How to survive in Orlando
February 2, 2011 7:33 PM Subscribe
Almost to Orlando and I don't have a job, savings or a place to live- what now?
Less than half an hour from Orlando. No job, no place to live, but have advertised on Craigslist.org for cooking/light housekeeping in exchange for room and board.
I am 58 years old and have lots of work experience as a newspaper reporter/ public relations/ marketing manager/ gourmet chef/ cook/ small business owner and office manager.
Have worked a bit of freelance for the past year, but it hasn't paid the bills.
I do not want to go to a homeless shelter, etc. At least I have a decent car to be in.
Orlando is so big that I do not have a clue where to physically start or where to park my car, etc. that is safe.
Yes, I already know it is not ideal, but I don't relish the thought of my kids having to take care of me while I am able to work for myself.
So please don't lecture. I am already working at times to keep the "stiff upper lip."
Less than half an hour from Orlando. No job, no place to live, but have advertised on Craigslist.org for cooking/light housekeeping in exchange for room and board.
I am 58 years old and have lots of work experience as a newspaper reporter/ public relations/ marketing manager/ gourmet chef/ cook/ small business owner and office manager.
Have worked a bit of freelance for the past year, but it hasn't paid the bills.
I do not want to go to a homeless shelter, etc. At least I have a decent car to be in.
Orlando is so big that I do not have a clue where to physically start or where to park my car, etc. that is safe.
Yes, I already know it is not ideal, but I don't relish the thought of my kids having to take care of me while I am able to work for myself.
So please don't lecture. I am already working at times to keep the "stiff upper lip."
If you have a good relationship with your kids, then go live with them. Do the cooking and the housework and the babysitting, and let them know it's only for as long as it takes for you to find a job, and maybe set up a rotation - two weeks at one kid's place, two weeks at another, etc.
Don't sell the housework thing short, especially if both your kid and the in-law work full time and there are grandkids. Grandparents can be very important and contributing members of a family, improving everyone's quality of life, even if it's only while you're looking for a job.
If you're anything like my parents or Aunts and Uncles, they will be very happy to have you, and very sorry to see you go. I have an Uncle who basically spent the first ten years of his retirement visiting his relatives for half the year, doing whatever odd jobs needed doing. He rebuilt my Dad's stone wall one year. He now lives full-time with his step-daughter's family, looking after the grandkids and helping out with the goats and chickens and basic small-farm maintenance.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:27 PM on February 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
Don't sell the housework thing short, especially if both your kid and the in-law work full time and there are grandkids. Grandparents can be very important and contributing members of a family, improving everyone's quality of life, even if it's only while you're looking for a job.
If you're anything like my parents or Aunts and Uncles, they will be very happy to have you, and very sorry to see you go. I have an Uncle who basically spent the first ten years of his retirement visiting his relatives for half the year, doing whatever odd jobs needed doing. He rebuilt my Dad's stone wall one year. He now lives full-time with his step-daughter's family, looking after the grandkids and helping out with the goats and chickens and basic small-farm maintenance.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:27 PM on February 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Your resume indicates you are a practicing Christian. Perhaps a local church in Orlando may be able to give you a hand? Perhaps provide you with a place to stay, or perhaps help you network with people who need your help.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:36 PM on February 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by KokuRyu at 8:36 PM on February 2, 2011 [1 favorite]
Two clicks get to a profile where you mention seven adult children and ten grandchildren (congratulations). Listen to Slap*Happy -- this is what families are for.
Your current situation sounds lonely and a bit scary. I would not relish the thought of my own mother living out of her car and would actually be pretty upset with her if she was doing that instead of showing up on my doorstep. Even though our relationship has been strained at times.
Part of being "able to work" involves actually having a job, which I am given to understand is something a lot of Americans don't have at the moment... This isn't a reason to shy away from letting your family help you.
Do you have any cash at all, would a week at the Y be within your means?
(Or was the living-with-family stuff what you were hoping to avoid a lecture on? That part's not clear. Should you be lectured? About what?)
Also second connecting with local churches.
posted by kmennie at 8:55 PM on February 2, 2011 [2 favorites]
Your current situation sounds lonely and a bit scary. I would not relish the thought of my own mother living out of her car and would actually be pretty upset with her if she was doing that instead of showing up on my doorstep. Even though our relationship has been strained at times.
