Should I accept any job?

Cheechee

Morning all.

I've been invited for an interview for a midday assistant job which would be 7 hours a week, I'm happy to accept anything right now.

My son is 11 years old and I know I need to work a maximum of 25 hours a week.

If I'm offered the job and accept it would I need to continue looking for more work?  I doubt this would be possible because I still need to take my son to school in the morning, pick him up after school and the midday job cuts the day in half (hope this makes sense).  

I'm aware that Universal Credit encourage you to take any job but I'm concerned that they won't be happy if I'm only working 7 hours a week.

I don't want to be in a position of accepting a job for a few months and then have to leave if I'm asked to find longer working hours.

Thanks

Galloglass

Take it a different way. When it comes to hiring, someone that can show a track record in [any] employment, is a better choice than someone with a long track record of no work and lost skills. 

The UC system has many, many faults especially for those with caring duties like you, and for those with health issues. But the world wants people with fresk skills and a willingness to do [some form of] work. Why not try some voluntary work to top up your hours as these organisations can be more flexible.

Good luck.

poppy12345

Do you have to drive your son to school because you live too far?

Cheechee

Thanks both.

Yes I will have to drive my son to school in the beginning and hopefully he can get the bus once he's a bit older. I think he is too young at the moment to make his own way to school and I would worry.

How would universal credit view the fact I would only work 7 hours a week?

I'm kind of hoping that if the school liked me and TA job came up I could be considered for that as I'm qualified.

calcotti

You would be expected to look for more work.

poppy12345

We all worry when our children are old emnough to go out alone but we have to let them go at some point, even more so if they don't have any disabilities. My elder 2 children both went to school alone at that age and they were in secondary school and had to travel by bus. Maybe you could do the journey with him a few times so he can get used to it? This way it will free up some of your time to look for more work during the day and you won't be as limited to the hours that you can do.

Cheechee

Thanks Poppy,

I understand what you are saying but I'm not ready to let go just yet!!  My son (like many other kids) have had a tough and unsettling few months with the school closures.  He is sad about leaving primary school and missing out on all the fun things year 6 normally do and he is very anxious about starting secondary school, it's a big step for kids to take.  Also, not keen on buses right now due to corona virus (hopefully that will change soon).  I don't want to add to his anxiety by making him go to school on his own.  I'm a single mum and I need to be there for him for at least the first month or two, just until he's settled.

I have a phone appointment with my work coach tomorrow and I'll explain everything.

I'm thinking that a job, however small is better than no job for the time being.

[Deleted User]

When my son started Secondary School, we were told in no uncertain terms that collecting and dropping them off would cause massive embarrassment and at that age they are quite capable of making their own way to school. So once I was sure my son was ok (I've had two go through this) I stopped accompanying them.  This included my older son being autistic and dealing with a bus journey.  My younger son couldn't wait to get rid of me lolol.

You are doing this for you..., not for your son.  A week is enough.  Give him a mask, some hand gel.  Let him have some time  with his mates if that's what he wants to do.  A month is waaaay too long. Don't tell him you think he can't cope by accompanying for this extended time.  He can and he will and he'll be proud to be trusted to make his own way to school.

Cheechee

Thanks but actually I'm not doing it for me.

He knows I need to look for a job and he's been in tears, frequently because he is so anxious about the possibility of going to school on his own and coming home to an empty house.

Right now it all seems very overwhelming for him and I can't add to his stress. I know (as we all know) this won't last forever and he'll be fine but unfortunately my son doesn't know that right now (however much I reassure him).

Perhaps he will be fine a week into secondary school or perhaps it may take him longer to settle but right now I don't know, each child deals with things differently. His childhood, at times has been traumatic and I'm the one person in his life he can trust so I'm trying my best to get the right balance between work and home life.

Mrs_Soup

Jobs are going to be harder to get going forward so I would take what you can get for now but be open to taking something else as well or instead if you can get it.  By the time that comes your son may be just fine.  Does the school he is going to recruit invigilators for exams as many secondary schools do- I believe there are going to be exams in the autumn for people who want to retake.  If you are already working in a school that could fit in well.

FBaby

It's hard to believe that even taking your son to school you won't have any time to look for other jobs with more hours. Surely you could do your search at home when he is back from school.

I also think you have plenty of time now to take the bus with him so he can be ready by September. Same with coming home alone. Now is the time to leave him at home in his own. 

I am actually quite shocked that single parents it gave to look for 25h work when their kids start secondary school. It should be ft. There are no excuses.