unsure whether to take job

Valli

Surely with AAT qualifications there would be an option, with some jobs, to work from home? Maybe contact some local, small businesses and do some freelance accounts prep?

(You'll need a computer;))

persa

Valli wrote: »

Surely with AAT qualifications there would be an option, with some jobs, to work from home?

You beat me to it. Accountancy has got to be one of the most family friendly professions, all of my colleagues who are parents work from home at least one day and/or work part time, to fit around their kids.

It's certainly not usual - have you tried looking for skilled, accountancy jobs rather than shop work? You might find that whilst it isn't openly advertised, the employer will be able to provide the flexibility you need.

denla

persa wrote: »

You beat me to it. Accountancy has got to be one of the most family friendly professions, all of my colleagues who are parents work from home at least one day and/or work part time, to fit around their kids.

It's certainly not usual - have you tried looking for skilled, accountancy jobs rather than shop work? You might find that whilst it isn't openly advertised, the employer will be able to provide the flexibility you need.

That only applies to highly sought for qualified Accountants. AAT qualified doesn't make OP an accountant and therefore employers expect availability. If you're not available then they'd use someone else.

persa

denla wrote: »

That only applies to highly sought for qualified Accountants. AAT qualified doesn't make OP an accountant and therefore employers expect availability. If you're not available then they'd use someone else.

An accountant isn't a protected term, you know - and given that an AAT qualified individual can prepare accounts, I have no problem in referring to one as an accountant.

Someone with an AAT, even three years out of the market, could quite easily do basic bookkeeping, VAT returns, etc. This sort of work can usually be done remotely, i.e. from home, so I do think the OP should seek to exploit her background, rather than purely seek out unskilled work.

There will be some employers who will prefer staff to be office based all the time, but equally, there will be many others who are happy to offer flexibility. As I said, flexible working is not uncommon in accountancy, so the OP shouldn't rule out a skilled job as part of her search to find work.

gibson123

OP don't do the job, what to do is find out what local charities and small groups need a board member / treasurer. Look at groups where a service is paid for such as Out of School Childcare, music groups etc. and volunteer to help with the financial side / business planning, working as part of the board. Many board meetings are in the evening and any work you do as a board member can fit around your other commitments. By doing this you are gaining good skills and keeping your experience up to date. I have been on boards with Lawyers, Accountants, Business People, HR Professionals etc. and not only do you keep your skills up to date you expand your business network.

twiglet98

Night work with small children just isn't a safe option, you will not get enough sleep and only when you have an accident will you realise you're too tired to work at night and attend to the little ones by day. I speak from experience, having worked alternate nights in a care home when my kids were three and one. Night work is great, but you HAVE to be able to get enough sleep by day or you are not safe driving, whether to and from work, or by day with children in the car. Please don't risk it.

apesxx

I have done exactly what you are describing for 3 weeks, worked 4 nights in the week, came home 6am looked after kids all day and finally got sleep 4.30pm til 9pm. Except on one day OH Got home really late so I didn't get any sleep that evening. It made me Ill and it was only a temp thing for me to help out at work. By time it was over I was covered In cold sores, had twitchy eyes and a bald spot in my head, all signs that I am really run down.. I really wouldn't do it again unless my kids were at school. And when they say MAY what they really mean is, you WILL be doing 5 nights.

vroombroom

Nightshift and kids is v hard OP - I have been doing 12-3/4am 3 times a week for the last few months. Dosen't sound a lot, but it take me 30mins each way to travel.
My OH works early shifts sometimes so its very hard and only get a few hours kip as my son is very energetic! We have him nursery once or twice a week though so I can catch up zzzzzz

I've been looking for a part time day job for a couple of weeks to no avail though x

PlutoinCapricorn

I did shift work decades ago, and am still paying the price. I would ban night work for everyone except for emergency & hospital workers etc. if I had the power!

I agree with people who say that it is not suitable for someone with small children.

LannieDuck

If I had a choice, I wouldn't do it with a 10 week old baby. Chances are the baby will wake you up during those precious 4 hours of sleep (even if your OH is doing the feeding to let you sleep, your instincts will probably wake you when baby cries).

I also wouldn't feel safe driving 1/2 hour each way on so little sleep.