This is a long and difficult story, but bear with me.
I had a horrible abusive childhood, married young, had an abusive marriage, 4 kids, ugly divorce, was homeless, no car, no education, no money no nothing. Moved in with my parents which was not easy or good, but at least the kids were better off. I worked hard, got a job, got an education, bought a house of my own, and I was on my way to better things. Met a nice man, got pregnant, got sick, nearly died twice and still might, my oldest son is in and out of mental hospitals and I have not been able to work since having the baby 15 months ago.
I know I am a nurse, I have worked long and hard in the field. I am good at it and I love it. It even pays well and jobs can be found even in this economy.
but my life seems to keep getting in the way of me being employed. I don't think I am shooting myself in the foot, and the obstacles seem to be larger than what anyone can figure out what to do about. So. What do I do now? Should I try another field, or try harder to make this work out?

Your situation is pitiful. but that cannot stop you from working and earning. if you feel that you cannot go to your workplace anymore, start searching for jobs that you can do from home. you can work as a freelancer. you can freelance as a writer. you can work as a freelance photographer or reporter also. in that case you may have to travel, but that is not regular or that hectic. I've seen clients in different sites, looking for writers with experience in nursing. give it a try and don't lose hope.

Childcare and my health have been the major obstacles to my going back to work. There is simply no childcare availible for a 15 year old psychotic boy, and then there are the other 4 kids too. I do like the idea of writing, I have written most of my life and have a book in the works right now. Getting published and paid for it is another matter!! I would love it if you could point me in the direction of those sites you spoke about. You may have found the perfect solution for me. Thank you very much!!!

I understand that getting a book published and getting paid for it are not the same thing. why don't you try the freelance writing sites. you bid for projects, win a few contracts and get paid after you are done with the work. it may take time at the initial stage. keep trying. you will succeed for sure. it is not very tough to find freelance writing sites. a little bit of online search will let you know dozens of them.

Thank you so much for the great idea! I will try it!!! I didn't know where or how to start. I sit here writing on the computer all day anyway, might as well get paid for it!!! Thank you thank you thank you!