How gas prices has affected my life.

I have been a stay at home mom for almost 3 years. When I took off from work gas was in the 2 dollar range. I took off from work with the intentions of being a more active mother. I was working 12 hours a day and sometimes more, I wasn't able to take the time off from work to be active at my son's school, and I felt like life was getting away from me. My life was work, eat, sleep. Since I've been off I've been able to be involved in my 3 son's everyday life and be a full time parent. But now that gas has gotten as high as it has, I am afraid that I have to go back to working full time, and put my 2 year old in daycare, and once again I'll miss out on a lot of my children's lives. I have 3 sons ages 10, 5, and 2. Though this may seem trivial to some, being that a large number of families have both parents who work. But the point is that because of the price of gas going up, the cost of food going up, the cost of utilities going up, many of us are losing the choice that we have with raising our children. I really do not look forward to putting my son in daycare or missing spelling bees, field trips, and class parties because of work. I have seen a vast improvement in my children's attitude and school behavior since I've been home. I have gone from getting calls from school several times a year to seeing all E's in conduct. I know I'm going on and on, but this is frustrating. Be well, all.

The bad part about having to go back to work, you have to find something that will bring in enough money to pay for the gas and daycare. Those two things right there will take a huge chunk of of the paycheck. Don't forget the cost of clothes for work, and if they require any other expenses.
It bites.

Welcome Southern Lady to the Forums! We are very glad to have you, and I enjoyed your website.

I agree with you... it is not just gas, but the cost of daycare that make going to work expensive. I have a friend that 1/2 of her check goes to daycare for 2 kids. Subtract gas and it must be very depressing. With the rising prices of everything else on earth... (which has a lot to do with gas) It is getting very hard for people to get alond on two incomes let alone one. I think the secret is to learn from others on tricks to save money... like shopping onlive if you have to. At home second jobs also help.

Thank you for visiting my website. I appreciate it.
Half a paycheck for daycare? Ouch! I was thinking about what people did during the Depression. My parents grew up back then, lived on farms so that made a difference. My yard is too small for a vegetable garden, though going to roadside produce stands I find better prices.
With the modern technology, I think we may have lost some of those skills that we need if things really get bad.

Southern Lady wrote:The bad part about having to go back to work, you have to find something that will bring in enough money to pay for the gas and daycare. Those two things right there will take a huge chunk of of the paycheck. Don't forget the cost of clothes for work, and if they require any other expenses.
It bites.

Oh no doubt. I was told that daycare will cost me $900 that's for a 2 year old full time, and two kids after school. Then school lunches are going up. I spent an arm and a leg for interview clothes too...
But the point is, if my family is feeling the strain, I can imagine how people who are less fortunate are doing. My family is blessed so I hate to complain when I know that people are worse off, but its frustrating when you get a light bill that is sky high, etc. It also causes stress on a relationship.

Actualy, for me it has been a blessing. I walk alot to the stores. In fact, I've lost 38 pounds since April. My wife and I are both retired and the cars just stay in the garage most days.

I would like to walk to the stores too, and a few are around, but not the ones I need. Besides I just can't make myself walk in this heat, maybe in December and I don't have to worry about the temps being in the 90s.

Believe me, living in Southern California I can relate to the heat. The best time to walk is before 9AM and after 8PM. My excuse is that I take the 2 dogs for a walk unless I need to go into the store or bank.