Benefit rant, require some straight talking

Alan77

Ok, back story
Worked all my life, have a child with an ex, and one with my current? Partner, she also has a child.
My current (loose term more on that....) partner and I got back together 9 months ago, and moved in together around Xmas.
She was up to that point, a single mum, I saw both my kids weekly.
She worked recently until an incident at work caused her to resign, which I supported her decision.
Working through all the benefits etc, we are entitled to only around 50 a week (due to her recent employment) which would go up slightly to 90 on next evaluation. Basically, it's not enough with our kids, housing etc.
Rant

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Due to an issue recently and the lack of sensible benefit system, her household income is much healthier without me being there... And subsequently, I've just had to crawl to my parents to put me up for a bit.
It makes me want to give up work to spend more time with her and our toddler...
It's probably right, living on my own in a flat and paying 2lots of CSA seemed to leave me better off also.
Rant over... Tell me why I shouldn't consider having a time out from work until our boy goes to school?
Ps, she is actively seeking work since leaving her job (in which case we would be better off living together again)

Edit, just realised the title should read require some....

jacques_chirac

Why should you not consider 'having a time out' from work? The answer is simple - self respect, and setting a good example for your children.

Alan77

Well yes there is that
I envy those who have the opportunity to spend that sort of time with their kids
It's a very annoying system still for a lot of people.

jacques_chirac

Alan77 wrote: »

Well yes there is that
I envy those who have the opportunity to spend that sort of time with their kids
It's a very annoying system still for a lot of people.

Your outlook is all wrong. Benefits should be a last resort, for those that have no other option. They should not be a lifestyle choice, and they should certainly not be a reason for you to move out of the family home.

DUTR

jacques_chirac wrote: »

Your outlook is all wrong. Benefits should be a last resort, for those that have no other option. They should not be a lifestyle choice, and they should certainly not be a reason for you to move out of the family home.

Hold on! He isn't doing that (yet) and besides what things should be and what they are , well everyday tells you they are not the same, sadly I know plenty of people (mainly women) who elect to do 21hrs per week and no more.

Alan77

Oh I completely agree
I hate seeing those living of us working people's backs, if they are capable of working...
It must be wrong somehow if a working person plus stay at home mum has less income (after bills, benefits etc) than just the stay at home mum.
I understand recent reforms are supposed to change this, but yet to see it in my situation.
Sorry, the rant is after an emotional 24 hours, and looking to point the finger of blame in every direction possible lol

jacques_chirac

Alan77 wrote: »

Oh I completely agree
I hate seeing those living of us working people's backs, if they are capable of working...
It must be wrong somehow if a working person plus stay at home mum has less income (after bills, benefits etc) than just the stay at home mum.
I understand recent reforms are supposed to change this, but yet to see it in my situation.
Sorry, the rant is after an emotional 24 hours, and looking to point the finger of blame in every direction possible lol

I do understand what you are saying, but it is not a path you would be advised to pursue. Benefit claimants breed benefit claimants - I'm sure you want better for your children

Alan77

Btw, all calculations based off the whatamientitled to site

Alan77

No, and probably would have difficulty picking up employment after a time
I certainly couldn't be content staying at home without the children to look after, Xbox only goes so far lol

pinkypoopydoo

Removing yourself from the workforce, for whatever reason, makes it a million times harder to get back IN the workforce.

Taking "time out" to spend with family will only have a negative impact on your future and your families future. It's a nightmare, even when you have a good reason (for example, a stay at home mother trying to get back to work after her children start school) for being out of work.

Nat1990

Next year, I am embarking on a masters degree (£4500) for which you do not get any student loan because it's postgrad. In order to afford to pay for this course (and to eat) I am working three minimum wage jobs (in spite of having a first class degree). This is annoying, frustrating, and tiring, but all of this adds to my cv. I have friends intending to take a gap year on job seekers in order to pay for their course. My argument against this course of action (and the action that you want to take) is if you do take this time off, you are going to make yourself unemployable. This is a huge risk - in the short term you may be better off on benefits, but in the long term, you certainly won't! Grin and bear it like I am and in a few years you will have a great cv so you can get a higher paid job and be able to support your family!