[tylind23]

Okay, here is my current situation. I have a VERY flexible job that pays pretty decently. It's never a problem to bring my foster kids to work with me, take off for doctor's appointments, etc. I make a decent amount of money, but not quite enough so I have to be very thrifty. It's more than I would make at most entry-level positions, though. The problem is I HATE my job. Actually, it's just one of my supervisors that I can't stand to work with. She used to be in my position and so all my co-workers just go over my head and still call her when they have a question, without ever talking to me about it first. She then jumps all over me stating that I must not be doing a very effective job of supervising my staff if they have to go to her and I'm completely blindsided. Anyway, this is just one reason why I would love to change jobs. I have a master's degree in Psychology, but I'm not licensed. I would love to find a new job, but everything I see either doesn't pay enough or requires specialized training (certification, license, etc.)

Any suggestions on how to find a job that pays decently, is as flexible as my current job, and doesn't require specialized training or licenses? I would love to do something administrative, office management, etc. Don't really care what it is, though. How do those of you who work, especially single foster parents, find jobs that are flexible enough to allow you to be a foster parent?

[ProspectiveSingleMom]

I'm not sure where you live, but you might want to check out state and/or county job postings. The pay may be lower, but the benefits tend to be good enough to make up for the difference. I work for a state agency in Wisconsin as a 1st-line supervisor and have a very flexible schedule and excellent benefits. I think Wisconsin is one of the better stat's for public-sector jobs, though, so it really depends where you're at. You can usually find state and county websites by doing a websearch (I typed in "state of Wisconsin" on google and the state jobs site was the third thing listed).

[jbee]

are you allowed to do child care and foster care where you are? that is what dh and i do. we make 100/wk per child, 120 for infants and can have 6 and be unlicensed, but i know it varies from state to state.

[xxsurroundedbyxy]

Your job has lots of perks that are often more important than more money and since it is just one person/problem that you are having, I would take some time to work on that before giving up. Have you tried having a staff meeting and addressing the problem of having staff go to the previous holder of your job title? I think it is a must for you to be seen has the authority now. You may want to practice what you will say ALOT and invite the supervisor to sit in on the meeting.

That does not mean you can't be shopping around for a better job that pays well and fits your and your family's needs. But be warned that there seem to be few that will allow the flexibility your current job offers.

Good Luck on your search and may you soon feel productive in your current employment.

Kim

[wannafostersoon]

Do you write? Mahalo is hiring freelance writers for $10 per hour. It's work from home so you will save on gas which would make up for the lower pay you will experience. Organized Wisdom is similar and are hiring as well; that is more medically related material. Writer's Research Group is also hiring. Pays $15 per article with no limits. You can do an article in about 45 minutes most times. Many people write for one of these three as their full time jobs. I know they are not psychology related but they are definitely options~ and better than anything, there's no phone work involved with either so you can work with children in the room. Hope that helps.

[tylind23]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely be looking into those. How about other ways to supplement current income? I like the Writer's Research Group suggestion. Any other ideas for something that can be done at home in your off-time?