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Single parent going back to work?
smeelicious
Posts: 27 Forumite
Is being a single parent of an almost 3yr old and going back to work doable? I'm currently doing an OU degree so once lo is older i have that to fall back on but wondering if going back to work now would be doable with childcare cost's ect
Don't know if getting back to work will give me more money to pay off debts or not
Don't know if getting back to work will give me more money to pay off debts or not
2014 Challenge - 0/£2014
On a spending fast for 2014
1 debt vs 100 days - 0/£612.50
On a spending fast for 2014
1 debt vs 100 days - 0/£612.50
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Comments
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You get 15 hours free child care a week and upto 70% of childcare costs in tax credit help (depending on your wage).
It's worth considering that going back now will plug a hole in your CV and if you are asking at all that says to me that, money aside, you want to work. I've been a stay at home mum, worked part and full time as a single parent and as part of a couple. I feel (just my personal opinion) that I was financially better off single but I won't sugar coat it - its bloody hard work.
In the long term, you'll have a better outlook with a smaller career gap both in terms of jobs available to you and future income. When I went back full time after having my youngest (2 kids in full time childcare) I was taking home under £100 a month after paying the childminder for the first year BUT that year led to a stable job with good prospects and 3 years on I know it was right for our family. That said you only have one in child care and only one adult to support so your outgoings will be smaller if that makes sense?
The turn to us website gave me all the details I needed to know in terms of figures.
Whatever you decide someone will have an negative opinion of so please remember that you don't stop being a full-time mum just because you go out to work too! *crosses fingers that I haven't opened a can of worms with that sentence*
Kate xLBM 17th Oct13 - SC DMP - DFD 10th Feb 2018
paid pre-DMP £6146
paid with DMP £2275 F&F's £700 (£450 discount) £1,000 (£1,498.22 discount) £ 700 (489.62 discount) Total £9725
Current debt to repay £3,503.13 taking one day at a time0 -
I agree I was much better off in work than out of work and I was a single mum of 2 and started work after I finished uni. The tax system isn't as generous as it was but it still pays to work. totally agree with Kate that my first couple of jobs really were to get experience and led to better paying jobs, but it was hard work. I wish I had been as sensible with money and as frugal as I am now but I can't change the past!
I think (now) the key is being frugal and organised. Batch cook, freeze, slow cooker, be as tidy as you can so you can spend the time you aren't working with lo or on yourself.
It did wonders for my self esteem working and being good at what I did as well as being self sufficient. Good luck xDF as at 30/12/16
Wombling 2026: £25.70
Grocery spend challenge Feb £285.11/£250
GC annual £389.25/£2700
Eating out budget: £ 48.87/£300
Extra cash earned 2026: £1850 -
It's completely doable and has many other benefits too not just financial. For a start you get your identity back. I went mad being at home on maternity leave and I really enjoyed being back at work and among adults - it can be lonely and isolating being at home all day with a lo with no other adult coming home at the end of it.
However it isn't all easy as the other posters have pointed out but if you can be organised with your money, meals and activities then it makes all the difference.
I started back part-time, 3 days a week then increased to full-time when my dd was about 18 months old. Even with the extra nursery fees I was still better off. As an aside I think sending her to nursery was one of the best things I did with regards to her development - she was happy and so was I. We did plenty of activities at the weekend so we didn't miss out on time together.
Good luck with whatever you decide.It's not how far you fall - it's how high you bounce back.... :jHappiness is not a destination - it's a journey
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Hi smeelicious
Great posts above - I'm not a single parent so can't empathise, but just wanted to post the link for the turn2us website referred to by Kate as it is extremely useful for someone in your position.
http://www.turn2us.org.uk/
All the best
Dennis @NDLWe work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps0 -
As an aside I think sending her to nursery was one of the best things I did with regards to her development - she was happy and so was I. We did plenty of activities at the weekend so we didn't miss out on time together.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
Totally agree with this! My kids had loads of friends their own age to play with, childminders have to adhere to the EYFS education guidelines so their development was structured and monitored and making the most of weekends and holidays is now a habit.
Do what feels right for you.
Kate xLBM 17th Oct13 - SC DMP - DFD 10th Feb 2018
paid pre-DMP £6146 paid with DMP £2275 F&F's £700 (£450 discount) £1,000 (£1,498.22 discount) £ 700 (489.62 discount) Total £9725
Current debt to repay £3,503.13 taking one day at a time0 -
Thank you :-) will have a look at that website and also going to arrange an appointment with my adviser at job centre, i have been battling social anxiety but feeling that im getting better by the day.
I just want to have more money so i can pay off debts and give my little boy a better life :-) x2014 Challenge - 0/£2014
On a spending fast for 2014
1 debt vs 100 days - 0/£612.500 -
Tomorrows job..... make myself a cv :-/ i can't even remember any of my old references do you think i could just list 2 character references?2014 Challenge - 0/£2014
On a spending fast for 2014
1 debt vs 100 days - 0/£612.500 -
smeelicious wrote: »Tomorrows job..... make myself a cv :-/ i can't even remember any of my old references do you think i could just list 2 character references?
There are some useful CV templates online. I think a character reference is fine as long as it's not friends or family. Ideally one of the references would be an employer but you might be ok with 2 characters depending on the position.:female: INFP :female:0
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