I want to work, but how with two tinies?

muddywellies

How on earth can you work and go ahead in a career with not only childcare costs (two under 2s) but also if they get ill at nursery or need picking up during the day or anything really.

Is it just impossible?

Tigsteroonie

Firstly, are you a single parent or part of a couple? Two to share the burden ...

muddywellies

Good question - there's a wee question mark over my marriage but either way working cancels out the costs of childcare - it's a nightmare.

RAS

Bear in mind that the first £10K that the second parent earns is not subject to tax or NI.

So even a relatively low rate and a few hours can be worth as much as over-time for the main earner. Does your partner work regular hours? Could you work one or two evenings?

One SAHM actually worked two nights and earned a considerable amount because her employer was prepared to book her sessions once her spouse's working hours were known (generally a couple of months in advance).

bouicca21

The reality is that it is a gamble. When I went back to work the childcare costs exactly cancelled out my earnings. But I was back on a career ladder and once I started to climb it proved to be more than worth it.

Plus, when I got divorced after 30 plus years, the fact that I was financially independent made life a heck of a lot easier.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

If he's supportive, even a zero profit after working (part time?) can be worth it for the chance of adult conversation, the feeling of being yourself, that kind of thing.

I say part time because that reduces the chances that they're going to be ill on days you're at work (I'd always choose a place that gave a shorter week over shorter hours for that reason, having struggled more with the second).

Jagraf

I worked for nothing - my childcare costs were virtually the same as my income, but DD loved nursery and I loved work, so for ghe few years it was fine. I don't regret it one bit. It's a bit stressful when they are not very well so depends how your employer is.

muddywellies

It just seems impossible. I feel like I'm stuck between the Rock and the proverbial hard place.

Artytarty

How about doing something like hosting foreign students during half term etc? It can be quite easy money of you're careful and cook form scratch. I do it and enjoy the company of teens in the house.
I know it's not full time work but it keeps the £££ coming n and I feel like m doing my bit to help.
It's not a career, I realise that, I had one f those many years ago but gave it up raise my own family.

Jagraf

muddywellies wrote: »

It just seems impossible. I feel like I'm stuck between the Rock and the proverbial hard place.

How about setting up an ebay business?

System

Are you referring to returning to a job you had, or starting afresh in another company?