STUPID FUEL SURCHARGES!!

I am on the second week of my search for the cheapest airfare for a trip that I can't afford to take and can't afford not to take. I'm going to Paris and Tunisia....only for 12 days total, but 12 days too many off of work and away from my family. So, why am I going? Let's just say it is a long overdue trip and I have a great opportunity to take it. So, here I am, typing a blog that no one even reads, when I need to be working to pay for this trip. Currently the best price I can get is by buying 2 separate tickets from AirFrance at $881 and $399 respectively, blowing my $1000.00 airfare budget! Why do the people who can actually stand being around me live on the other side of the world???