I've been here since I was 5 years old (I'm 21 now).

All my friends are my age and havn't even been close to going through what I've been going through lately. I have a son who is over 1 year old and me and my Thai husband have just decided to seperate.

I had to move and find my own place - currently with my mother. I have 800 B left in my bank account. We both agreed on joint custody with my son (a week with him, a week with me)but I have no taxi money to pick him up. I don't even have a high school diploma and have been modelling most of my life or teaching.

I need a job.

A home.

And a friendly ear who might possibly understand.

Don't know why I'm just blabbering all this out but holding it in just ain't working no more....

help!

You may feel your world has come to an end, but it has not. It is overwhelming for you right now, but you are still young and you have your whole life ahead of you. Just remember all that you are going through right now will only make you a stronger person.

Place to live: Live with your mother until you are able to stand on your feet again. OR, move back into your house and have your husband sleep on the couch. Why should you have to move?

Transportation: It may be a big step down, but if you are in Bangkok, why can’t you take a bus? It may take longer but it is a cheaper option, and if money is tight, then why not?

Job: You said you used to model and teach. What did you teach, and why can’t you go back to modeling?

Husband: What does he do for a living? Is he planning on providing you with an allowance for your child? Do you own the house you were living in? Do you get along with your in-laws? If so, how are they viewing the separation?

You need to take everything step by step, pause and breathe. Everything happens for a reason.

Family court can help get child support from your husband if he won't stand up and pay it himself.

Just a couple of Q;

1) you have been here since you were 5. Are you thai or farang, half, do you have thai citizenship/residency etc?

2) You mum, can she look after you child whilst you work?

3) you have no high school diploma, how or what are you teaching?

Firstly, I would say you main priority is money, if you mum is willing can she look after you child. Any work at this stage, waiteressing, shop job etc is better than nothing. As others have said, discuss with your ex about child support. It is a myth that all thai men don't support their kids, I know many that do & happily. So unless you ask you probably wont know. You dont mention your husbands finacial situation or his families either. Are there sympathetic grandparents on his side that can help you out?

Go to a lawyer & at least know your rights. Good luck

It must be very tough for you at the moment. I have never been through what you are going through. So I don’t know if I should even try to contribute 2 cents here. But, here goes nothing:

If you are really short on cash, can’t you work at McDonald’s or wait tables until things pick up? Many bars, restaurants, and shops have the Help Wanted sign up. I know in Thailand those are not the most fun jobs, but there is nothing wrong with an honest day's work.

English is in demand around here. Given that you speak English, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a job. How about giving English lessons? If you live in BKK or a city where there are universities, how about posting ads on the bulletin boards? Many Thai college Students need someone to proofread their essays.

Please let me know how things turn out.

Edited December 17, 200619 yr by rainx

some great ideas were already given...and Id say that the teaching at home thing is quite feasible..lots of perents who have young children love having a farang teach their kids..find one such family in the neighbourhood..and as you go you will quite likely have other parents asking to have their kids join in..either as a group or more individual lessons.

i think this could be easier for you than finding the waitressing job....

ohh and the editing work of english writing for uni students is also great. other than that you can also get jobs to simply type out their assignments. post your details at a lot of international uni particularly ABAC, SASIN, Rangsit.....

any how good luck...do follow on the other suggestions given by the ladies...I dont have much to add, but have to say the ladies on this forum are so smart that they give good practical advice and are full of empathy. hope things work out for you and do let us know every now and then how you are getting on.

wow guys, thank you!!!!

These are the best ideas I've heard... I should have come here sooner.

Dunno if it's in the stars but the day after I wrote this I got a modelling job which should keep me on my feet for now.

My in laws take care of my son, they have been doing that for a while now, but I take my son whenever possible. They are actually the ones that pay for everything for him.

And my husband well he's a 'musician'. You would think that makes good money.... but it doesn't.

I would love to be able to waitress or bartend but you have to be Thai and I'm full American.

BUt I have so many other ides... thak you ladies soooo much!!!

I saw a job posting for an american that wanted a private tutor for their kid pm me if you are interested in the details.

Now, since you have been here since you were 5, then do you have citizenship? or some kind of permanent residency?

SiamKitten,

You've already been given plenty of good practical advise, I just want to add that you will always have a sympathetic ear here on this forum. We all understand what you are going through; even if we have not faced exactly the same situiation, most of us have passed through crises of one sort or another (many crises in the case of those of us who are older!) and we know what it is like to feel like your world has collapsed and be unsure whether or not you can cope....Take it from us, you CAN cope and no matter how bad things may seem, life goes on and you find a way.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing, and if you ever feel like you really need a friend, know that we are here. Post or PM us, we'll respond.

Chin up!!!