OH wants a separation. I have no job. HELP!

zippy1997

Spendless wrote: »

Yay, well done Zippy. :j It's not easy job-hunting Dec/Jan, I know twice in the last 4 years I lost my job on Dec 31st.:( Sorry about that. My OH has been on the end of redundancy to many times to count. Hopefully it's all worked out for you.

The first job you were offered, doesn't surprise me. I've heard stories like that before. It's another world out there! I had an inkling but reality is strange!

2nd one would interest me in your circs. It would give you the day-time to attend appointments or other interviews for better jobs. Good point, yes. It wouldn't be every evening either but would give me time to still job hunt, look after the house, dog etc... There are more hours available if they need to add them so that's a bonus. I wouldn't pay tax or NI (if under that threshold) but could still get the credits - have to look further into that! The credits are also important as I've missed so many years.

Good luck with the next interviews.

Thank you! It's a bit easier today knowing I have a job offer in place (although still need the official letter to come through!). But if I like todays ones - and they offer - I have to make a decision. As I've never done care work before or training will it be what I want? Or should I just stick with this one and look at a later date....

duchy

Make sure whichever job you take give you sufficient hours to qualify for working tax credits so if things do escalate and your husband moves out sooner rather than later you can claim straight away .

With regards to NI credits as you've presumably been claiming child benefit all these years you can get credit for pension for these years because you had full time home responsibilities.

justme111

duchy wrote: »

Make sure whichever job you take give you sufficient hours to qualify for working tax credits so if things do escalate and your husband moves out sooner rather than later you can claim straight away .

With regards to NI credits as you've presumably been claiming child benefit all these years you can get credit for pension for these years because you had full time home responsibilities.

That is a bit prescriptive and unnecessary stressful at thus stage imo. Husband moving out should not mean he stops supporting them with immediate effect.

leespot

Still relevant though - it should mean he doesn't stop supporting them with immediate effect but doesn't mean that will be the case. OP is better to prepare as best she can otherwise could end up being even more stressful for her.

zippy1997

Conundrum time.
Job 1: evenings 16 hrs per week contract would mean I don't pay tax/NI (most of the time I assume on that one). Stacking shelves. No dog walker required.

Job 2 which I've just been offered is more hours (27) per week and need 4 days training BUT I'd have to do shifts which would mean I'd have to pay a dog walker potentially 3/4 times a week, meaning £30/40 to take off weeks pay just for that. I would be working towards being qualified as a care assistant though.

I'd get (potentially) tax credits and child tax credits with job 1.

My gut says to go for Job 1.

kelpie35

I agree job 1 sounds great. It allows you to look after the dog, which you saw as a major problem.

Also job 1 will allow you to go to appointments that are important to you at the moment.

I would not consider job 2 as I feel it might put you under too much pressure at the moment re the training.

Please take job 1 and it will boost your confidence.

zippy1997

I'm so confused! I have another interview this afternoon for the same type as job 2.

Job 1 seems on paper better for wages and hours and convenient to adapt to the life I have now. And qualifies for working tax credits and child credits (for a while, won't last forever). No tax or NI if it stays under the thresh-hold. With the possibility of looking for other employment during the day and/or getting another job during day.

Job 2 has more hours, shifts so will only know 4 weeks in advance what shifts I'm doing and therefore not knowing what dog walker times I need. If on lates DD could walk/let out dog ... I'll also pay tax and NI which will obviously takes the wage down further. But job 2 seemed very nice and the lady who interviewed me said I'd be good at it.

I have to ring job 1 back to discuss before 4 and 2nd interview is at 3! Either accept or not I suppose. Until I sign anything it's OK to back out isn't it? I don't want to upset anyone!
No one's at home to talk to/discuss with so I'm venting here, sorry!

zippy1997

kelpie35 wrote: »

I agree job 1 sounds great. It allows you to look after the dog, which you saw as a major problem.

Also job 1 will allow you to go to appointments that are important to you at the moment.

I would not consider job 2 as I feel it might put you under too much pressure at the moment re the training.

Please take job 1 and it will boost your confidence.

That's what I'm thinking.
Would I be taking job 2 for the sake of having to take it? It's a lovely care home though. And the staff seemed very friendly. Just not 100% sure the job is for me. I don't want to miss job 1 and regret it.

leespot

Job 1 would get you what you are looking for at the moment - a nice way to break back into the working environment, should be low pressure, not having the hassle of taking your work worries home etc. Also answers your concerns about the dog etc.

Job 2 seems to be something you'd be better looking at again once things have settled down and you've adjusted to your new life?

zippy1997

Actually I wouldn't pay tax with job 2 as it's under the yrly allowance. Just NI would be taken. Phew. that hasn't helped though! Would still need to pay a dog walker and wouldn't get working tax credits...

So much to think about! I didn't think I'd get 2 offers!