local social services linked me to parental support groups and caretaker groups but they meet during the day when i am at work or some other inopportune time. everything local for young kids is geared toward the stay at home parent or grandparent. so that has not worked out
i tried asking family and friends to help, family won't help-they feel my mom should do it (and she can't-a whole other thread) and my close friends moved out of state for work so i can't rely on them anymore.
i am only a part time student (1 class per semester) and my job is paying. no i am not in business for myself. and in my experience coworkers are more interested getting IN your business than helping, so at my current job i've decided not to say anything. some people at my old job know the situation and have not been much help even when asked. i tried doing some play dates and swapping services with people at the lil one's daycare and that went no where.
i tried care.com but the people that responded to my inquiries gave me creep vibes and some of them were asking questions that IMO were too intrusive.
i posted on another board asking for help and the response i got was to hire help. problem is i am not independently wealthy and i don't really get any money from her. whatever i get goes towards the basics of her care. there is no extra.
Ok, so continue to keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. If there is no other option, then last step is to sacrifice something. So if your job is paying for it. You might be able to pick it up later. Or you may be able to get a new (better) job or may look into relocation, if this job can transfer you or if you get a new opportunity somewhere else with better resources.
Sometimes, we get put in these types of positions where there is no other option because it is the catalyst for change. Something has to push us to make the hard decision. But in my experience it usually works out for the best. I don't know your sister's situation, hopefully, it gets better and she can help because her child needs her mother. That bond can't be replaced, she can have an amazing aunt and grandmother but her mother will always be her mother and have an impact on her.
I believe it will get better. I'm hoping, praying and sending good vibes and well wishes. I beg of you to take care of yourself. Don't take on more than you can bear.
Idk, what I can do to help without getting in your biz. Your environment has a lot to do with the resources available to you. So continue looking for those resources, keep options open you may what you are looking for in a place you least expected. At least, if you keep looking, letting people know, you create the space for new opportunities. Try to stay flexible. You may be too focused on one direction, and not see what's available around you.
Look up stuff for working moms, or in the church environment. Even, if you are not a strong believer, they tend to have a lot of resources. My church growing up had an afterschool program, summer camp, food pantry, free school supplies, etc. It's also great for networking. Build that network and take care of yourself. I know dealing with a 3 year old is tough. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for you too.
