friends help: I’m feeling a little down and confused today. - Help.com

I’m feeling a little down and confused today.

Not really confused, but I think conflicted may be a better word. After my job loss,I filed for unemployment. I have been approved, and am waiting now. Here’s the dilema. As a single mom, many of my friends are suggesting I apply for State Assistance, ie: food stamps and medical for myself and my son. I do need the help, although, this is a stage in my life that I was in during my mid to late 20’s. With hard work, dedication and determination to succeed, I pulled myself out of the assistance, and gained pride in the process. I realize that this is only temporary, yet the thought of having to go through that again is hitting me pretty hard. It’s as if, by my age, or stage in life, I shouldn’t be here.
Losing my job after so many years has been really devastating. I am an eternal optimist, but gees, this stinks..
My friends, who are all amazing individuals, have plainly stated that this is the type of situation or circumstance that deems this type of assistance necessary. I have been searching for work, but honestly, the break from an all consuming job has freed so much time with my son. He just turned 4 last week and while I’ve been doing what was necessary to provide for him, often times, I sacrificed time with him. I worked long hours, and despite my strict policy of leaving work at work, it didn’t allways work out that way.
After over 6 years with the company, I am eligible for almost a year of unemployment. It will be tough at times financialy, but well worth the time and energy for him. my question: how do I not look at recieving assistance temporarilly as a failure? Help!

This open post was written 1 year ago | V/U/S: 135, 6, 3 | Edit Post | Leave a reply | Subscribe to Replies | Report Post


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Since writing this post cargal07 may have helped people, but has not within the last 4 days. cargal07 is a verified member, has been around for 1 year, 1 month and has 5 posts and 56 replies to their name.

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crawfordisj offline Verified User (1 year) Long Term User Shouts: 0 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (9 minutes after post)

Sometimes you have to put your pride aside and ask for the help. As long as it’s temporary you should be responable with yourself. Do what is best for your son and everyone’s future. Put a time line together limiting this help. Be resonable with this list.

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cargal07 offline Verified User (1 year, 1 month) Long Term User Shouts: 4 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (21 minutes after post)

I have allways been terrible with asking for help, even when I really need it. Some say I’m sort of hardheaded about it. It’s not that, and I’m not ashamed, completely, I just thought I’d be further ahead by now. I was on the right track for years now. I learned how to budget, which was hard after my divorce. I was used to living very comfortably, but after the divorce, that all changed. It took awhile for me to catch up with that. A late bloomer I guess. I never touched my ex-husband finacially, because I feel that is just wrong. What we had together, we worked hard for. and after the divorce, he offered to help, but that was a part of the divorce itself. He was comfortable before we got married, and I wanted to experience that self reliance for myself.
While many times of ramen noodles and panic over an overdue bill, I wouldn’t exchange any of it, because it has been huge in my growth as a person. I do need the assistance, for now…thanks

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cargal07 offline Verified User (1 year, 1 month) Long Term User Shouts: 4 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (2 days, 21 hours after post)

well, I did it. I sent in the application for food stamps and medical coverage for my son. And cried all the way to the mailbox. My son, who is amazing..at 4, came over to me and said, “mommy, it’s ok, can’t cry unless we have soup, and we are out of soup!”. A kiss on the forehead and back to Thomas he went. lol
The biggest adjustment is that I have so much time now, to think…and unfortunatley, that means pick my own life apart. Feel unresolved for not having a relationship with my parents, or feel abandoned by my friends, that have no idea the level of conscious thought I put into my daily life, or feel guilty that I have no monetary contribution for my boyfriend..it’s tough out there.. but I woke up this morning, I breathed, I walked, I smiled.. so onward other days…

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Kathryn285 offline Verified User (1 year) Long Term User Shouts: 0 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (4 days, 22 hours after post)

I think you should be proud that you changed things for yourself. It proves your character. Now that things are rough, you need to remember who you are even more. You’re the woman who wouldn’t let anything get her down! We all need help sometimes though… and I think you should be proud that your not thinking of how you can now sit at home at watch tv… you get to be with your child. Governmental help is meant for people like you. They want good honest hardworking people who need a bit of help. Don’t be embarrassed… and if you rly cant shake that feeling then remember… You’re doing it to feed your son and keep him healthy until you’re back on your feet, something I am pretty sure u’ll achieve in no time.

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cargal07 offline Verified User (1 year, 1 month) Long Term User Shouts: 4 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (4 days, 22 hours after post)

You know whats funny? I am enjoying Xander so much! He’s a brilliant boy, with an imagination that surprises even me…the queen of imagination! When I was young, I would sit for hours and play, very low maintenance. He has iherited my thirst for knowledge too! The other day we were coming back from the store and he popped up with, Mom, when the leaves turn colors, the fall off the tree and die right? Why? Why do get pretty before they die? These types of questions make me proud as a parent!
Thanks for the support!

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Kathryn285 offline Verified User (1 year) Long Term User Shouts: 0 Add Friend #
An Unknown Location | 1 year ago (4 days, 23 hours after post)

:) Im glad ur seeing things in a happier light. You’d be missing all of these moments with him if u werent home. Im sure half of the working moms in america would switch places with u in a heartbeat!

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