Part of being "able to work" involves actually having a job, which I am given to understand is something a lot of Americans don't have at the moment... This isn't a reason to shy away from letting your family help you.
Do you have any cash at all, would a week at the Y be within your means?
(Or was the living-with-family stuff what you were hoping to avoid a lecture on? That part's not clear. Should you be lectured? About what?)
Also second connecting with local churches.
posted by kmennie at 8:55 PM on February 2, 2011 [2 favorites]
Do you have any cash at all, would a week at the Y be within your means?
I saw this post a while ago and spent some time looking for a Y with a residence in the area and didn't find one. OP, maybe you should call the YMCA and double check; here in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can stay at the Y for about $25 a night.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 9:25 PM on February 2, 2011
I saw this post a while ago and spent some time looking for a Y with a residence in the area and didn't find one. OP, maybe you should call the YMCA and double check; here in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can stay at the Y for about $25 a night.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 9:25 PM on February 2, 2011
Yes, I already know it is not ideal, but I don't relish the thought of my kids having to take care of me while I am able to work for myself.
What? You took care of them for years. Like Slap*Happy and kmennie, I say this is what families are for. I urge you to reach out to your children and grandchildren. I'm sure they would be horrified to know you are living in your car!
posted by unannihilated at 9:26 PM on February 2, 2011
What? You took care of them for years. Like Slap*Happy and kmennie, I say this is what families are for. I urge you to reach out to your children and grandchildren. I'm sure they would be horrified to know you are living in your car!
posted by unannihilated at 9:26 PM on February 2, 2011
In the past, universities tended to be places that one could safely park overnight, and access public washrooms etc. Not sure if this is still true, as my vanning days are long over.
Vandwellers will help with advice.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 10:27 PM on February 2, 2011
Vandwellers will help with advice.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 10:27 PM on February 2, 2011
I can definitely understand not wanting to stay at a homeless shelter, but I'm pretty sure no one relishes that though. if you do need to stay in a shelter, here are a list of shelters and low cost temporary housing options in the Orlando/Central Florida area. A shelter may be the better option, as you're less likely to be hassled by law enforcement and won't be in a situation where no one knows where you are.
Christian Help is a religious organization based in Central Florida that may also be able to help you.
While I understand the need to be self sufficient and the desire not to be lectured to, just remember we're like a family around here, so we're obviously going to be concerned for you.
Please be safe, please keep us updated, and please consider asking your family for a little help.
posted by aristan at 10:40 PM on February 2, 2011
Christian Help is a religious organization based in Central Florida that may also be able to help you.
While I understand the need to be self sufficient and the desire not to be lectured to, just remember we're like a family around here, so we're obviously going to be concerned for you.
Please be safe, please keep us updated, and please consider asking your family for a little help.
posted by aristan at 10:40 PM on February 2, 2011
Response by poster: Actually spent 14 months with one of my sons and his family. They welcome me back, but I saw that it put a little strain, so it is not an option. My kids are like most young couples now days, struggling to make ends meet and I would just be one more mouth to feed. Yes I raised them and but caring doesn't end when they turn 18. Love means doing the best for the other person regardless of personal cost. Enough said.
Thanks for the concern. It means a lot right now.
Spent the night near Orange City off I-4.
Very thankful that daylight has brought fresh courage to face the challenges.
Will keep you all posted.
posted by srbrunson at 4:26 AM on February 3, 2011
Thanks for the concern. It means a lot right now.
Spent the night near Orange City off I-4.
Very thankful that daylight has brought fresh courage to face the challenges.
Will keep you all posted.
posted by srbrunson at 4:26 AM on February 3, 2011
Best answer: How broad of a job are you looking for? Have you tried fast food places, or restaurants, or retail? Have you applied at Disney? They are the regions largest employer, and are always hiring, you can walk into the Casting building and apply.
Are you healthy and able to do physical work?
I feel for you. I'm in the Orlando area, so let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
posted by I am the Walrus at 8:31 AM on February 3, 2011
Are you healthy and able to do physical work?
I feel for you. I'm in the Orlando area, so let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
posted by I am the Walrus at 8:31 AM on February 3, 2011
"Love means doing the best for the other person regardless of personal cost."
