Among Friends

[house_cat]

I retired last year and I'm trying very hard to live within my means on a drastically reduced income.  Since moving here 2 1/2 years ago, I have had frequent overnight guests, some staying as long as 10 days. 

This week a friend is visiting and I cleared my schedule, which means turning down four days of substitute teaching income, as well as having to fund expensive sightseeing adventures.

I'm blessed to have people in my life who want to see me, but the cost of it is quite burdensome.

How do you handle the cost of having houseguests?

[ahoymate]

10 days is more than generous!!!!! I would simple say you have a very fluid work schedule, as it sounds like you sometimes get work, sometimes not. Being retired is quite a change for you, with the high cost of living. Hopefully, they'll get the point.

But, I wouldn't allow someone to stay 10 days. Nicely lay down the law house_cat.

[SilleeMee]

Sometimes you just gotta put your foot down and tell them 

BYOBoarding

BYOBread

BYOB....whatever.

[Janey2]

You have to make it clear to all you know that you are semi retired. If you are called for a job you have to take it. Staying 10 days with someone is a bit much. Tell these people that you are not able to entertain them all the time they stay with you as you work. Sometimes you have to be honest.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Use the sandwich approach at the beginning and just make sure that when you're with them, you're not on the phone, etc so they don't feel like you're not happy they're there. This will give you some wiggle room so you can substitute teach and hopefully not have to cover the cost of every meal either?

"Great - so glad you're coming. It'll be wonderful to see you.

I'll be able to spend a couple/few days doing some things with you but I have other engagements part of the time so you'll be able to explore on your own as well.

I'm really excited and look forward to your visit."

[Texasmouse]

When I visit my kids up north, they don't take time off from their jobs. I do my own thing during the day, then we visit over dinner and throughout the rest of the evening. 

If it causes you a financial hardship to not work while your guests are visiting, just let them know that they'll be on their own during the time that you're at work. 

[house_cat]

@ThinkingOutLoud 

Thank you. I think what I was looking for is a script for next time and you provided it.

[jackthebear]

---

@house_cat wrote:

I retired last year and I'm trying very hard to live within my means on a drastically reduced income.  Since moving here 2 1/2 years ago, I have had frequent overnight guests, some staying as long as 10 days. 

This week a friend is visiting and I cleared my schedule, which means turning down four days of substitute teaching income, as well as having to fund expensive sightseeing adventures.

I'm blessed to have people in my life who want to see me, but the cost of it is quite burdensome.

How do you handle the cost of having houseguests?

---

just say no, or that you have to work 

or 

that isn't possible, 

no J A D E

justify

argue

defend 

explain

[ahoymate]

Some people are blockheads!! I have a friend who told me she was going to visit another friend and stay for 10 days!! I said "10 days"!!!! But, being a blockhead and very self serving, she didn't bat any eye.

Be honest and you'll be ok.

[house_cat]

@jackthebear 

I appreciate the advice, but it seems impossible to me.  If a friend says they want to visit me, I can't say no. I think that would be terribly hurtful.