it's so hard when we have little motivation for anything... all I can say is the old cliche - make a list and try and meet small goals.. build up your confidence that way

have you thought of volunteering if there are no jobs going? that will give you structure and looks good on your resume

I feel for you.. up until recently i felt the exact same way

Thanks ruby. I have trouble volunteering b/c I really don't like a lot of things (like animals) and there isn't much nearby to volunteer for. I'd prefer to get a local part time job, but I can definitely understand what you're saying.

Thanks.

the last place I lived there was little to volunteer for either so I know how crappy that can be

are there many part time jobs going where you live?

there's a few. I've already applied to my local McDonald's. Not that I really want to work there, but something is better than nothing.

I haven't heard back yet, and honestly, if I can't even get a job at McDonald's....my confidence will be beyond shot.

I suppose I could go out today and pick up a bunch of applications. I just hope that someone will want to hire me.

I'm open to any other suggestions though.

Thanks again ruby!

Start with baby steps around the house (i.e. taking care of house and kids, etc), and getting out of the house.

Then move on from there...such as getting a job.

I get what you are saying.. but maybe if you don't hear back it's bcs there are no vacancies???

need to build your confidence up in general.. and this is yet another cliche but have you done a gratitiude list which also includes all your positive attributes? I can get lost in the negativity and hopelessnes of it all.. so I'm not saying it's easy.. but maybe worth a try?

or are you too low to see how good things are/can be?

Baby steps in the house/motivation department. Take one section at a time, then a break, and so on. Just this table, I'm gonna clear off. Something accomplished. Just this shirt I'm gonna iron. Something accomplished.

Are you not wanting to spend time with the kids? I mean, is it hard right now b/c of how you're feeling?

I want a PT job or volunteering, too, but am homeschooling now and am laid up with this foot for all these months anyway. I know where you're coming from.

make it fun for you? picnic at the park with the kids. its one of my favorite things to do with them. its cheap, easy, makes me feel good, and they love it.

cleaning the house.. these are my tricks.. if you dont have to have it, throw it away. and get to the floor. once you clean the floor, it makes everything look accomplished. and that makes me want to keep going.. now laundry, i cant help there. ive always been buried in laundry. its my nemesis.

Start out doing things in 15 minute increments when doing household things. Set the timer. Once the 15 minutes are up take a break and then do 15 more minutes.

Breaking things down like that keep me from feeling overwhelmed when I have let things go and have a big mess.

When doing dishes, I get them done and take a break. I don't immediately start another task unless I am motivated to do so.

As far as getting a job. I couldn't even get hired at Walmart the last time I looked. It was sad. Walmart didn't even want my application.

That's a good idea about the picnic.

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions.

I went out and picked up job applications in my absence, but there is some info I need to find out before I can complete them.

My problem isn't so much that I don't want to do things around the house, the problem is that it's not MY house. My Mom is a hoarder and compulsive shopper, I try to throw out things as much as possible, but it doesn't matter. I can't throw out most things and they are quickly replaced. I've attempted to talk to her about it a few times, but she's got her head in a completely different place.

The picnic idea would be great, if only I had any desire to leave the house. That's why I'm trying to get a part time job, so that I HAVE to leave the house. The only reason I really ever leave the house is to go to my appointments.

I am a Mom to my kids...telling them what they need to do (shower, clean up after themselves, do their homework and punishments for poor behavior)....that's about the extent of our relationship right now.

I'm trying to do something to keep me busy, away from the dungeon that I hide away in. I don't much like interacting with my family right now.

Baby Steps....

set small goals doing something with the kids, the cleaning can wait....

once you feel better about that, move onto the next small task....

It doesn't have to be overwhelming, don't try so hard... then you won't be disappointed with yourself....

xoxo

what about a cleaning job?