Does this sound familiar? "I am a mother of three growing kids, and I've been divorced for a year now. I know a lot of mothers find it impossible to leave their kids to work full-time after being with them, and I was one of them. I had no savings when I left my ex, and now I need to support my kids. I was just offered a job -- from 9:30 in the morning to 8:30 at night. I won't be seeing my kids at all, other then when they're asleep."

A lousy situation, no question. And believe me, this is not such an unusual tale. You want to be with your kids. But you need the money. Making the transition back to the work world after losing a husband or getting divorced is daunting and scary.

Going to work each day just because you are desperate for the money is hardly motivating. Needing the income is one thing, but finding a job that will reward you is another.

You don't have to do all this alone. If you are looking for a new job, don't be afraid to ask your friends and family if they know of any opportunities. You should also check with the usual suspects -- employment agencies and search firms, for instance.