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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Really struggling with life and feel like a failure

92 replies

strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:28

I have a young baby and ended things with his Dad when I was pregnant. Sometimes I regret it but other times I am glad I was strong enough to walk away. He has no interest in our baby and it hurts a lot. I have claimed cms which he pays but has no interest in his care. I am finding it so hard to function everyday. I feel like ds is bored and lonely. I am dreading going back to work in a couple of weeks. I will use a day of holiday a week for the first 4 months but I won’t have any time to myself still. I work from home a lot and I’m hoping to do washing etc on lunch hours and a bit of cleaning but I am so fed up. There’s no time to enjoy anything ever. Life is a struggle. I don’t know why I’m posting really. Feel worried about the future, ds will probably ask where his dad is, I won’t know how to answer it. I won’t meet anyone new now as I literally have no time. I will struggle again this year to pay for heating. I can’t claim child benefit as I’m just on the threshold. I am probably going to be in debt paying for nursery. None of this is how I thought my life would look. I have no free childcare as parents always travelling. How am I supposed to do this for the next 17 years? And probably longer.

OP posts:
Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 16:00

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Pumpkinspicelattetime · 01/10/2023 16:00

Are you sure about the child benefit? Its on a taper from 50k to 60k. Have you got other deductions? When i was on 57k i was paying less than £300 student loan but taking home more than your £2800 each month. Just wondering if there are options here (not pension).

Comedycook · 01/10/2023 15:59

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Rent/mortgage
Home insurance
Childcare
Council tax
Water rates
Gas
Electric
Broadband
Phone
Car tax, insurance, petrol
Public transport costs
Gym and leisure
Food
Clothing

I could go on.
.

worriedatwork123 · 01/10/2023 15:59

OP you can claim tax free childcare contributions - pretty much gives you 20% off your bill even when free hours kick in. Can earn up to 100k

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:59

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:58

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@Rochnutty ive literally just set out my expenses? How can you not see that’s barely anything to actually live off?

OP posts:
Comedycook · 01/10/2023 15:57

How am I supposed to do this for the next 17 years?

In the kindest possible way, you won't be doing this for the next 17 years. Your baby won't stay a baby. They'll grow up, go to school and become more independent. By secondary school age you won't need childcare. Day to day life will get a lot easier quicker than you think. The days are long but the years are short.

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:57

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Findyourneutralspace · 01/10/2023 15:56

I sympathise. I’m a single parent and it’s hard going. I think you sound a bit depressed, which is understandable.
It’s hard when you don’t have another person who has your back and steps in when things are up against it.
I’m nearly 20 years on from where you are and one thing I have learned is how important it is to carve a little time out for yourself. If that means lowering your standards at home temporarily, so be it.
What would make you feel like you? Hobbies? Lunch with a friend?
Make a list of what would make you feel better - big things and little things and find a way to squeeze them in

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:56

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Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:56

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:56

@Setyoufree sorry and cms of 350

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Setyoufree · 01/10/2023 15:55

On the no time to yourself thing, baby will go to bed reliably for the evening before long and you'll get time to yourself then

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:55

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:55

@Setyoufree 2800

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Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:55

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Setyoufree · 01/10/2023 15:54

What's your net monthly income from work and cms?

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:53

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:52

@Rochnutty hes not one until this December so it’s miles off

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:52

@pizzaHeart my mortgage is 800. I work from home except twice a month which costs me 70 quid. Childcare is 1,300. Student loans is 300. I have credit card debt interest free which is 110 a month. Car finance of 220. I can’t afford any help.

OP posts:
Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:51

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strugggling · 01/10/2023 15:50

Thanks @Tohaveandtohold i am really not coping. I’ve been crying most of today. I don’t know how to make ends meet anymore and I feel like the world is closing in on me, I don’t feel I will ever go to bed feeling ok and safe and secure ever again. I have also heard the government might not follow through with the free hours. Ds isn’t two until next year in December

OP posts:
pizzaHeart · 01/10/2023 15:49

All these things are connected that’s why people are focusing on money side. If you have money you have more opportunities to make your life easier and outsource help not only for practical issues but for your mental health as well.
If you are earning 50k plus getting CM and there are only 2 of you a lot depends on other factors : mortgage, rent, commute costs. It’s difficult to comment until it’s clear what exactly the problem is.

Jellycatspyjamas · 01/10/2023 15:49

Stop looking at the next 17 years, you don’t know what they’ll bring for good or bad. Children grow and need less childcare, though you’re a ways a way from that just now.

Things will be tighter with a baby, especially with childcare, but you’re on a good income so things will get easier. I feel for you but hang in there.

Rochnutty · 01/10/2023 15:48

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