I want a job - but cant afford childcare ;(

elff

onlyroz wrote: »

What are your qualifications? What did you do before you became a parent? Have you considered whether it should be your husband who stays at home with the kids while you go out to work?

He always said that he is happy to look after them now and again but would never cope full time...... a saturday nearly kill's him

He would go stir crazy with just the twins to keep him busy - either that or they will be the youngest carp fishergirls in the country.....

Thanks

I will look into voluntery work..... it would be nice to be called by my name rarther than x's mum

onlyroz

elff wrote: »

I will look into voluntery work..... it would be nice to be called by my name rarther than x's mum

If you gave us an idea about what you are qualified to do, we would be better able to advise on whether you have enough earning potential to afford two children in full-time childcare.

I could only afford to have one child in childcare - which is why I waited until my son was nearly school-age before having another child.

Aesop

Are you sure you would lose all your money if you started working? Have you spoken to Tax Credits?

You get upto 80% help with childcare if you need it and you would get working tax credit, or do you already get that with DH working? But firstly speak to the Tax Credits team about how much you would lose by working.

I work part time, the money is pants and without tax credits, it would not even be worth my while working, as 98% of my money goes on childcare.

It's funny, everyone said to me, you won't wait to get back to work, you are going to find it like a holiday being away from DS, being a real person, an adult, etc... but where I work.... I might as well work in a nursery!

But I do understand about wanting to be you, prekids, wanting to be an individual rather than just Mum and it is recommended that you don't lose that part of your identity.

debtfreenewbie

I am working as a dinner lady and love it.Yes I could do a lot more but I see my kids everyday morning and I pick them up from school.
Its only 8 hrs per week but it gets me out the house.

elff

debtfreenewbie wrote: »

I am working as a dinner lady and love it.Yes I could do a lot more but I see my kids everyday morning and I pick them up from school.
Its only 8 hrs per week but it gets me out the house.

I would love to work at the school..... but have no one to watch the twins?

onlyroz

Again, what are your qualifications?

freyanneke_2

Volunteering in return for the organisation to pay your childcare will work. I have done it and you can choose from a load of interesting jobs that might come in handy when you are ready to return to work. Sometimes it even leads to a job offer. Good luck!

Aesop

elff wrote: »

I would love to work at the school..... but have no one to watch the twins?

WTC will give you upto 80% with childcare for the twins. If you are only working so many hours at the school, you may find they are paying nearly all your childcare, so you would only need to find a little.

There are nurseries and childminders that would be able to care for your twins. Are you a member of your local https://www.netmums.com group? If so, look under noticeboards for nurseries and childminders. Speak to your local council they can provide you with a list of nurseries and childminders registered with them.

victoriaplum1

I found that when I wanted to work at ASDA I had to basically beg for a job as I had a degree and they didn't want to employ me on the checkout probably as they thought I would leave....I just said that I wouldn't be here if I didn't want the job as would not want to mislead you or waste your time and they did eventually give me a chance. I know what you mean about it being hard going back to work with young kids - we have just accepted that I need to go back to work as we just can't manage financially but alot of jobs I have seen so far want you to be flexible and I need set days so I can organise registered childcare, we don't have family members who can childmind (not that they should have too!) - I have applied for JSA with view to going back to work but not sure I will qualify for it and now I have sent the claim I am already feeling that it may not be a good idea - on one hand I could do with a pt pinmoney type job as it would be less stressful but on other hand know that is not going to develop my potential but if we lose alot in tax credits it won't be worth the stress or upset to the household routine of going back to work at the moment - I am torn between a job to just bring in extra money or one that may be more challenging, but I have found since having kids I don't handle stress well especially work stress I would muddle through but just bring it home and take it out on other half - I dont struggle for adult company I do a few courses at local college - art etc and so meet alot of adults, got a good circle of friends with and without children too. Voluntary work is great if you don't actually need to work for extra money it shouldnt affect any benefits as long as you tell them about it and you can get so much out of it....confidence wise. I worked for Citizens Advice years ago as an administrator/receptionist (voluntary) and loved it

Penelope_Penguin

elff wrote: »

Also we claim tax credits and i worked out i would need to do 30hr a week to get back what they would take from us... so 5 x 6hr shifts??

Have you checked this? You might get more money (or are you getting working tax credit already?)

aureol212 wrote: »

Are you sure you would lose all your money if you started working? Have you spoken to Tax Credits?

You get upto 80% help with childcare if you need it and you would get working tax credit, or do you already get that with DH working?

I think it's 70% help with childcare (unless the rates have changed and I didn;t notice ).

I'd second volunteering with CAB. That;s what I did when mine were in primary school, and I'm now a part time paid debt and benefit adviser While you're there you can ask them to do a benefit check and see exactly what you're entitled to :T