really need advice, am scared and unconfident but what the hell??

[puddinmama]

hi

so here it is, i have a cert in natural sciences 10 good gcse's am in my final year of a health science diploma and a Bsc hons with the open university, my dh is studying graphic design and is in his final year.

basically we live of benefits, £120 per week, £350 tax credits for 2 kids and around £100 child benefit and our rent is paid for us

well basically am fed up and want to get a job, i worked out that if i could get something with a salary of around 14,000 per year then we would be over £500 better off each month

so am 25 which is around the same age as people coming outta uni really but am basically looking for advice on what whether I am being naive about all of this, I will need childcare 2 1/2 days a week and I don't know really how supportive dh will be once i get a job although he says he will be, he seems perfectly happy to stay on benefits until he can get a job, but i think that even if he did get a job so should i anyway as am young and able and qualified etc

did i mention i home educate, so will need to be super organised to work and then home educate at the same time so if there are any other home educators who work maybe they could give me some advice.

so help me with my confidence please

[Hopefully]

I don't have any relevant advice, but just wanted to say good luck! It's really great that you want to give yourself a bit more cash and use the qualifications you've got.

I don't know about home educating, but surely there are people who work at least part time and manage it?

[violethill]

No specific advice either, but wanted to echo hopefully.

A job is about so much more than just paying the bills. It's about contributing to society, using the qualifications you've achieved etc. Your confidence seems at a low ebb, and getting into employment rather than being on benefits will probably be a key factor in improving that.

I don't think you're being naive at all - I think it's great that you want to move forward.

[SerenityX]

I agree a job gives you a lot more than money. I hear and a lot of young girls say 'I want to be a mum' and I always say 'ok having a kid or kids is fine but I asked who you are going to be and what you are going to acheive?'.

It will open up a whole world for you and expand the possibilities for you and your children. The best education you can give your child is a positive role model.

My friend became a doctor having having a daughter on her own. Her daughter is now 18 and going to be a doctor herself. There was never a quesion there as she grew up thinking it was normal.

[gallery]

interesting questions here, I can only answer the scientist part and think for you to earn more than 14k is a reasonable target. I am not in the fields you mention so suggest you look at adverts and figure out where you sit. Also, could you apply for chartership to an institute or work out the route - this will give you an idea of the amount you can earn over time. #
Personally, my expectations as a graduate would be more in the 20k mark- perhaps my science field is not aligned to yours (I am 38 and have been involved in graduate recruitment in general sciences)