My youngest son is going to start 6th grade in a couple of weeks. Even though he has special needs (and had so many problems in school that I homeschooled him the last 2 years), he is very excited about it and I believe that God has led us to do this. The middle school he will be going to seems very good, and I've heard very good things about their special ed department, too, especially one particular teacher.
I have two questions. (1) I would like to volunteer in the school media center, but I'm not sure if it would be good for Nicky for me to be at school during the day at all. Is this a good idea? and (2) I have a part-time job doing child care at my church twice a month (and occassionally at other times as a substitute), but my kids and I could use more money. Is there another job (or a second job) in my near future?
Thank you for any help you can give me. Blessings, Karen

Karen
Start the school year getting adjusted with the schedule and other ingredients that will surely change from the previous year in his curriculum and class objectives.  Once you have your schedules in tact for all that is expected of you this school year with all your children, then begin to put together a list of likely places for intermediate employment for extra money.  Some suggestions might include viewing the needs of some of the more exciting places to be around Christmas time.  Why?  Well everyone hires additional staff over the holidays, usually late Oct. to the end of Dec., knowing which stores would indeed be requiring help on a part-time basis during this time will give you an extra couple weeks to put together a resume that includes all your skills.  You know multi-tasking, organizational skills, working well alone or with others, surely holiday decorating skills [surely with children you have done this many times!]...these among others are all very good reference ideas for a well written resume.  Even though others may have more actual store experience if they do not put their best foot forward listing skills that are surely in demand over this time of year, you will already be two steps ahead of them when consideration of who to hire comes into action.
I definatly see you quite able to do some type of big department tore work, [cashier -- hostess at the main door.....] as well you would appeal to the smaller outlets as they like the personal touch with the customers.  Its win-win really simply choose the fun and exciting places first, ask for the manager, or human resources dept. and go from there!  Never just drop your application and resume off at the counter this only promises to make you another face in the crowd.  Stand out like a 'take charge' going after what you want kind of person.....this always attracts employers.
Remember Early bird gets the worm!
Good Luck on your job quest,  and make sure everyone involved knows your only looking for part time,  not anything that takes you away from your already hectic schedule.
Now this idea applies to any type of work your interested in, however, I keep seeing around many excited shoppers during the holiday season, your smile is easily the biggest in the crowd. 

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Dear Wind, I thought of something else I have a question about. I know from reading the paper that certain stores (especially clothing stores)are having serious problems and even going out of business. So I've been thinking more about trying to find a job in a home furnishings store, like Pier 1, or a mind-body type of store. Do you see this as a (financially and vocationally) safe direction for me to be looking toward? Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for all of your help, caring, and support. Blessings, Karen

Karen
Working something out with the aunt sounds superb!
Just remember to keep things even, or as close to as possible. Maybe throw in a night or two of watching the children to give her a night of relaxation or perhaps to go out on the town.
Get yourself a part time job and then look at how much free time remains for building quality time with your son before taking on something additional at the school.
Glad retail interests you......I had a 'sense' that it would! *smile*
Furniture stores also offer comminsions in addition to a reasonable salary so they are an excellent choice. Although they might be tough to get your foot in the door of. But look you never know! As long as the position offers you a sense of security, and is something you would enjoy then any type of retail would be great. Its not so much 'what'; your selling, as 'how' it makes you feel to do so.
***When called in for an interview be sure to let them know that 'yes' you are a team player, but you do have a son at home and cannot work more than 'X' amount of hours each week. {you fill in the 'X' with what works for you as a number}

Have fun searching the work force my dear in a time where more places need help than people are willing to work, it truly can be quite a bonanza of choices for you to pick from!
Wishing you great success in your quest.

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Dear Wind, I really wanted to take your advice and find a job in retail, but I've had so many things come up...I had a tendon injury and my Dad had an injury that put him in bed for two weeks. (We are both recovering now.) But I'm also starting to think that I might have seasonal depression. I'm on antidepressants for "regular" depression, but lately I've been sleeping an extraordinary amount and I can't seem to face certain people and situations that I used to be able to handle. I've even been having a hard time taking care of "small" tasks that used to be easy (making phone calls, etc.) or planning doctor's appointments for myself and my youngest son. I'm not complaining about all of this, but I don't know what to do about it.
The thing is, now our food stamp worker is saying that I need to work more hours but I can't get more hours when I'm available to work at my current job and I'm feeling very insecure about trying for a retail job, both because of my physical and mental health problems and because of the economy. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks for everything, Karen