The Magic Eight Ball Has Run Out of Advice!

I remember when life was as simple as asking the Magic Eight Ball questions for answers. Will I have a good day today? All signs point to yes. Will the guy I like ask me to the winter formal? No doubt. Will I get a good grade on my science test? It is most certain. Is my mother making a casserole for dinner? Most definitely. Do I have to eat it? No. Ah, youth, those were the days.

As an adult, life would be so much easier if that Magic Eight Ball had all the answers to the daily "questions" other than the obvious "Will my children fight today?" Lately, I have been feeling like I have no answers. The problem is I need a job that pays. So the solution seems simple. The Magic Eight Ball would respond by saying, "Get a job!"

But you see the answer is not so simple. Why? I have four children. Three are in school. Meaning that I will have to have daycare for one. Suddenly the paycheck is getting smaller. Then there are the hours. My children go to three different schools and while they are all in school from 8:30a.m. -2:00 p.m., I am not sure people are hiring for those specific hours. Now I am looking at after school care. That probably wipes out the paycheck entirely or most likely costs me money, which negates getting a job in the first place.

Shake that Magic Eight Ball again! Will I win the lottery? It is doubtful. Meaning not! So, how do I get a job that pays and have four kids? Where are the answers? Not in that Magic Eight Ball.

I know women on "Oprah" had answers. Not that I spend my days watching "Oprah" and eating bon bons on the couch, but a friend told me about an episode in which former corporate women turned stay-at-home-mothers became millionaires by their inventions. This inspired my friend to create a clothing line which is now marketed at department stores nationwide. I am not sure she is making millions, but the clothing line has been successful. I missed the episode, but it sounded inspiring, but I am not sure what I would do? My only talent is writing. I certainly am not capable of whipping up a clothing line or designing the latest helpful household tool (and marketing it by infomercial at 2:00 a.m.)

Ask that Magic Eight Ball again, "Is there a solution to my problem?" Yes, in ten years. Of course, my children will be old enough to take care of themselves. In the mean time, where do I make some extra money without resorting to the tactics of the Hollywood Blvd Entrepreneurs (dressing up as movie characters, hoping tourists will tip them for posing for pictures in front of famous landmarks). If anyone has any ideas please let me know, because the Magic Eight Ball has run out of advice.