Would you work just for the 'satisfaction'?

Spendless

Roxie - I read a lot of your posts, so I read the other day what you said your husband earned. On that level of income I'd have thought you'd only get the family element of tax credits (roughly £10 a week), so that would be the most you would lose, if your combined income meant you were no longer eligible for tax credits.

I did read a post saying the entitled to website was having a bit of a blip recently.

There's someone very knowledgeable about tax credits on the benefits board if that's any help.

cwp500

RoxieW wrote: »

Hi there - thanks for all the responses. Its good to see other peoples perspectives.

cwp - sorry i dont understand your post? I'm not being proud. And surely most jobs would net you £50 a month?
.

Sorry Roxie, maybe I wasnt being clear; it is impossible for me to get any work, of any kind.

I have tried believe me but, despite superficial legislation on Age and Disability discrimination, old employer prejudices die hard.

RoxieW

Oh, maybe the figures that I was given are wrong then?? We'd still be worse off as my wage wouldn't cover the childcare needed and busfares etc - but then perhaps they would let me do school hours so no childcare required? Guess its just the first 6 mths while todds at school. It's just such rubbish money (I'd be earning 6000 a year) but because there's always high demand for 'arty farty' jobs they can get away with it.

whitewing

Apply and make your decision when you get it. You'll know in your heart if you want to do it at that point. Much depends on the people you'll be working with, I guess. All the money in the world wouldn't be worth it if you don't get on with the colleagues who should be supporting you.

kizzykizzywizzy

Hi Roxie, I'm in a slightly different position to you that my children are both at school now, I stayed at home until they went, but I only earn £110 extra a month by working. The thing about my job is that it's as a catering asst in a school ( school dinner lady - kitchen side ) so it fits in fantastically with school holidays, I'll have 6 weeks off in the summer with my children!!
I've never done this type of job before, but I really enjoy it, i get to meet people it keeps me fit & I do get a little bit of extra money at the end of the month.
I wouldn't have done it before my children went to school though, I value my time with them more than my job.
Hope you come to a decision that's right for you;)

Lunar_Eclipse

RoxieW wrote: »

I think the thing thats really sticking in my throat is imagining dropping my youngest off at the childminders for 2 mornings a week. .....(I'm tearing up at the memory here). When I look back I feel unbelievable guilt.

If that is honestly how you feel then I say don't apply, enjoy this last Summer before your youngest starts school, settle all of you into a new routine and then look for work. Especially if you are fortunate enough not to need the money. You're in an enviable position so although your needs count as much as the rest of your family, I would focus on your blessings for this short time if possible. Could you perhaps volunteer in your field in the interim? This would offer you complete flexibility with no childcare costs and you lose out by £50 month - everyone happy? It would also keep your skills and experience up-to-date.

Having said that, if you do apply, I suggest asking about the possibility of working for 5 mornings/week instead of the 2 1/2 days, unless you already know it is a job share.

In answer to your original question, there isn't a job in the world I would do for £50/month. Especially given the hassle factor here. There are simply so many wonderful things to see and do, with and without children, that I'm amazed anyone would consider it. I don't know anyone who loves their job that much! And before anyone jumps down my throat on a 'needs must, not everyone has a choice' basis, £50/month (TOTAL income) would not be enough to support anyone living in the UK and there are plenty of jobs that pay more on a monthly basis. Cleaners & gardeners locally earn £10-15/hour. I have thought about doing baby sitting a couple of nights a week after my children are in bed to boost our income for instance.

But good luck. It's hard to get the balance right. Only you can really make the decision.

Spendless

I'm also in the lucky position where we don't need my income to pay bills, so usually I wouldn't wok fo £50 a month either, but I would if I thought it was fo 6 months only, and afterwards I'd be earning a lot more, doing something I enjoyed.

I'd apply Roxie,have you any idea when the job would be to start? I also think asking at interview about the possibility of working 5 mornings if that's what you'd prefer, point out to employer you'd be there more often;) . Would you prefer that in school hols too, being at home every afternoon, or 2.5 days? I'd also look more into the taxcredit situation.

RoxieW

thanks for the replies guys.

whitewing - yep I guess having nice colleagues is a risk. I think if I did get and take the job, I'd feel obliged to stick with it as I'd have to settle the boys into childcare and would feel bad to change their routine once again.

kizzy - hi. Yes i was considering being a teaching assistant when they both were at school as it would fit around them. The only snag for me is that really I want to be doing the job that I trained for and really enjoy, rather then something completely different. I guess it comes down to whether I want to sacrifice my own interests for something that fits better with family life.

Lunar - you may be right. Perhaps I should just focus on enjoying my last few months with my youngest. I hope I'm not coming across as ungrateful - I have freinds who were forced back to work after maternity leave and I know that we're incredibly lucky not to be in that position.
I know £50 a month seems a pitiful amount to work for, esp with the hassle involved. I agree with your point. I guess whats still attracting me to it is simply the fact of getting back that extra bit of self worth that I feel when I'm working. I do dearly love my kids but there's not a great deal of brain power required and I often feel like I'm the house skivvy. You've given me food for thought definately.

Spendless - I imagine that the job will start shortly - poss a couple of weeks after interview. Thinking about it I think I'd actually prefer to do 2 and half days - its just paying for the childcare With 2 and half days though at least its getting it out of the way and I have the rest of the week to catch up with housework etc.

Lunar_Eclipse

RoxieW wrote: »

Lunar - I hope I'm not coming across as ungrateful

No you didn't. Not at all. I was just putting my thoughts down, of which your circumstances are a part.

There's probably no 'right' answer to your dilemna, it's just which option you'd (all) be happiest with. Good luck.