I bet they feel the same way you do. You reaised them and there's no doubt they will want to help.
Set a limit (a few weeks?) and just try them.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:29 AM on February 3, 2011
I bet they feel the same way you do. You reaised them and there's no doubt they will want to help.
Set a limit (a few weeks?) and just try them.
posted by wenestvedt at 9:29 AM on February 3, 2011
Can you live with your kids and not share food? You will have to feed yourself regardless of where you are living, even if it's in your car. At least you could have a safe place and a secure roof over your head. Can you make use of food banks or food stamps while living with them? In some states you may be able to consider yourself a separate household for food stamp purposes, and thus still qualify even if your kids' income is too high.
posted by needs more cowbell at 9:45 AM on February 3, 2011
posted by needs more cowbell at 9:45 AM on February 3, 2011
Best answer: I was looking around a bit for advice for you last night. Seems that every town is extremely variable. Some say Universities and Hospitals are OK. Others say not. Same goes for WalMart and casinos, etc. A common refrain is to go ask at the Police Station. makes some sense to me.
Some links, so your internet access can be optimized
http://cheaprvliving.com/wheretopark.html
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/walmartrving/
http://www.vandwellers.org/parking.htm
The vandwellers parking link up there mentions boat-ramps, which would tie in with loooking to get hired on as a cook on a charter or similar vessel.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 12:09 PM on February 3, 2011
Some links, so your internet access can be optimized
http://cheaprvliving.com/wheretopark.html
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/walmartrving/
http://www.vandwellers.org/parking.htm
The vandwellers parking link up there mentions boat-ramps, which would tie in with loooking to get hired on as a cook on a charter or similar vessel.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 12:09 PM on February 3, 2011
Response by poster: Today has been interesting. Thankful for senior drinks at McDonald's where there is wireless internet.
Have had a couple of responses. One sounded acceptable to do light housekeeping and care for pets in exchange for an efficiency apartment. Waiting to hear back from them.
Have also advertised on a nautical online magazine as a cook...
Thankfully I can work physically. My cooking style is ideal for a bistro or home cooking type restaurant. Working on putting in aps online now.
Signed up to volunteer at the VA center.
Not bad for one day.
Your kindness is so appreciated. Thank you.
posted by srbrunson at 1:52 PM on February 3, 2011
Have had a couple of responses. One sounded acceptable to do light housekeeping and care for pets in exchange for an efficiency apartment. Waiting to hear back from them.
Have also advertised on a nautical online magazine as a cook...
Thankfully I can work physically. My cooking style is ideal for a bistro or home cooking type restaurant. Working on putting in aps online now.
Signed up to volunteer at the VA center.
Not bad for one day.
Your kindness is so appreciated. Thank you.
posted by srbrunson at 1:52 PM on February 3, 2011
Response by poster: Someone asked that I share why I chose to go to Orlando.
Actually, the main reason is that I felt a leading, but it makes sense.
There are a lot of attractions that need PR here- and I have been doing freelance PR/marketing/graphic design for almost three years.
It is a bonus that it is warm.
I often feel like an old person- and Florida is senior friendly...
posted by srbrunson at 4:08 PM on February 3, 2011
Actually, the main reason is that I felt a leading, but it makes sense.
There are a lot of attractions that need PR here- and I have been doing freelance PR/marketing/graphic design for almost three years.
It is a bonus that it is warm.
I often feel like an old person- and Florida is senior friendly...
posted by srbrunson at 4:08 PM on February 3, 2011
Ah, that makes sense.
Breaking into a full-time PR/marketing job for one of the bigger attractions may be too difficult to accomplish right away, but you could try getting gigs from smaller tourism businesses. You could print up some nice resumes and business cards, dress nicely, and go door-to-door at the smaller places and ask about setting up a meeting with the manager/owner. Do you have a portfolio showing examples of your past work? If not, you'll want to assemble something like that to show people in-person, and if you can make some high-quality scans and put up a simple website / digital portfolio (include the URL on your resume and business cards) that would probably help too.
