Any tips?

LL30

OK, redundant as of 18th Sept and I'm having a few issues with my 'saleability'! Some info on my experience:

Pastoral and Leaning Mentor, Student Welfare Officer, Unqualified Year 7 Teacher and CAMHS worker. I don't have a professional qual in the social care arena (I'm a trained Broadcast Journalist - don't ask!) but hoping to fix that with an MA next year.

So, I am a single Mum, to a one year old. She currently goes to nursery on a Thurs and Fri (the days I used to work) and I can't increase her days as there's no space until Sept. So I need a job on a Thurs and Fri 8-5.30...not too specific then! Any ideas what would be my best bet jobs wise - I'll do anything at all, but my lack of flexibility is proving an issue and I discovered that they are even requesting experience for cleaning jobs. How can I sell myself? I'm very personable and find interviews no problem, it's more my circumstances that are causing me problems.

Was wondering just how bad call centres are? Is it worth a shot? I did some telephone fundraising when I was at Uni, so i have a little experience. Was also wondering about care homes? It's not career move of the year, but just need 16 hours a week to see me through until I do my MA (hopefully!). Any advice would be appreciated

dandelionclock30

Social care agency work, ask if they will put you through the NVQ 2?
If you drive theres care work visiting people in their own homes helping with basic tasks.They will often provide training.

LL30

Will look into this, thank you! Yes I have a car. I was offered a similar (ish) position this week, but they wouldn't pay mileage! Erm....£7.50 an hour (around half my usual hourly rate, but I understand I'm going to have to accept that) but not to pay my mileage...with the areas they covered, I was seriously running the risk of working to pay for my petrol! Damn shame to turn down work though, particularly in my predicament!

dandelionclock30

What about a pushbike or a cheap moped with lock to save on petrol?

LL30

I like your thinking! Only problem is that they cover a ridiculously large area (Nottingham and Derby, I kid you not) and I live out in the sticks - could get very fit though! Do you have to do a test or anything for a moped? You're getting me thinking

Mischa8

I know this sounds silly but think of cash in hand work - my neighbour currently works 5 days a week (mornings and evenings) dog walking a neighbour's dog and also cleans his house (he's elderly) and also has a job working 1 day a week at Barclays Bank (sales on Saturdays).

This solves her childcare problems for now.

Also maybe join 'findababysitter.com' - there may be a parent who is after 2 days a week childcare - you can get a check done I think for £15.

For the future look in to completing your teaching qualification. My mum taught when we were kids and this really helped in terms of being around for us after school and in school holidays.

put a card in library advertising eg ironing or typing (no dodgy agencies), specify your rate, someone is bound to require this.

oh, also re interviews for the childcare - just be totally honest, sell your skills in that area, added bonus if you look smart but maybe not so smart to other mums...

Call centre work is tough going. You could always look for a 2 day a week admin job but with the lack of work out there possibly hard to find and you'd have to factor in travel costs too. Maybe Ebay is worth a try.

dandelionclock30

Im not sure if you require a test for a moped under a 125. You have to do a basic 1 day course I think.If you are interested in this just give a local motorbike/scooter place a ring/message they will tell you.

lynzpower

Do you mean September next year?

I am thinking of cover supervisors roles which pay more like your normal rate Can you not find a childminder for the other days?

LL30

Yes Sept next year, so 11 months to fill! I have found a childminder, but her spaces are filling fast, so working against the clock so to speak! I got a place to do my GTP a few years ago but it fell through due to numerous reasons. After that I started working in mental health, and that's where my heart lies. The MA is in social work, which will give me the qual to move up the NHS banding.

I have my CRB already - never heard of that website, and it's a good idea to put an ad out (although I'm not sure anyone would want me ironing their clothes :S) but I'm sure I can think of something!

I suppose I just need to concentrate on finding some jobs that I can apply for, and cross the lack of flexibility issue when it comes to interview. I guess I just feel a little concerned as I missed out on the other job due to being a single Mum - I just have to hope that isn't the case for all of them, it can't be! I've found a great position as a family support worker, but it's a nil hour contract - need 16hours min!!

lynzpower

I suppose I just need to concentrate on finding some jobs that I can apply for, and cross the lack of flexibility issue when it comes to interview. I guess I just feel a little concerned as I missed out on the other job due to being a single Mum - I just have to hope that isn't the case for all of them, it can't be! I've found a great position as a family support worker, but it's a nil hour contract - need 16hours min!!

have you called them though? I mean, you just never know what they really mean by zero hours...

where do you live?

LL30

Basically they say they can't guarantee how many hours you'll get, I'm still applying anyway as it's worth a shot! I live in Nottingham (suburbs)