If you have a house with some Equity, you may consider getting a HELOC, and draw $500-1000 bucks a month to pay Bills. That is $6000-12000 a year, and you only have to make interest only payments (which are tax deductable).

I'm not saying it is the the wisest financial decsion, however, if you run a tight budget and use the HELOC for necessities (Utility Bills, Food, etc.) it will work.

Then pay it off on 2nd to 3rd year pay of Major Airline pay.

The wife can stay at home and you can stay out of your mother-in-laws.