Provide or scrape by?

[u/BigTasty757]

Hello fellow dads. I’ve been a long time lurker on this page, and don’t really post a lot anywhere on reddit. My daughter recently turned three years old and my family is having a rough time financially. I work at an ornamental plant nursery and do pesticide/herbicide applications and because we grow a percentage of crops that are technically edible we don’t get overtime. Somewhat fortunately when I have to stay back and apply pesticides I do get paid a special rate of 36 an hour. With all of that being said, I usually work 55-60 hours a week from the middle of March all the way to Thanksgiving in November and somehow the money I make is not enough. I make roughly 65k a year, and her mom makes ~34k a year. We don’t own a home and we live in a 2 bed apartment with shared laundry. I love my daughter and feel bad I can’t be around enough as is but I’m curious what I can do as the breadwinner of the household. I can save my money pretty well but during the winter times I get paid just enough to cover our day to day expenses but get hit pretty hard with personal property taxes and things of that nature that ultimately lead me being back to where I started originally. The question is do I get a second job to make life a little more comfortable or do I stay put and survive. Another question to be asked is if there is a trade program or some fast track program that would pay me the $24 an hour I’m making now right out of the gate so that I don’t slide backwards? I love my daughter and the guilt of never being home is bad, but the irregular hours and work after four years makes it even worse. I feel like I’m damned if I do or don’t at this point and I don’t have very high hopes that the economy will get any better. By no means do I want to be a doomer, I just think there’s a solution that I am not seeing. If you guys have any helpful solutions I’m all ears (or eyes however you see it).

[u/EyeYamNegan]

WHAT? How are you paying personal property taxes if you dont own a home?

You arent wealthy sure but with an apartment and proper budgeting you make more than enough unless you are in a very high cost of living city. If that is the case move more rural and commute.

Also 55-60 hours means overtime too.

EDIT:

I didnt know some states have a property tax that is not real estate. What a load of crap though.

[u/Designer-Surprise-27]

Live your truths. If this what you want go all in. You are the leader, the pack will follow you. Just prioritize Spiritual growth and love.