Take a night course? I went through internet dating. That was a lot of fun, but frustrating at times too.

I actually just graduated from school and think I'm done with it for a while. I have an 8 year old son so I can't do too much. The online dating thing I've done also with no success and I just end up meeting jerks. Maybe you have some suggestions on where to go?

That is exactly what I have said to myself this week. "I need something to look forward to." I feel like I am in a rut with my job, finaces, fighting with ex regarding kids, etc.

Tonight I looked at schools. It is time to make a career change to help afford raising kids, to get better hours (right now I work in nursing weekends, holidays, evenings, days, etc.

I am looking to set goals for my future so I have something to look forward to. I am going to stop worrying about relationships as I am not having much luck. I am going to continue to enjoy my kids and let them be the center of my life.

I am in a similar rut. I feel as if I am still healing. There were some really bad days in the past, but I have moved on from there. I don't have kids.
I wish I could go back to school full-time, but right now just concentrating is difficult. You would think I had brain damage, but no just post-divorce trauma.

Kinoka, that sounds great! I have made my son the center of my life and I think that really helped me heal from everything and I think that's why I'm ready for a relationship. I guess I'm also a bit lonely. With it always just being me and my son, who's 8, it gets a little boring. Good luck with the new venture in school. I think I might focus on reading some books I've wanted to read. I just don't know what to do and how to get out of this rut.

Take up a new hobby. Take a class you always wanted. Explore things you always wanted to do. I'm sorta in a rut myself but I'm still newly divorced so I know it will take time. Good luck.

I met a bunch of jerks too. I was ready to call it quits on the internet dating just when I met my current bf. phew.

how about planning a trip for you , or for you and a girlfriend. Cruise? Resort? Europe with backpacks?

lemme know if you find out ;)

Hi there,

How about attending a few "Parents Without Partners" meeting. Years ago I met some very lovely people there, plus it is a very natural and inexpensive way to meet people. All of them have children so you don't have to worry about meeting folks who don't want to get involved with a man with children.

Also, there are activities that include the children. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

I feel like I'm stuck right now too, in a rut or something. I'm not happy at my job, but that could be because my boss is miserable working and makes me miserable at work with stupid tasks that I find pointless, and paperwork that is useless. I would like a different job, but I can't find one that is full time, I have an 18 month old son so I don't want to work 7 days and take on a second job til I can find another one. I haven't even tried dating, don't have much interest at this point in looking, not to mention I don't know where to look for nice people.
I get out of bed every day to see my son, that's what keeps me going. Just knowing I have him, have to take care of him, and be there for him. I work so I can afford him, but since I got cut to part time 4 or 5 months ago the job barely helps me with that. It's Frustrating!

My kids are my life too! Well that and school. I don't see myself doing much else for a long time.

I have a trip to Florida planned in January with a new GF! I'm so looking forward to it, especially with the Wisconsin winters we have. Maybe you could plan something with your son?

Caru, My son is 8 also and I have a 6 year old daughter. I have recently felt like just moving to change scenery. I am not this type of person but since my divorce and I had to move out of my home I don't feel like anything is truly home.

Not sure if I will move or not, school definitely and job change. A trip to Vegas last year with girlfriends definitely took me out of my rut for a while.

I dance when I feel like I am getting stir crazy...which isn't actually as often as I wish because I am so busy. But I like to make time for it because it helps me reconnect with me - how my body is moving and how I'm feeling the music. But that may not be your gig. I suppose you could always try large amounts chocolate ice cream! :-) And I'm not being trite...the bottom line? Being a single, divorced parent just flat out sucks and what I am learning is there are waves of feelings that just hit you out of nowhere. So have a backup plan. You know, plan a massage, a pedicure, a trip to the coffee shop, go to the movies, take yourself out to dinner, go watch football on the big screen at a bar, take a walk, dance, write in a journal, write on your wall in sharpie (my favorite), cook something new, buy a new shirt, get a dog...you just need a bunch of stuff you like that you can pick from in the event you feel like absolute poo.

Thanks to everyone who commented. I now have decided that I'm gonna plan a trip, take some kind of classes, move (actually I just moved and that did help alot) and try some online dating. Now I feel excited! Thanks everyone!