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Previous: Your Social Life

Take some time off

Take as much time off of work as you can. A leave of absence for a few months or even more drastic -- quit your job. You have to find a (legal) way to generate income that will allow you to spend as much time with your kids as possible. You are home in the morning, evenings and all night every night. Make sure you “under employ” yourself for the benefit of your children – no other reason.

I ditched my career as a software developer for a year to focus on my son. My job requirements kept me at work long hours and some consulting projects took me out of town for days or weeks at a time. I had to think of something I could operate from the house on a limited budget, while also allowing me to generate income.

My son was 3 ½ when I became his primary caregiver. He had not been to any sort of daycare. I decided, both out of necessity and for his social development, that he be enrolled in a local day school. He was at school from 8:30 in the morning until noon, Monday through Friday.

I took a personal inventory one morning while I was mowing the grass and weeding the beds. I was thinking about my skills. What sorts of jobs are available that will allow me to be home with my son? What will people pay me to do for them? I am good with computers, but was trying to stay away from the crazy schedule and long hours for the time being. Ah HA! Lawn-care services.

The bottom line is that where there is a will, there is a way. I pulled in a couple thousand dollars a month during the summer and fall doing mowing, weeding, aeration and building a few walkways and patios.

Next: Save like a mad man leading up to the separation