Why not work more to pay off debts?

**neatdesign** · 08-12-2006, 12:41 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

Forgive me, but your first two paragraphs seem completely unrelated to your latter two paragraphs.

You start out with a fair enough question: Does anyone on here take on additional employment to get their debts paid down more quickly? (In my case, we haven't taken on additional employment, but I am starting a new job next week which will pay 1/3 more than what I had been making, so that's progress.)

But then you give a very detailed description of your sister-in-law's history of personal and financial irresponsibility, which implies that those of us who are in a lot of debt are just as irresponsible as she is, or else we wouldn't be in debt.

I'm hoping that this isn't what you were trying to imply, but I still don't see the connection between the two.

~ Jenney

**Broken Arrow** · 08-12-2006, 02:50 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

Overtime pays more.

**robex** · 08-12-2006, 03:17 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

My brother and I have totally different work philosophies, too, so I understand your point. It can be frustrating to be the responsible one, but think what you're learning (and teaching your kids, if you have any!).

Dh and I decided to earn extra money last month for our family vacation. We did well, making over $1000 in 3 weeks. It was a fun family project!

**pearlieq** · 08-12-2006, 05:18 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

Because I don't have to.

I have a moderate amount of debt at low, fixed interest rates. It's there, but it's not killing me.

If my situation were desperate, of course I would find other work, but as it is now, I'm comfortable with the amount of debt we have and would much rather enjoy my life and spend time with my family than work 3 jobs just to get out of debt faster.

YMMV.

**Kris10Leigh** · 08-12-2006, 05:19 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

For my family, we believe that family come first. As long as our children's needs are met and met well, then I don't believe we need to be away from them any more than necessary by taking on extra work. And be careful about how you judge a woman's choice to stay home with the children.

That's a touchy subject and very, very much based on individual circumstances.

That said, debt is our second highest priority and my DH did take on a second job. Fortunately his first job is 60% out of the home and the second job is a "church gig" which means he goes to meetings once a week and works through the church service where we all are anyway. And it pays well. We are giving some of that money back to the church and the rest goes to debt- every penny.

**freein2012** · 08-12-2006, 05:31 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

I agree that it is important to get out of debt as quickly as possible, but I also agree with Kristen that family comes first.

**Diolla** · 08-12-2006, 05:33 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

I considered it when I was in debt (I am currently debt free) but something always got in the way. Now I would like to build up my savings a little faster but I am also going to school 3 nights a week. One of my classes is in tax preparation and I am hoping once I graduate (In November) I might make some extra doing tax returns this season.

I also do a little financial counseling on the side but it doesn't really pay because most of my 'customers' are so deep in the hole that the last thing they need is someone else in their pockets. I think of it more as mission work. I hope to do it for pay when I retire from my 8-5 job (about 9 yrs) and these people will make good references plus I will have my classes finished by then.

**Ima saver** · 08-12-2006, 05:35 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

My husband works 7 days a week, usually 10-12 hours a day. At his age, he probably can't work much more than he does! When he was younger, he would often work close to 20 hours a day. No one can ever accuse my husband of being lazy!

**sakigt** · 08-12-2006, 05:37 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy

With that being said, I do work about 7-10 hours of OT a week. Heck, Im here at work on Saturday doing just that!

**Ima saver** · 08-12-2006, 05:41 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

My husband works those hours because everyone wants to move into their houses yesterday. It is always, when can I move in. He has never been able to hire help because the locals do not want to work more than 20 hours a week, so he does the entire house alone! He is building kitchen cabinets and the drawers right now.

**poundwise** · 08-12-2006, 05:51 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

I agree 100% with the notion that family comes first. However, in some instances, fulfilling that principle may require working more hours or working another job to pay off debt and provide for the family.

Its a decision with many factors.

**Ima saver** · 08-12-2006, 07:00 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

I use to do things, like sell avon or tupperware when we needed extra money. I loved it when I had a job that paid overtime, most of them did not!

**Roupey03** · 08-12-2006, 07:22 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

A lot of Jobs will not allow you to work overtime because they dont want to shell out the extra pay. For me I am going to school full time and working 20 to 30 hours a week. So right now there is no time.

**Ima saver** · 08-12-2006, 08:38 AM

Re: Why not work more to pay off debts?

My husband works by the hour, but he does not charge overtime!

Why not work more to pay off debts?