Please need some advice - have much opportunity but not sure if I can take any - maybe need a reality check

[Upsadaisy]

I have recently finished a four year degree and from that I have three job offers. Still though I don't think I can afford to do any of the jobs, because its shift work and I'm going to need to get an au pair or something...not sure the finanaces coming in will cover the costs going out.

I'm heartbroken as I worked hard for this my circumstances changed (split from husband half way through course) and although I knew the financial side of things would be a problem carried on as I needed to focus my energy into soemthing and believe I could be more.

The job offer I would love to take is a full time permanent contract at 20225 a year but it would involve moving to leeds which I want to do but the rental market there is costly.

I had it all vaguely figured out in my head that I woud just get two jobs but just had a friend around and she doesn't believe I'm being realistic saying that the wisest thing is to do as little work as possible for as much money as possible not work myself into the ground with two jobs and two boys to look after.

I was having doubts at how realistic I wss being so with what she's said its played on them and now I'm feeling I haven't the foggiest what to do.....

I need a job, need to rent somewhere, need to get the boys into a school long-term, get on our feet, and have a little money left over to maybe finally go abroad and beable to do things. I'm not sure if I'm making any sense just really don't know what to do but need to make decisions fast

[Upsadaisy]

[KateF]

What is your degree in? Sorry you're having such a tough time having worked so hard. Perhaps you could look at what benefits you would be entitled to to see what your full income would be. Look for a school with an after-school club or on the local council website for childminders-you might find one who is flexible enough to accomodate your shifts. Will the boys dad not work with you to cover when you are working? Your friend is being very negative - it is going to be hard to work with young children but lots of people do.

[Upsadaisy]

Its in nursing - need childcare cover for 12 hour shifts, haven't found a childminder willing or affordable to cover these hours. I've only looked at the benefit thing vaguely so far.........a nanny is too expensive so an au pair seems the best option.

Its the cost of renting that will take over half of my wages..........I'm being a chicken - I don't want to look properly in case I find that I can't do nursing after all. I know I need to check and sit and work out finances accurately I'm just doing th ostrich in the sand thing at the minute and it feels pretty good but not good as I really need to make decisions

Boys dad is not helpful

Just tired of being on my own and trying to work out what the best thing to do is. My friend was well meaning and I'm so surprised at her.....she normally has the attitude that 'theres always a way'

[newshmoo]

have you considered agency work? Providing you can get overnight childcare the shift allowances can allow you more time off than on. Not just nursing in hospitals which I find extremely hard going but in community. If you can get your head around the change in your plan which I found the hardest. sorry am being a little all over the shop here, I qualified as an O.T btw and it took an age to work it all out! Look into childcare costs via inland revenue, as I know in Scotland they will cover 80% of total provided its registered. Theres reg childminders who will 'assist' when it comes to that side of things to ensure your not out of pocket. Swings both ways.

[newshmoo]

sorry for the misleading stuff Overnight reg childcare is probably rare if it actually exists, do consider all aspects of care work tho as nursing is way underpaid for the effort. dont have anything I'm afraid when it comes to renting but suggest you look for less extortionate areas first before job search, local health boards can pay very well. Most senior support workers come from a nursing background and dont have a management degree!

[FreakyLadyFrightALot]

oh, that is a difficult situation...

it's probably very difficult to find a regular shift pattern job, isn't it....but could you see if there are any jobs in hospital day unit or something like that....
it would be easier to organise childcare....

probably no help here really....but hope you can sort things out...

oh the agency idea was good, btw...they pay so much more and you would get a great variety of experience...

of topic and thread hi-jack alert, sorry....but newshmoo, in which area in ot do you work and how do you like it....just nosy, as just in my 2. week of my first year in my ot-degree (in a "former" life I was a nurse, lol....)

[findtheriver]

Can't really offer specific advice, but in your situation having worked hard to get your degree I would put getting a foothold on the career ladder ahead of making money atm.

I know it's a real nightmare if you feel that you're actually going to be WORSE off working, but if it's a case of breaking even then go for it. I worked for a couple of years just breaking even (two kids in day nursery and one needing before/after school care) - I hung on in there because it was a crucial stage in my career and I figured I'd get the long term benefits eventually (which I have!!)

[skidoodle]

Again, I don't know much (anything really) about nursing, but I totally agree with findtheriver and I largely disagree with your friend.

Working the least for the highest amount of money is something you do when you're either secure in your career or you're just taking a job for the money.

In your case I think that's not an especially helpful way to approach this situation.

I think you need to sit down with a pen and paper (or a spreadsheet, as so many MNers seem to love) and figure out whether there is a way you can afford to do this and break even in the short term while working towards eventually being better off.

Forget the extra money for going abroad and such for the moment. See if you can find a way to make your life work for you if you take this job that appeals so much.

20K sounds a pretty good starting salary to me, presuming it rises incrementally year on year. There's a lot to be said too for the security of a full time job versus agency work.