Maybe a local MeFite could help you with the scanning, website creation, and printing up some resumes and business cards?
posted by Jacqueline at 4:24 PM on February 3, 2011
Breaking into a full-time PR/marketing job for one of the bigger attractions may be too difficult to accomplish right away, but you could try getting gigs from smaller tourism businesses. You could print up some nice resumes and business cards, dress nicely, and go door-to-door at the smaller places and ask about setting up a meeting with the manager/owner. Do you have a portfolio showing examples of your past work? If not, you'll want to assemble something like that to show people in-person, and if you can make some high-quality scans and put up a simple website / digital portfolio (include the URL on your resume and business cards) that would probably help too.
Maybe a local MeFite could help you with the scanning, website creation, and printing up some resumes and business cards?
posted by Jacqueline at 4:24 PM on February 3, 2011
Response by poster: I have a general-type Web site: http://sites.google.com/site/sherrybrunson
It has a photo, writing examples from when I was a reporter, and a resume'.
To be honest, I was a PR/Marketing manager for a non-profit historic site for a year and haven't done much PR in the three years, other than write a few press releases, compose an exhaustive media list in the Columbia, SC area, and do a bit of networking. I enjoy PR because it is so upbeat. I was in a place where I didn't have to actively pursue employment so I just left it at that...
Since May 2008 I have written freelance regularly, in spurts, for newspapers and Web sites.
Sorry to mislead.
posted by srbrunson at 5:16 PM on February 3, 2011
It has a photo, writing examples from when I was a reporter, and a resume'.
To be honest, I was a PR/Marketing manager for a non-profit historic site for a year and haven't done much PR in the three years, other than write a few press releases, compose an exhaustive media list in the Columbia, SC area, and do a bit of networking. I enjoy PR because it is so upbeat. I was in a place where I didn't have to actively pursue employment so I just left it at that...
Since May 2008 I have written freelance regularly, in spurts, for newspapers and Web sites.
Sorry to mislead.
posted by srbrunson at 5:16 PM on February 3, 2011
Glad to hear that progress is being made. Pet care and light housekeeping for a roof over your head sounds like a good first step, depending on the time constraints of the pet thing. You don't want to let that impact your availability, especialy in the hospitality industry. Did you find out about the Wal-Mart/Big-box parking rules, enforcement situation? Because that sounds pretty secure to me. RV's tend to be really friendly and helpful of one another, so it wouldn't surprise me to discover that there is a network there to be tapped.
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 5:47 PM on February 3, 2011
posted by PareidoliaticBoy at 5:47 PM on February 3, 2011
Best answer: "Since May 2008 I have written freelance regularly, in spurts, for newspapers and Web sites."
Here are a couple of online markets for writing that are relatively easy to get started with and actually pay real money:
http://www.constant-content.com/
http://www.demandstudios.com/
Experienced writers for those sites claim that it's possible to make $25 to $50 an hour once you get the hang of quickly churning out articles in the requisite style. You probably want/need something more stable long-term, but that could be a way to earn some extra money when you're not busy job hunting.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:22 PM on February 3, 2011
Here are a couple of online markets for writing that are relatively easy to get started with and actually pay real money:
http://www.constant-content.com/
http://www.demandstudios.com/
Experienced writers for those sites claim that it's possible to make $25 to $50 an hour once you get the hang of quickly churning out articles in the requisite style. You probably want/need something more stable long-term, but that could be a way to earn some extra money when you're not busy job hunting.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:22 PM on February 3, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for the tips and encouragement!
posted by srbrunson at 12:26 AM on February 4, 2011
posted by srbrunson at 12:26 AM on February 4, 2011
Response by poster: Resolution to the problems listed above:
I have a room in a beautiful home across the street from a lake. My single older guy room-mate is kind, yet professional and I feel comfortable with him.
I got a full-time job at a small local newspaper and I love it more than any other place I have ever worked.
Thank you for the wonderful support.
Thank You for answering prayer, God.
posted by srbrunson at 4:23 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]
I have a room in a beautiful home across the street from a lake. My single older guy room-mate is kind, yet professional and I feel comfortable with him.
I got a full-time job at a small local newspaper and I love it more than any other place I have ever worked.
Thank you for the wonderful support.
Thank You for answering prayer, God.
posted by srbrunson at 4:23 PM on March 5, 2011 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by srbrunson at 7:47 PM on February 2, 2011