When to return to work after youngest child goes to full-time school

Spendless

Got a bit of a dilemma here and can't decide what to do, so would like some thoughts/ideas.

My youngest child started f-time school in September and I can't decide when to start job-hunting. :cool: For the past couple of years I have been at college and now have Text and Word level 1 & 2 (all distinction), CLAIT. I am waiting for results of Text level 3 and will finish CLAIT plus certificate in a couple of weeks time. That leaves me with Word level 3 to take this summer and maybe to start CLAIT plus diploma. I also feel I have a 'on paper' weakness as many jobs start 5 GCSE's or equivalent (got) including English (got) and Maths (haven't got I managed tog et a CSE 2 two years running:rolleyes: ). I enquired about GCSE Maths but the course that was due to start in Jan has been cancelled, so it means wait till Sept or I could do a level 2 Maths instead which is a 'start anytime' course.

My husband's job will take him from home a lot this year, as he is project managing a large project which was my initial reason for not job-hunting straight away but he's recently said his busiest time will be beginning of April till end of June. With the exception of May half term, our kids will be at school from 7th April till 18th July. DH says he won't be as busy during July/August due to staff taking their hols.

Any thoughts anyone.

Rupa

I thought level 2 was GCSE level?

You can work term time only with the Nationwide, Civil service, Council and schools.

You have used your time well, I have to say.

Spendless

Yes it would be, sorry I didn't make that clear. I currently have CSE grade 2 Maths (twice!) which isn't equivalent to a GCSE (grade 1 was), so was thinking of doing level 2 maths instead of having to wait till Sept to start GCSE.

Thanks for the list of employers who do term time working, I was only aware of schools.

belfastgirl23

Would it be worth registering with a few temping agencies now? Doing a few hours here and there might be a good way to see how it goes for you being out at work without being committed to anything longer term. Also a chance to have a look round and see where there might be openings or options for when you are ready for something full time.

I always like to find a halfway house

shopndrop

If you are studying and do get a job, why not ask your employer about letting you continue with your studying if it is during the day.

Strapped

Sore point for me, as I have just been offered a really, really good job which I can't take, as my after-school care has fallen through :mad:

Are you planning to look for part-time work, or full-time?

Spendless

Part-time work. I worked full-time for 15 years before having children and have no wish to go back to it.:D . The children's school hs wrap-around care which the kids already attend 1 evening a week (long story but it was set up so I could be flexible-put more hours in at college- then the college cancelled the location and times :rolleyes: but I decided to keep the kids places). I have asked them where they are spaces and there are enough after-school, but not enough spaces every day for the breakfest club.

I've never registered with a temping agency. Can you request school times only with them, as the problem I would have with the kids childcare provider is that I couldn't go on contract as the job would be temporary and I have to give a month's notice to change. I'd have to be ad-hoc which means I'm not guaranteed a place if someone else asks first (or goes on contract). :cool:

I don't know if I'd be better off finsihing my studies first.

SmileyHappyBeing

Rupa wrote: »

I thought level 2 was GCSE level?

You can work term time only with the Nationwide, Civil service, Council and schools.

You have used your time well, I have to say.

Sorry, dont mean to sound stupid but how does that work?

I would have problems with childcare in school holidays and never realised about this.

Thanks..

misty

I just wanted to clarify as people have been misled in the past re educational providers. GCSE maths is a level 2 qualification - there are other level 2 maths qualifications but they aren't all GCSE equivalents. Some providers say oh it's level 2 - the same as a GCSE - and whilst this is true - it is level 2 it's not necessarily accepted by employers.

Do you have any idea what kind of a job you want? or do you just want any job?

If you don't know and time and money aren't pressing - what about a full time adult course - full time doesn't mean every day. At the college I work at - we run a full-time return to study course for adults. This course is 2 and half days a week - although obviously there is work to do at home. the course is 5 GCSE including math and english. If students already have maths or english (they generally don't have both) they pick another. This would give you your 5 GCSEs that as you say a lot of employers want.

Alternatively, what about completing the ECDL - as you already have some computer qualifications?

Other than that - as a parent - schools and colleges are brilliant to work in - particularly for the childcare aspect of the holidays. Once you get your foot in the door - it opens up other possibilities. My relative worked as dinner lady and playground monitor. She then was employed by the same school pt time to help support a child with cerebral palsy - to aid with his mobility etc. When the person she shared with left - she got the job full time. She loves the job but not only that - she no longer has to pay afterschool care and holiday club for her 3 when she's at work. She has the opportunity to do trainign paid for by the school.

This is irrelevant if you'd sooner stick pins in your eyes than work in a school but for routine for childcare - particularly if your husband has a job that means he travels - it is ideal.

Savvy_Sue

Spendless wrote: »

I've never registered with a temping agency. Can you request school times only with them, as the problem I would have with the kids childcare provider is that I couldn't go on contract as the job would be temporary and I have to give a month's notice to change. I'd have to be ad-hoc which means I'm not guaranteed a place if someone else asks first (or goes on contract). :cool:

I don't know if I'd be better off finsihing my studies first.

You can request school times only, although obviously there will be fewer vacancies like that. But companies may want 'middle of the day' cover - I know when I was using temps I'd have happily taken a good part-timer over someone not so good full-time. And you can also explain that there may be times when you could be more flexible, but you won't know until they ask.

As agencies vary (and you'll find some ideas about them on the Employment and Jobseeking board) it's worth making a few appointments with local ones and seeing what you make of them.

Mind you, that comment of your husbands about him being less busy in a few months ... if he's anything like mine I'd take THAT with a pinch of salt! :rotfl:

Spendless

Misty- That's how I started at college 2 years ago with a 3 day a year course, where in addition to the qualifications I've already posted I got an NVQ 2 in business and admin and a certificate in team leading. I have already got 5 GCSE equivalents ( O'levels or CSE grade 1's) including English but not Maths. I'm aware that some employers might want GCSE maths and not accept level 2 instead, that's why I was going to enroll for the GCSE, which has been cancelled. I thought if I could get level 2 in before the next course starts in September, I could show that I'm taking steps to improve on it and will take the GCSE when the course starts running again.

I just want some sort of admin job- any really. I'm prepared to take a low pay job as I'm aware I've been out of the workplace for a long time and need experience. I did do work as a dinner lady a couple of years ago, prior to starting at college, but with the exception of working in the school offices, I'm not keen on working with kids!

I tried ECDL after CLAIT and level 1 text & word, but wasn't keen. I found it a lot of theory.

Savvy Sue- I hadn't thought of that.:cool: and no it wouldn't be beyond him to say "yeah, I know I said I could do x but I didn't know y was going to happen" :rolleyes: