Work Dilemma

jo1972

Had a chat with OH at the weekend, I think if I can get a few moneymaking schemes going it might be feasible for me to give up work.

Do you reckon it'd be worth sending my CV into the local schools in case there are any part time vacancies going or should I wait till they open in Sept and visit them instead? What do I actually ask for cos I'm happy to do anything? I'm currently a PA and I know that the office jobs at the school are securely filled, don't think those 2 in the office will be going anywhere for a while. What do teaching assistants do? Do I need any specific qualifications?

I'm still waiting to hear if I've been accepted for AQA and I've been told that my local Post Office has been advertising the part timers so I shall look into that today.

I'm still toying with the Usbourne Books idea, but afraid that my selling skills are not good enough and I'll end up wasting my money.

Curious_George_2

jo1972 wrote: »

I'm still toying with the Usbourne Books idea, but afraid that my selling skills are not good enough and I'll end up wasting my money.

to be honest, if you gave it a try and it didnt work, the sign up deals are usually so good that you wouldnt be wasting your money,
when i gave it up just before christmas last year, i had most of my kit left and all those books have come in handy for presents,
i kept a gorgeous box set for my new baby, but gave the majority away for christmas (which saved me a fortune!) and the few i had left over i sold.

jo1972

Ok I think you've persuaded me!!

Curious_George_2

shame im not still doing it, i could sign you up!
(and try to avoid the blame if it doesnt work out! lol)

as i said, i did have fun doing it but where i live is just too small and quiet
and it was near enough the same people at every toddler group, pre school, event thing i went too... so i felt like i was badgering the same few all the time.
if i could have made some money at it, i would still be going now... cos it was the perfect job for me,
im sure you will be fine

Savvy_Sue

If you've got the time, it wouldn't do any harm to drop a letter off to any local schools you'd be interested in working for, but I expect you'll find that they HAVE to advertise and require you to complete an application form. But if they have got a vacancy coming up, they might let you know. The place to look is on your local council's website, I am sure there will be a 'vacancies bulletin' which you may be able to sign up for.

jo1972

Well I've just been offered an Internet Researcher position for AQA so looks like my plan is beginning to take shape!! I shall do this during the evenings and weekends so get used to it and then once I've sorted out a couple of other money making schemes I shall let my boss know :eek:

Pinklepurr

Curious_George wrote: »

they do have part timers in schools here (mid day assistants, teachers assistant etc) but in my area those jobs are like gold dust,
and quite often applying when the job is advertised is a waste of time (as more often than not its already gone)
the only way in as i see it, is to volunteer,
they have readers at our local primary, the teachers dont have time to hear every child read aloud, so they have volunteer readers come in and the kids read to them, ive noticed that it tends to be these people who get the advertised jobs,
also making yourself known through the PTA wouldnt hurt but i never wanted to go that route... (they remind me of the mafia!)

You are right that these jobs are sought after but it helps if you have experience of working with children otherwise it is almost impossible to even get an interview. I've just landed a Part-time Teaching Assistant post after doing a years worth of voluntary work with families and children. If you have catering experience then there are dinner lady jobs too, or even office jobs if you have good admin skills. If you'd like to eventually become a TA in a local school then think about volunteering there or get involved with your local Brownie pack to gain experience.

Slinky

What sort of money do teaching assistants get paid? A friend of mine is thinking of applying for a position she's seen advertised but has no idea whether it would be financially worth it.

TAG

Hi jo1972,

Since I had my children I've always worked part time on and off.

I used to work in a pub 3 evenings a week when they were small. But then after 2 years I got bored with it and started delivering catalogue parcels. Did that for another 2 years and then got bored with that. It might be a thought for you though. Very flexible. I often used to deliver in the evenings in the summer months just for an hour or so's peace and quite and time to myself.

Then I went full time (working for a rubbish company) and I just couldn't cope with the demands of 3 kids, work and keeping the house going. Plus I had very limited child care and it was just a nightmare really.

Anyway, long story short I had another DD, who'll start school full time in September. But for the last 2 years I've worked 2 or 3 mornings a week doing sandwich delivery, which I love, mystery shopping and parcel delivery again. It all fits in really well. Except for the odd occassion. But the main thing is that I more or less work when I want to, but still manage to keep on top of everything else and still have a bit of me time.

DH (No.2) keeps banging on about me going full time, but I know there's just no way I'd manage it all. So he's been told to shut up and leave me alone. I'm happy with the way things are and can afford to pay for my car, clothes and any other bits I or the kids want.

The only negative is that as another poster has said. It can be hard at home all day with the kids. Sometimes your brain feels like scrambled eggs.

But good luck and I hope it all works out well for you.

Pinklepurr

Slinky wrote: »

What sort of money do teaching assistants get paid? A friend of mine is thinking of applying for a position she's seen advertised but has no idea whether it would be financially worth it.

It depends on the grade - there is Level 1, 2, 3 etc according to responsibilities and experience etc. Level 1 in my area starts at around £8 per hour. Not sure if it would be the same countrywide.