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Are there any single parents that work scattered shifts and unsociable hours??

7 replies

CosmicG · 09/05/2013 20:25

I am considering work as a part time fire control operator. I have DS who is 16 months old. The shifts are 7 hrs long and are early or lates and the days you work are scattered...some wks your expected to go in 5 days a week and other weeks its just 3 days. In my current job, i work only 2 days a wk and my mother is able to have DS on those days..Just wonder if anyone else does a similar type of job and how they cope with childcare and having to work around their child/children when working such irregular shifts.

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foolonthehill · 10/05/2013 14:04

Unless you have a family member who is willing to do the childcare as and when required OR can set up a reciprocal arrangement with someone on opposing shifts (www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/oct/12/friends-childcare-legal-balls) or use a nanny/au pair with this is virtually impossible.

I am a childminder and am the ONLY one registered for overnights in my area. If you came to me you would have to commit to regular hours and pay for them whether you used them or not.

It is doable...but I am a childminder because my "real" job required more flexibility than I could give as a lone parent.

However...if you can make it work :) go for it...sounds like a great job

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CosmicG · 10/05/2013 20:05

Thank you foolonthehill.

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iwantanafternoonnap · 10/05/2013 20:17

I think by law they have to have a family friendly policy so you could set you shifts every week. I work nights and days but work the same shifts every week in the NHS.

I am sure the fire brigade would have something similar. Call the HR dept and ask what their family friendly flexible working policy is.

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CosmicG · 10/05/2013 20:26

ok noonnap, thanks. Will look in to that.

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CosmicG · 10/05/2013 20:28

noonnap what childcare do you use, when you are working nights?

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iwantanafternoonnap · 11/05/2013 20:22

My mum she has him from a wed night until Friday morning plus he is at pre-school in the mornings.

Have you actually got the job yet? Or just looking into it?

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CosmicG · 12/05/2013 01:22

hey noonnap, i haven't heard back from the job yet. I'm thinking maybe i should just stick to my easy job at the moment...I'm just a little worried that i may end up making things difficult for myself but at the same time i wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity to further my career.