u/HappyGidget

Otters

You're doing it right, ignore, block and delete anyone who makes you feel any less of a parent because you're keeping your child safe. You know what's right for them!

Absolutely nooo!!! Their bodies are still growing and developing and for some girls specifically puberty could be barely beginning. Energy drinks aren't great for adult bodies, can you imagine the havoc they wreak on a childs growing body?

I have seen alani alternative drinks without the caffeine on Instagram, I'm sure you could find some of those recipes and make her a version of one without the caffeine. Sure it wouldn't be in a nice pretty can but at least you know what's going into her body won't be causing any chaos. :)

The math isn't mathing... These are some very valid points and somebody better start spilling their guts! Those musicians and their families don't deserve to suffer for someone's lack of forethought.

this would make an AWESOME Tattoo if done correctly! Great job!!

Financially speaking, I am almost right there with you. I make just over $21/hourly and have been with my company for going on 11 years. They don't do annual performance evaluations which means no annual raises. I've had 4 'raises' since I started and the last one was last year. I am literally the go-to person in my office but also within the region of offices that I work most closely with. Senior leadership has me training new people that join, people from other branches outside of my region even reach out to me to train their new employees, but yet they won't pay me a livable wage.

I also support a family of six on my income and also don't qualify for government assistance.

What I can say is that temp/staffing agencies may be an avenue to explore further. While they may not offer permanent positions it could be a good way to get some money in the door while you continue to seek out a more permanent/long term solution.

Also, maybe ask friends/family for any odd jobs you could help with (to get paid for). Potentially you could offer tutoring to high school students or look at online tutoring options as well. I don't know if any of those ideas would be helpful, but I wanted to say, please don't give up. The world needs you. Stay strong, persevere and see this through. You've got this!!

What strategies have you already explored in your job search? Sending you hugs as well. This market is bananas, literally everywhere you look.

I 10000% support & agree with everything you shared here!

No, 8th grade to be exact.

I don't have an e-mail I publicly use, but you can message me here if you want! I'd be happy to see what advice I can offer.

Of course! I like to help whereever possible!

Well the older generation is retiring and we have a whole brand new generation entering the workforce. My daughters math teacher just graduated 2 months ago and is barely 21 years old for example. Has never been with a live class until her class. I wish I could answer your question with more details, but that is what I know. You've given me something to ponder today though so I may come back and answer this in more detail later. :)

Hi internet stranger! Just wanted to say, you are by far not alone in that boat. So many people right now are feeling the same exact way. You are precious, you are needed here. What is your chosen career field/industry? I may be able to offer some advice! I do work in the employment industry ( have for over 10 years now) and I love to give tips whenever I'm able to. Sending you huge hugs! You've GOT this!

I work in the employment industry and I can tell you at least from what I've read there is barely 1 job available for every single job seeker on the job market right now, in any given industry. It's not just AI, it's the fact that everyone and their brother is looking for work right now and there just aren't enough jobs available. Yes, employers are being pickier than ever before, but also when you combine that with the fact that there are more people looking for work than there are jobs available, you're bound to run into this situation.

I try to recommend networking for finding jobs now days. Find groups that are related to your career field to join; you mentioned your fiance is in the Navy, my first thought is if you haven't already, find some military wife groups either on social media or in your community, start attending any kind of gatherings they have and tell them you're looking for work. It's slower than the old process of just putting in applications, but it has helped many that I know find their next role.

Sending you huge hugs because this employment market is a big ole mess!

I swear it was just a few months ago there was an opposite headline "PepsiCo lowering prices" ... I wish they'd freaking get a clue! Junk food is NOT mandatory! We just won't buy it if it gets too much higher! lol

That is abrupt! They were just there 2 weeks ago when I was there grabbing cinnabon! :-O

Every season I've been able to watch as it's airing (next day on Hulu that is) I watch the first little bit of the chaos unfolding and then skip to where the judging actually begins lol. I can't stand the chaos of these episodes where everyone's yelling over each other and someones frantically trying to decipher what their partner is saying. ugh.

Yes most definitely! I think everyone is looking for ways to save money since our groceries now practically cost as much as a luxury vacation used to cost.

I love the meals you have planned, very diverse and definitely filling meals! Great job shopper :)

Curious what meals you have planned for the week. If you're spending just a little over $100 a week to feed your famly in California, that tells me there are some lessons to be learned for those of us spending more than that in other states with lower COL's. Do you mind sharing your meal plan?

It's so disgusting... Really wish something could be done about it but sadly I know there's really nothing that can be done at this point. They just keep building and building... I know that's only making the heat dome worse.

My son's first sentece was "Bye Bye baby shoe" because we were heading out to do an errand and he had been holding onto a pair of his shoes that he had worn when he was an infant. I told hiim to put them down and say "bye bye baby shoe" fully not expecting that to come out of his mouth but it did. haha

It's so painful to live here right now... Every year it is getting worse and worse. I hate it but physically don't have the ability to relocate right now.

I love this post! Toddlers are probably my favorite stage of parenting!!