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AIBU?

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Struggling to find work in school hours

56 replies

denialsariver · 06/02/2025 17:54

Any suggestions?

I have a little boy with autism and special needs. He attends mainstream school 8.30-3.15 through the week but there are no suitable wraparound care options as he requires 1-to-1 support. We’ve just moved house. In my previous town I worked at McDonalds and was able to easily do a few shifts every week during school hours. I’ve tried the McDs in my new town (tbh I assumed I’d be able to just easily transfer to them!) but they have different busy periods and peak times and only require evening and weekend help :(

Absolutely nowhere seems to have work that accommodates the hours I can do. Even busy supermarkets are needing more flexibility and availability than i can offer.

I’ve only really trawled online but wondered if anyone has any advice or suggestions, maybe I need to think outside the box a bit? I’m not too fussy about what sort of work. I’m claiming carers allowance in the meantime but would rather work for my own sanity and the fact that it works out better financially.

OP posts:
Moonnstars · 06/02/2025 18:16

Teaching assistant
Lunch time assistant
Cleaning (check local hotels, holiday parks)
Care work (though this might be shifts so not sure)
Libraries maybe?
Community based cafes

Sixpence39 · 06/02/2025 18:13

Dog walking? Lunchtime supervisor at a school? Care work?

Sixpence39 · 06/02/2025 18:11

Could you work as a teaching assistant at your sons school? That's what lots of single mums i know did and worked really well. They were able to bring kid into classroom early before their shift without paying for wrap around care but obviously that depends on each school.

thehorsesareallidiots · 06/02/2025 18:09

You could go self-employed as a cleaner. Good money and you can get through a couple of houses in school hours.

Work at a school is going to be your only other choice really, but the pay is shit and the competition is fierce.

PS. McDonald's is mostly run as a franchise; that's why you couldn't transfer. They were two completely independent businesses who have both bought into the McDs name and way of working.

Iamallowedtodisagreewithyou · 06/02/2025 17:55

I spent 20 years looking for work in term time and then gave up.

I think only work in a school provides this.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 06/02/2025 17:55

Are you a single parent OP?

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