Is going back to work really this hard?

[jobhuntersrus]

As my name suggests I'm looking for a job right now. Starting to feel really frustrated by the whole thing. Finding something which is possible to do with 3 children is harder than I thought. I am not likely to earn much so need to keep any childcare and travel costs to a minimum. Don't want to work from home because the whole point of me getting a job is to get out of the house as well as some extra money. Youngest is 3 and in local preschool for a few sessions a week which I could increase but they are only open 9-3 so this limits my options unless I look to put him in a full day care nursery, but then would need someone to pick 7yr old and 10 yr old up. And what about school holidays?

I know that every working parent faces these same problems so how do you do it? I was really excited about going back out to work and now just feel really frustrated.

Term time, school hrs would be ideal so keeping an eye out for jobs in schools and pre schools but seems these jobs are like gold dust.

Any words of wisdom or should I just shut and and be patient.

[oranges]

CHildminders could fill the gap and deal with after school pickups, but you'd then need a job that paid enough to make it all worthwhile. Could you retain in something, then work when the youngest is in school?

[mammychildminder]

can you claim tax credits to help with childcare? childminders can be flexible where possible and are usually cheaper than nurseies etc. (depending on where you live).
does your school have an afterschool club for the older 1s? these are quite often a lot cheaper than even a childminder. and aslong as they are ofsted registered i think you can still get tax credit help towards the cost.

[womma]

Have you thought about maybe going for a job in education?
Not sure what your qualifications or experience are but a job in a school or college(e.g admin)would keep you going until all dcs are in full time education and give you the hours and hols that you'd need with three kids?
Worth thinking about anyway and you wouldn't have to do it forever

[mammychildminder]

i know how you feel though. i only childmind to stay at home with dd and being stuck in with kids all day is not all that fun! i spend my life going to pgs etc. just to get out. ds1 is dues in jan and dd will be starting nursery. i think i will be looking into going back to a 'proper' job when ds is older.

[jobhuntersrus]

Thank you.

Working in a school would be my first choice. I have previous experience working with children and a childcare qualification. Ofcourse the hours and holidays would be perfect. Just doesn't seem to be any of those jobs around at the moment. I guess I just need to be patient. Looking into any part times jobs too just incase.

Trouble with me is once I've made a decision I want to do it now! Must have patience, something suitable will come up in the end.

[sazzerbear]

Job hunting really sucks, once they see "mum returner" on the application they assume you must have had a lobotomy, despite what you did before!

[Ripeberry]

Why not do evening jobs or weekend jobs. That really is the only way to get money and keep it.