Oops . . . There's Been A Misunderstanding

I've received a couple of comments recently

that have shown me there was some misunderstanding

of some of my earlier posts about our unemployment situation.

Since many of you may be having some of the same questions,

I thought I would answer them for all of you.

"I hate to suggest it, but have you (re)considered going back to work? While it sounds like it would be wonderful for your husband to get back into teaching full time, you were (I think) offered several full-time positions that came with benefits (including health insurance). . . .




I understand your desire to stay home with your children, but given your family's current situation, perhaps you could return to work and have your hubby homeschool the kids for this year? And maybe reevaluate next summer?? ie your husband continues to apply for full time teaching positions while homeschooling and if he gets one for the 2013-14 school year he takes it".

I have definitely considered going to work;

I just spent time searching for jobs on Craigslist yesterday.

I was not, however, 

"offered several full-time positions with benefits".

Jim is working. 

(as a painting contractor) 

He is providing for our family.

However, he would still like to return to teaching,

thus the request for prayer for these new teaching positions.

"I am not sure you will want my input, but here it is - my husband and I have had to work as a team in keeping income coming in and insurance. Do I believe I am my husband's helpmate? Yes, but I also believe God does not want me to put it all on my husband as we are in this together and had the kids together. You have mentioned in the past that you could have had a great job and benefits, well get out there and get it and allow Jim the time to homeschool the kids and do the homefront thing. My husband was the stay at home dad for a time due to how jobs were in our area and the best part of it was his time with the kids - I would never take that from him or them and I happened to have had the job that kept us afloat and most importantly had insurane. With all the needs of your children it seems that insurance is a must and if that means someone takes a job to get insurance, so be it. My belief is that God does expect us to help too, so I am not sure you will post this due to it being what it is, but in this economy you do what you have to do and I am proud that we have weathered unemployment and injuries etc... and managed to keep insurane for our family.

I am saddened that you would think I would not want your input,
and even more saddened that you assumed I might not even post your comment.

I don't believe I have ever said anything negative 

about mothers that work outside of the home.

I have just said that we believe, at this time, 
that the Lord has called me to stay at home.

Just a few years ago, I worked outside the home (35 hrs./week) 

while continuing to homeschool my kids.

I do not know what "great job and benefits" you are referring to.

Here is the scoop, on the job hunt I was on last January and February.

Job #1  *  It was a great job.  It had no benefits.  I was interviewed.  I was not offered the position.

Job #2  *  Another great job.  I did not even get an interview for this position.

Job #3  *  Another "great job" (as in, I would have liked the work), but it was very low paying and did not include any benefits (health insurance).  I was offered the position, but did turn it down after much prayer.

Job #4  *  This was a part-time, work-from-home position that I was very excited about.  I was given an initial interview, but was not offered the position.  At the interview, it was clear to all of us that it would not have been a good "fit".

I applied for 4 positions.

I got 3 interviews.

I was offered 1 position.

None of the positions would have paid enough for me to 

"allow (Jim) to homeschool the kids and do the homefront thing".

(I find your word "allow" very interesting,

as Jim has absolutely no desire to stay home full-time.)

Any of the positions would have meant that both of us would be working outside the home.

The position I was offered would not have come close to paying our bills.

The position I was offered did not include any insurance or benefits.

While I am looking for ways to supplement Jim's income,

we are unaware of any jobs for me that would pay 

enough for Jim to stay home with the kids

(which is not what he wants to do, anyways).

As I said in last week's post . . .

We are THANKFUL for each and every temporary job that Jim has found.

We are THANKFUL for each and every painting job that the Lord brings.

We are THANKFUL that we have been able to pay our bills for the past 20 months.

Yes.  We are Oh. So. THANKFUL.

Jim is working.

The Lord has continued to provide 

Painting Jobs the past 3 months.

Jim is providing for our family.

We are oh. so. not. complaining.

But . . .

he would really like to get a permanent, full-time job.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Jim,

that the Lord would guide him as he seeks

full-time employment and a "career" position.