There have been many ups and downs during the economic crisis. The crisis extends from home to home, city to city, state to state, and its effects have a spiral effect to other countries throughout the world. This has been unfortunate as many people have lost jobs, income, and are the brink of losing their homes. Although times are tough, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. There are ways to make it through this economic crunch, live a life of humility and happiness, and make your dreams come. Living in Los Angeles can be expensive but living in the Los Angeles area is beautiful. The following is the story of my family’s struggles, triumphs, and ways to save during this hard economic time.
All of my life, I have always wanted to work in a profession where I could make a difference-help others unconditionally. My dream came true when I graduated in 2005 as a Registered Nurse. To make a long story short, one night in the month of December 2009, I was getting off from work, walking through the parking lot, heard a voice called my name, I turned around, and that’s when it happened. I tripped over a parking and fell down. At first, I thought nothing of it. I had a few aches here and there, but being a nurse I decided to take care of myself. As the days went by, I started having more pain in my right shoulder, right leg and both continued to have swelling. At the time, I was the main breadwinner, single mom, taking care of 3 teenagers and myself. I trembled at going to the doctor because I already knew what the end result would be.
The days went on fast forward, the pain was so excruciating that I broke my silence and went to the doctor. I was taken off from work, eventually had surgery on my shoulder, and I went from working two full-time jobs to being on state disability. I was at a point in my life that I found myself making quick decisions in order to survive. Then another rabbit jumped out of the hat when my 20 year old daughter, who was still at home, told me that she was expecting a child. My children and I made the decision to move from renting a 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bathroom townhouse which rented at $2,000 a month plus utilities and cables, to moving with my aunt temporarily until we found something less expensive. My son who was attending a local university, which cost approximately $32,000 a year, decided to attend the city college, which costs approximately $450 per semester, not including books or supplies, and my daughters also attend city colleges and programs locally.
I eventually found a two bedroom apartment that rents at $1300 a month and my children are able to walk to the local city college. I made an attempt to return to work, in January 2011, at the local hospital in the community, but that was short-lived due to the reoccurrence of pain and my inability to do strenuous bedside patient care. I resigned in September 2011 from my position at the hospital, diagnosed with sympathetic pain disorder, Fibromyalgia, and found myself again on state disability. At this point in my life, I thought to myself, “Why not do what you have always wanted to do.” I made the decision to return to writing. I have always wanted to pursue a career as a writer and that is what I am doing now. I found Yahoo contributor and this site gives writers the opportunity to write and publish material. I also decided to follow other dreams, such as songwriting, screenplay writing, and forensic nursing.
I decided to control the pain and not let the pain control me nor destroy my dreams. I found a great nurse practitioner who was willing to train me as a forensic nurse. Although the pay is less, the work is not as strenuous, is a field of nursing that I have always dreamed of doing, and the center is nearby. As a bedside nurse, I was making approximately $40.00 an hour. As a forensic nurse, I make $2.00 an hour, $50.00 for a 24 hour shift. When I am on call, if I have a case I make $150.00-$200.00 per case. As a writer, I currently make $2.00-$9.00 per article. My husband and I reunited, and he finally found a job at a restaurant that is located approximately a half mile from the center where I work. My husband makes $11.00 an hour. We know and understand that are wages are not at the high end of the totem pole, but our family has learned to live a simple life.
The following are tips that have helped us get through our financial crunch.
1. Turning off cable television has helped us to save approximately $2000.00 a year which we can in turn use for expenses such as college books and supplies. We have regular television with a basic antenna that allows us to enjoy regular programming and use sites such as Netflix to enjoy unlimited movies.
2. When we have visitors over for the holidays, we now have potlucks instead of preparing the entire meals for guests. Everyone pitches in and we have a delightful culture blast!
3. Turning off the lights when not in use has helped decrease the electricity bill.
4. Approximately every two weeks, we recycle plastics and this gives whoever takes the items to be recycled an extra $20.00.
5. We no longer eat out. When we have a taste for a specific authentic dish, we have started looking up different recipes and preparing the dishes at home.
6. We sign up for different movie screenings in order to see movie previews.
7. Last but not least, make family decisions not individual decisions and every member should have a voice in the decision-making process.
Remember life is what you make it. I always remember these lyrics from the Disney movie Cinderella:
Cinderella- A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes
A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep
Have faith in your dreams and someday
Your rainbow will come smiling thru
No matter how your heart is grieving
If you keep on believing
The dream that you wish will come true
Source:
St. Lyrics. http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/classicdisney/adreamisawishyourheartmakes.htm