<prompt> Human: Hello all, Im an expectant father currently working a mediocre deadend job making 16hr. Im fortunate enough to have a full-time job, however, I do know that I cannot support a family on the wage I make. GF is unemployed and obviously pregnant. Finding work for her is proving daunting so far but she is determined. Abortion and adoption are off the table, as we have talked for hours and hours, and we ARE going to MAKE this work. Relationship with gf is wonderful so no worries there. We are going to do this together. I see my only options, none of which I oppose, as to either get into software or to learn a trade. Im considering a web development boot camp. I have taken courses in visual basic and I know some java script. I also thoroughly enjoy manual labor and working with my hands. Learning how to repair and build deisel engines is near the top of my list. As is learning how to weld. I live in an area with lots of boats, I like boats and the water and have been thinking about underwater welding as a specialty if I choose that route. Not to mention many boats are deisel powered. I have no savings and my truck needs a 2000 transmission rebuild. Im just looking to get some opinions to weigh against my own. I am now, and for the next decade or so, solely responsible for my to-be child. I need to ensure that I can be success as a parent for the sake of my unborn son. Baby is due februaryMarch BTW. Thanks everybody.  <response>: Im a 31 year old father of two supporting myself my wife and my kids on 16 dollars an hour in California.It isnt easy, it takes a lot of personal sacrifice and budgeting.I cant say what you should do, I can only tell you my plan.Right now I know I dont make enough for the long run, but as the only income for my family I cant risk the money I make to chase a better job. I just recently turned down a much better long term job because the short term pay was about the same and the risk of losing it was higher. I dont know how dead end your job is, but if you are good at it, and its stable, it may not be the right time to risk it for the best case scenario. As a soon to be dad, you are going to find yourself more tired, and with less free time than you could possibly expect. Hoping to start a new field youve only touched your feet into with the hopes of making it big could prove more than you can handle. Right now im budgeting it in to put my wife through community college so she can get a degree and add to the family income, which will give me the freedom to take risks for a better future. You are still young, the baby will be here sooner than you think. Stability is more important than comfort. 