I learned the hard way, that it is very hard for others to want to be of help in any significant way. My three sisters left me to care for my mother and a mentally disabled brother. I have one brother that helped with Mom; so he is the only person I have left for any solace. Today, I am facing mortgage problems because I had lost my job shortly before my mother died and was busy with details and had a hard time finding a new job. I have part-time work that I love now and am poised to start a new little business (with really not enough capital). Does anyone have insight on how I can rebound? I have no one to call; I do not want to burden (and possibly lose) my friends and I clearly have no family to help. I am afraid to be out and on my own without my little home.
The SBA outreach program is called SCORE, they do seminars on a regular basis all over the US, the most common is "Business Plan 101". There will be an SBA office close to you that will have info on this. The one thing about SCORE is since their retired "experts", they love to listen and love to talk and have the time on your taxpayer $ to do it in a nice office. Also the SCORE offices often are almost like a Kinko's and have printers etc there you can use for doing your business plans. That part of SBA is really good. It might work well for you as it gives you someplace to go to that is new and positive. I've done SBA home & business loans (disaster recovery loans which go through SBA Birmingham directly), which for us was not a good idea in the long run, the rates were low but the level of paperwork was huge and everything is "companionized" which limited the flexibility I needed. SBA can move glacially. SBA loans though participating banks are simpler but the rates are higher.
Libraries are a great resource too. Many offer free classes. Ours has yoga classes, which I was dragged too by a friend and now is just the best thing. There is a group doing "A Course in Miracles" there and another that does recipe swaps.
or you can just get a book on tape or movie for free. Keep positive and take time for yourself.
Daughter1111, having the business to work on should help you. The SBA is a great resource as Lilliput said. Do reach out to your friends...you will know right away if they are willing to help.
There are some wonderful, caring people on this site...I come often to help me figure things out. With a brother in another state, I was and am the only caregiver for my parents.
Bye the way, my Mom was given the drug Zyprexa - in double doses - despite FDA warnings not to give the drug to elderly dementia patients, and it killed her. If you're caring for an elderly person on this drug, don't hesitate to question her healthcare professional - it could save a life. I wish now that I had known.
Karen
And Jaye: I agree with constantly reminding oneself of what successes we have achieved and joys we have given others despite the sacrifices because that's what life is all about ~ sharing our special gifts with others.
Hope we all have a great day!
I am returning to counseling this week. I entered counseling the day my Dad died last year, was in counseling for a few months, this time around I am experiencing anxiety about caring for my mom. She has minimal health issues but I still want to be here for her as she ebbs and tides with the issues at hand.
I was a full time student but am changing my status to part time until my mom's emotional and physical health stabilizes.
With all this being said, I encourage all to seek counseling. Sometimes it is private practice, on campus, through insurance or sliding scale income, or from church or synagogue. I personally found turning to family (who is always into their own worlds) or friends (who have or have not experience the loss of a parent and/or is caregiving a parent) did not work for me.
Daughter1111: you are not alone and neither am I and neither is anyone else on this site or in this world. I am thankful for this site and the friendships that are developing because of it.
I have not rebounded from the death of my best friend in 1988. She graduated from the same university I am presently attending and sometimes I wonder "did she walk these halls?" "did she sit on this bench?" So please be patient with yourself and don't expect to rebound very quickly. I have come to embrace the thought that grieving takes a lifetime. As far as financially, many others gave great ideas including SBA and perhaps some adult education courses could lead you to the right place that you want to be. In this economy, there are many resources left untapped. I pray you find the right one for you. Good night zzzz Peg
The more you get connected to others, the less you will feel alone.
good luck
As for your business - there are multiple sites that supply help and advice to entrepreneurs completely free of charge. Google it. And good luck to you.