying, though, and appreciate the concern. I do admit that sometimes, I wonder if I'm sacrificing too much. But I'm trying to have faith that these are temporary sacrifices I'm making now that will pay off in the long run. And I do have to say that my husband, for the most part, is very supportive. He encourages me to go after opportunities in my own career, and pursue my own personal interests. I don't feel that he's purposely trying to hold me back. But I will admit, it's very frustrating to see him pursuing his dreams now, not knowing for sure if it will work out, while I'm feeling the burden from so many standpoints.

Originally Posted by gldstwmn

I'm so sorry to hear about all of this. I have to say, as an independent female myself, that I find the questions that Mary posed to be pretty good ones.
I just wish there were more that I could say or do for you. If you ever want to talk, I'm just a mouse click away. Take care of yourself and your little boy.

Thank you Chris, that's so sweet! I will definitely take you up on that... I'm sure I'll be needing plenty of opportunities to vent. And as I've been stating over and over, I understand where you and Mary are coming from. Just hope my answers/explanations make sense.

Originally Posted by WelshWitchPMD

I hope that everything works out for you. I think that your husband needs to learn another programming language or another computer skill. You need to adjust to demand in the job market today. Can't he take a few classes? I am sure that they would not be too time consuming and even a community college would not be that much money. It would be worth it in the long run. Even an entry level job might pay for some classes or training and in a year he could be making a lot more $$$. It sounds better then these temp jobs that are a temporary solution.
I work for a credit union and even I am going to take a few more computer classes. It is good to be a step ahead of everyone else.
Good luck!

Thank you for the good thoughts, Pattie! I answered some of the questions about my husband's training in my responses to Amber and Mary. He really wants to concentrate on the business at this point. But we feel this temporary job is necessary to tide us over. We're hoping it will put us in a good enough position until the business starts making a profit (which hopefully, it will... I'm aware that starting your own business can be very iffy.)