The questions you posed are a real eye opener.<<<
I found out how close living on the street could be when I got sick and had to quit work.
I sold the 80 acres at $50,000. less than I had turned down only 5 years before and managed to survive on that, until I got social security.
But it was rough going for awhile.
I can’t imagine going down that path with small kids.
True, I had this place rented, but what was I to do if I did loose the ranch?
Live in the car and eat on the rent money from here?
Maybe.
I was lucky and survived, but it was scary for a few months.
Never mind all the fancy skills, if one is not able to show up for work, you don’t hold a job for long.
Your a survivor, granny. I don’t think any of us know how we will react until we’re faced with a challenge. Our oldest says, “Expect the best but prepare for the worst.”
My parents had a restaurant the whole time I was growing up. I worked there, and I do mean worked starting at 12 years old. Started waitressing at 15. No pampered “boss’s daughter!” Saved money, bought a car, paid for school, etc. I learned from an early age that no job was too menial.
I’m glad to hear you have a brother close by. Take care.