At crossroads... cant decide

LauraFox

Hi Moneysavers,

Last Xmas I was made redundant while 4 months pregnant. Started receiving Maternity Allowance since May and that will stop in December this year. I desperately want to have an income again which will go towards our mortgage penalty-free overpayments and an operation my son needs to do in 2013. I can only work evenings and weekends, when OH can be at home to be with the kids.

My dilemma is this: employed or self-employed? My brain is overloaded with ideas, let me explain.

For employed, it can be any job, but probably something lower than my professional standard (who works between 6-9pm, usually cleaners and cashiers, right?).

I am considering the self-employed route, I love supporting couples having a baby, I ve trained to be a Doula and I also own a professional birthing pool I can rent out. Problem here is (1) idea of self-employed scares me a lot and I dont know where to start! (2) I wont be able to attend births as my own kids are still too little, so that might disappoint some clients.

Also, doula work is really slow in the beginning. I ve also been considering providing ironing service, or translating service, or cleaning or child-minding as self-employed, but it could be dangerous having my hands on many projects as I might start losing control. I am so so confused. Do I do 2 things at the same time, or just 1?

Finally, can I claim JSA whilst I am considering to become self-employed or I am in the process of attending courses to learn more about becoming S-E?

thanks a lot

saintjammyswine

Contact Next Step, they give excellent free advice on careers and training.