Creative thinking required.

[Avaitor]

Friends, Roman(Catholic)'s, Countrymen, lend me your ears.... brians... tell you what, keep those attached and I'll take thoughts instead.(and no, you don't have to be Catholic to answer this.)

I have a bit of a quandry and thought as you all seem like decent thinkers, maybe you could come up with some idea I haven't.

I don't like to give up to much info about myself online, but I'll try to give you the necessary points. I like living in New England, New Hampshire to be specific, but Maine and Massachusetts work as well. (sorry Vermont)

About two months ago I had to move back in with my parents because I ran out of money (And lost two jobs). I have numerous reasons I want to go back to New England, but need a way to do it as I am extremely low on funds and had to sell my car as the mechanic forgot to mention the thousands of dollars of safety issues it had when I bought it. (Lost on that deal, majorly) I HAVE to be back by summer 2012, but the sooner the better.

So any creative ideas you have are appreciated, ways to get housing, a car, a job, and enough money to pay for food, college loans (and yet, I never got to finish college due also to money, money is just evil) and my cell phone bill. It goes without saying that it needs to be a legal way, and nothing toooooo crazy.

While I do have a little money, for the sake of this question, just assume I have enough to get a flight back and that's it.

Thank you in advance for your ideas,
Aviator

 

[Eucharisted]

Prayer.

 

[Avaitor]

Prayer.

heh, yes I know to pray, as I do.

I was always remember "The lord helps those who help themselves" (Really don't remember where I learned that) but because of that phrase, while I pray, I don't wait around and wait for things to happen, I go out and DO things so that they happen. Often this has required me to think creatively and most of the time I have been extremely successful at this. (I was blessed with a creative mind.)

But I've run out of ideas on this one, that is why I am asking for your ideas. That is why I titled this "creative minds needed", In the hopes that one of you might think of something I haven't, or know of some company that would fit my needs that I don't know of.

 

[Virgil the Roman]

More prayer...and hope.

 

[Scorponok]

Not being from the area I cannot really comment on any companies that can give you what you're looking for but you asked for creative thinking so I'll throw some options out for you.

First for housing. Try looking into Hostels. Some of them are really cheap. A google search brought up a few options for New Hampshire. Having dealt with a hostel in Maine though a room was $25 a night, it's more if you want a private room. But sharing isn't that bad if you want to save on money when already low on funds. Also, in the one I stayed at in Maine they allowed me to stay a few nights free for willing to help them out and work for them while enjoying my stay. So maybe finding a hostel that will allow you to work for your stay could benefit you more in the end.

At the same time you might want to inquire with motels & hotels the same way. See if they are in need of hiring anyone and in return give you a discount on your room or a free room in turn for work and then seek out another job at the same time to give you a little bit of cash in your pocket for other things and work to save up more to find a place to live or find a better job to support yourself.

You could also set out in advance and post something online stating that you'd like to go back to New England and offer anyone else who may want to go with to share the adventure and experience of going out there and starting from nothing. Sometimes two heads are better than one. But make sure you check out who is going with you if you find people willing to go with. While I can imagine you desperately want to get back there I, also, assume you want to get there safely.

You could also post on local newspaper community boards or craigslist type sites that you're looking to move back to the area and that you're seeking out a room to stay in and would be willing to work for your stay there. And you could list the types of things you're capable of doing. Such as cleaning, cooking, repairs, painting, gardening, lawn or weather removal.

I did something like that once for a trip during the summer. I lucked out and found some really amazing people that made my time during the summer a lot more fun than it would have been if I had tried it alone.

Another option is to check out Families in Transition in New Hampshire. They provide services to families with or without children. Individuals are included in that as well from what I read. They also set you up pretty nicely with a place to stay with a limited amount of time (So you don't use them for free or cheap housing). It's also a program that if you go there and wish to receive their help you need to be willing to accept more than housing from them. They will work with you to help you gain education and employment.

In your position it may not be a bad thing to check out.

One last thing is if you would consider going back to school some colleges will allow students to work at the campus in turn to pay for room & board, and part of the tuition.

 

[Insubres]

Become a priest, join a monastery, or join the military.

 

[Insubres]

Not sure how it works exactly but maybe Catholic Worker Movement.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Living without money.

Not necessarily for you, but perhaps some insights in a life-style change.

Living Without Money



Jim

 

[BAFRIEND]

i had a roommate in college who was in the same boat you were in

fortunately his parents were rich and sent him a credit card

he would take me and at least four other people out to hometown buffet for dinner every night for about a year and a half

other than that- buy ramen at walmart and get the monthly bus pass (it is cheaper)

 

[Winter]

Here is what I would do - move near a New England city and try to get a job in that city. That way you have the option of using public transportation (buses) to get you home and work. Get a job in the city first. Then find an apartment. Once you have those 2 things secured (providing that you can rely on buses/trains), you can save money to buy that car.

You may have to postpone a semester from college if it means getting yourself settled and on your feet. You have to establish your foundations first - home and work. Then car, then college.

Incidentally, if your college is near the city and offers public trans then you can commute that way until you get a car.

You have to take each thing one at a time. So first things first - job and home. Everything else will fall in its place.