I have to be on campus from Aug 22 - 25 for two of my classes. I've already reserved a hotel room, at $63/night + taxes. It was the going rate for everything I checked (one of the cheaper rates actually.)
Well, I don't know how smart this is ... but I decided to see if I could save a good bit of money by posting an ad asking for a couch to sleep on during that same time period. $70 - 100 (Couch &70; Room $100). If I get any responses, what would you all suggest I should ask? Should I ask for a reference? I suppose I could always get there and access the situation - then if it doesn't feel right, head to a hotel...
I also responded to 3 different ads for rooms to rent. One person responded back - $290/month, single mom with two teens. She basicaly wanted to know if I had an income, because I guess previous renters had trouble paying the rent. I told her that I do have an income, but if anything happened to it,that I have my emergency fund + promise of financial backing from a parent. I also offered to pay 3 months up front (with some kind of legal document to protect both of us.) and/or provide her with several references.
This may be a possibility.
Then, I responded to a job listing. I am WAY overqualified for it, but it pays at least $10/hr, so even at 20 hours a week, it would be more than the gym job. It basically is teaching computer classes to little ones - they provide the curriculum, and you work with trained classroom Master teachers. I think this would be a lot of fun, and I could learn a lot (plus maybe make some good contacts for librarian jobs in schools.)
Well ... we'll see what happens!
Ok - got a response to the need a bed listing ... what do ya'll think?
I may have a deal for you. I am about 20 mins from . I am needing a person to look after my house. I am thinking about taking a new job, but the job require for me to travel. so here the deal i have a 17 year old daughter, she does not need to be look after, but i want to make sure my house does not become a party zone. If this sounds like something you would be interested in please let me know. rent is free.
John
Craigslist Postings
July 27th, 2009 at 02:34 am
July 27th, 2009 at 02:51 am 1248659484
July 27th, 2009 at 02:57 am 1248659871
What I probably should do is call the pastor there and see if there's anyone who'd be willing to put me up Saturday night and onward. Then I'd just have to stay at a hotel Friday night.
July 27th, 2009 at 09:14 am 1248682493
Same response: Never put yourself in a situation
you have little to no control over. You have very
little information regarding whose "couch" that
belongs to-and even less regarding who else lives
there, and whose coming and going. We realize you're
on a tight budget-but this is pushing it.
As far as living with parents with teens-also be
careful what situation you may be getting into.
Don't get me wrong-there's plenty of great teens
out there, and not all are partying criminals However-you may be expected to be the "fill-in
parent"-or any number of problems could arise.
It's a big big responsibility-you already know that
from being a teacher, and I know it from having a
teen. Your Pastor is an excellent option, besides
the Hotel.
Please keep us posted....
B in FL
July 27th, 2009 at 11:22 am 1248690151
I wrote to the pastor of the church in that particular city last night. So, now I just have to wait to see what happens.
I got a response last night back from the job I emailed. She's going to be calling me today sometime after 10 - I'm guessing for an initial phone interview.
On Wednesday I'll be going over to meet the single mom w/two teens and see their space. That is a very good point to look out for - seeing if I'm going to be expected to be like a second mom to them. I think it'll depend on how old they are really (13/14 is a lot different than 17/18.)
July 27th, 2009 at 06:13 pm 1248714837
Craigslist eh? Interesting. I've never thought of that before for unusual living arrangement requests. Maybe somebody has a spare closet they would like to rent to me cheap.
July 27th, 2009 at 11:18 pm 1248733106
August 1st, 2009 at 10:22 pm 1249161744
do you need a bed? im not sure from the post.. I have a mattress (queen) and boxspring thats been used for less than 2 weeks when my mum visited. its at a friends place in their garage and we will be giving it away for free in a few weeks. if u can pick up, and want it,, let me know. ive been reading your blog on and off for the last few weaks and am impressed by your preservance.
cheesoo
August 1st, 2009 at 10:28 pm 1249162093
Thanks! No, I don't need a bed. I'm actually going to be trying to get rid of my king sized bed before moving. The room I'm moving into has a bed already, plus other furniture. I'll be keeping the bed in there, but taking out the other furniture and trying to fit my things in there.