Am I missing something?

alfiemama

Firstly, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I am wondering if I am missing something with regards to trying to go back to work. I am a SAHM to three children, one 22 months, a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. To complicate things my eldest has autism.
Now this may sound so selfish, but I am totally ready to go back to work for my own sanity. I have loved being able to stay with the kiddies and feel very privileged but now it's time to progress.

My question though is. How do I do it? My little girl (22 months) is very bright and will benefit from going to nursery, but if I get a small job, all my money will go on her fees, unless I am missing something? Any job I find has to be able to fit around school runs and because of my son's 1-1 and support from the school, I travel 20 minutes drive into the school.

Will I get any help with childcare costs? I also feel like I have lost a lot of confidence, Is there any initiative in helping mums gain their confidence back. I'm sure I wasn't like this prior to the kids.

SueC_2

alfiemama wrote: »

Firstly, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

I am wondering if I am missing something with regards to trying to go back to work. I am a SAHM to three children, one 22 months, a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. To complicate things my eldest has autism.
Now this may sound so selfish, but I am totally ready to go back to work for my own sanity. I have loved being able to stay with the kiddies and feel very privileged but now it's time to progress.

My question though is. How do I do it? My little girl (22 months) is very bright and will benefit from going to nursery, but if I get a small job, all my money will go on her fees, unless I am missing something? Any job I find has to be able to fit around school runs and because of my son's 1-1 and support from the school, I travel 20 minutes drive into the school.

Will I get any help with childcare costs? I also feel like I have lost a lot of confidence, Is there any initiative in helping mums gain their confidence back. I'm sure I wasn't like this prior to the kids.

I don't think you're missing anything.

You have children, and if you want to return to work will need to find a way of juggling the needs/demands of children v empoyer.

Good luck, it's not easy.

alfiemama

Thanks Sue, it just doesn't seem right. For example

If I want a small part time job I have to work over 16 hours to get working tax credit which equates to £13.10 per week. Also I am only allowed to earn £!00 because of carers.

The job I have seen is 16 hours at £6.20 per hour but because of the hours child care works out at £32 per day, I would need 3 days = £96. Therefore, I would only earn £3 wage and £13.10 working tax.
By the time I have paid out petrol to get daughter to the nursery and back I will have peanuts.

I will have to do this soon, as daughter is very bright and will benefit from nursery. I suppose at least I can feel proud I am working to send her.
It's just so frustrating when you want to work. I've just signed up for !!!!!!!! and work for textbrokers I just wanted to go out into the work force and gain my confidence back, is that so wrong?

getmore4less

Look for job in the school.

alfiemama

Thanks getmore, that is an option. However, after looking after 3 kids one with special needs I wanted a break from that enviroment.

alfiemama

Also, just thinking about this. School is not the problem its the childcare of my daughter which is costly. For me to get a position in a nursery I would need to be qualified. Am I right in thinking that school postions and nursery jobs are the only jobs mums with kids can do?

It's so frustrating when some people just want to stay home and claim benefits. Unfortunately, I have 0 child care.

Elle7

I wouldn't presume that nurseries are the right place to work...

I worked in one for a long time, and now help out with the management there. There is a lot of OFSTED guidance about employing parents if their children attend, and we give a 10% discount on childcare for full-time workers but to be honest, it's nothing. The manager has no power to change it, but it's the way it is.

Some nurseries may be better, but I wouldn't take training to do nursery work unless you are sure that a) you'll get a job, as a lot of 16 year olds do childcare and have a lower minimum wage and that b) it pays well enough to cover costs.

You'd also have to factor in the cost of training, and the fact that you don't appear to really want to work with kids.

Would retraining interest you? You could enquire at local colleges about courses starting next month, finance you might be entitled too and childcare?

Or get a job knowing that you won't earn much for the moment, but your daughter would benefit from a good nursery, and when she starts getting her free nursery hours you'll earn more?

alfiemama

Thanks Elle, yes I would look at retraining. Again, though I am tied to the hours I can do because of carers. Also, haven't a clue what I would like to retrain as. It would be another year before my daughter receives her nursery funding.

Do you get child care covered if you retrain?

alfiemama

I've just been looking at apprenticeships. I found a fantastic one but working until 5pm meant I then have to pay after school club times 2 for the boys. I'm beginning to think it's impossible.

Takeaway_Addict

alfiemama wrote: »

I've just been looking at apprenticeships. I found a fantastic one but working until 5pm meant I then have to pay after school club times 2 for the boys. I'm beginning to think it's impossible.

Sometimes the sacrifices have to be made at the start of a career for the long term view.

It may not pay great now but you do get more than just money when working.

alfiemama

Thanks Takeaway, this opportunity will actually cost me to try and do it.
The other job had no prospects otherwise I would do it.

I would love to retrain and willing to start right from the beginning. However, I have to make sure it is right for the family.