My husband and I decided we wanted to homeschool when we became parents. It was not even feasible until recently when my husband obtained a new job with a better salary. I would probably need to supplement his income a little just so we have some savings in the bank. However, finances would be VERY tight. I have a good job right now with a good salary as a paralegal and office manager. Since my husband obtained new employment, we are finally able to start putting a little in savings and to begin paying off credit card debt. So, to leave my job to homeschool is a little scary. Our son is in kindergarten, in a private, Lutheran school right now. The school is alright, but we haven’t been thrilled. Then, this week, I was approached by 2 homeschooling friends who want to start an Orthodox homeschool co-op. I think I could do some freelance paralegal work and, if we had enough children in the co-op, I could receive a small stipend; both would help supplement our income. We are really torn. Any advice?
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April 29, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Margaret
No advice but you do have my prayers.
April 29, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Jen
Thank you, Margaret! I really appreciate your prayers.
April 29, 2010 at 3:27 pm
Jamie
I quit cold turkey. We were more broke than broke. It was rough. I am glad we did it,but if I could do it over I would have worked a little bit more (a few months, even) and saved as if I wasn’t working…save all that extra money. In the mean time, homeschool your son a little. Get some workbooks from Walgreens coloring book section. Work with him on the weekends, or the evening, just for around half an hour if he can make it that long. You’ll start to get a feeling what homeschooling is like…start teaching him from The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Reading, available on Amazon. Even if he knows how to read, it’s a great program and solidifies the rules. And it’s fun!
Most of all, be joyful in teaching your son. And if it’s not for you, don’t feel bad.
I wish you a clarifying decision and many happy years as a family!
April 29, 2010 at 8:28 pm
Jenny Juliana
Thank you for your advice, Jamie! Very wise. If we did do it, it would start in August, so I think what we will try and do is see if we can live on my husband’s salary for a couple of months and see how it goes.
April 30, 2010 at 12:55 am
Elizabeth
wow. that is hard. you would have to know yourself, know the two who approached you (are they able to do it? are they good teachers? do you have the same approach, goals? can the three of you work together? etc…). I don’t know what is best, but there are homeschooling mothers out there – Here is one that I know –
http://evlogia.typepad.com/evlogia/
… it seems though that Orthodox mothers make all different choices – some homeschool, some like montessori schools, some I know have done all three with their kids depending on the age – homeschool, private Christian and public schools….
I would start by doing research; it would be scary to quit your job… do you have a spiritual father you can ask for advice?
I pray that the Lord will help you in this decision! Good of you to be seeking answers… we have such a lovely Orthodox blog community, and I am so glad you are part of it! Glad you posted again!
April 30, 2010 at 1:04 am
Elizabeth
just noticed you already had this blog site on your blog roll! … here’s one you do not have on it… and Deb has an Orthodox homeschooling webring on her site (not sure if Mary’s site does)
http://debd.wordpress.com/
all the best!
Christ is Risen
April 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Jenny Juliana
Thank you, Elizabeth! The past few months have been very hectic; I’m happy to be able to read through my favorite blogs again, and to post, as well!
I am going to speak with my priest about this situation and I will keep praying.
I’ve added Deb’s blog to my blogroll!
Love to all in Christ,
Juliana
May 10, 2010 at 12:39 am
Carol Topp, CPA
I am very happy for you that your husband is receiving more income and opens the possibility for you to be a homeschool mom! Many of us homeschool moms also work. I’m a homeschool mom and CPA who runs an accounting practice from my home. It’s been wonderful! I have an article on being a work-at-home mom I wrote for a homeschool magazine. You can find it at
http://www.caroltoppcpa.com/workathomemoms.html.
Also consider the money you will be saving by no longer paying private tuition. It will help the family budget!
As for being paid a stipend from the homeschool co-op, please visit my website http://HomeschoolCPA.com where I offer a lot of advice on starting a co-ops and paying the teachers. Your co-op wants to do it right to avoid problems with the IRS.
God bless you and your family! I hope everything works out better than you expected.
Carol Topp, CPA
HomeschoolCPA.com
May 12, 2010 at 12:08 am
Jenny Juliana
Thank you, Carol. I really appreciate the information!