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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think it's next to impossible to find a job as a single parent?

60 replies

NoJobsExist · 05/05/2018 20:43

Im beginning to think it's impossible to find a job as a single parent unless you have family support for childcare or a specific qualification like teaching or you already had the job before you became single? At least where I live anyway.

Every job listed at the moment that isn't something qualified (like the teaching or accountant jobs that have daytime hours) wants fully flexible people, weekends and evenings, or it's shift work with 6am starts or 10pm finishes. Even the McDonald's and shop jobs (i.e. jobs you'd assume would need people for any opening hours) I've found expect you to be able to do any hours. Or it's zero hour jobs or bank staff so no guarantee of getting any shifts if you actually get hired. I've looked at factory work, cleaning, receptionist jobs, admin, retail, order picking, catering assistant jobs, care work...

It's not as if I can train up in anything to get one of the qualified jobs either. That requires money. Money comes from a job. Which I can't get.

How do single parents find jobs? Is there something I'm missing here?

OP posts:
Petalflowers · 05/05/2018 21:17

I was about to say the same as Bridge. Or volunteer in a charity shop to get retail experience.

KeepCalm · 05/05/2018 21:17

I'm an employer and support my staff regards child friendly hours. There are some out there.

Dinner lady? Teaching assistant? Self employed? Cleaner? Dog walker? Child minder?

There are ways. Don't give up Op.

harpering · 05/05/2018 21:16

YANBU.

Many school jobs require you to be there before and after the children.

bridgetosomewhere · 05/05/2018 21:14

Work in a school? Volunteer first to get some experience and then apply for support worker roles like TA or even supply to get you going.
9-3 it’s ideal with holidays off too.

OompaLump · 05/05/2018 21:14

It is near enough impossible especially during the holidays finding and affording childcare

Fortheloveofbutter · 05/05/2018 21:12

Sadly I think you already have to have a job and then once your pregnant hope your hours or reduced hours can fit around childcare etc.

The women (working mums) get it very good where I am ... can change their days whenever they want, can build up flexi and then take off days during school holidays. But they all were full time before this.

It’s shit I know.

TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 05/05/2018 21:09

YANBU.

Ariela · 05/05/2018 21:08

How old are your kids? Can you work for yourself eg cleaning while they're at nursery/school?

PatsyStoneHH · 05/05/2018 20:54

No advice because I'm in exactly the same position. No family support, professional childcare is in short supply and then starts at 7.30am and closes at 6pm. Just about every job I've looked at requires full flexibility. You have my full sympathy and It's a relief to see that its not just me that's struggling.

Iflyaway · 05/05/2018 20:51

So sorry you are going through this.

Do the training before having a child. Basically.

Is there a programme to get you back on track training as a single mum? Sorry, I don't live in UK anymore. I had it offered to me when I needed it where I live now.

Mind you, I cleaned houses too when needed.

Really hope it works out for you. LP is shit, especially as well as dealing with an abusive ex.