Maybe this will take some pressure off me. Yesterday, I spoke with the scientist who assembled the program we use to help students. It's understood at my office that we are having hardships financially right now. We all love what we do and are trying to get through a slow time. I explained to him that I've had to lean on my family as of late to hold on to this job and it is embarrassing to me. I have always taken care of myself - since I was a teen (family did not take good care of us). My family's answer is to go and find a better paying job. Let me put it this way, I've said it before, my job is my passion - what I get out of bed for and the best thing I have been able to do thus far in my life. I am not going down without a fight. If someone was in a marriage and they loved their life, their spouse and children and were struggling financially - the answer is not to find a richer spouse. I need understanding while I get through a tough time. Yet, I understand it's not my stepsister's role to help me with shelter. Anyway, the scientist is going to call her and let her know that the fact she is helping me is recognized and appreciated while we try to get through this. Not sure what her reation will be but it's all I know to do right now to take some pressure off while I try to carry on.