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AIBU?

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Original poster

To go off work sick

33 replies

Tiredsinglemamma · 21/11/2025 12:47

I am a single parent to 12 year old twins. I work in a stressful call centre job. I just cannot do it anymore. I have gone off sick today as I’m suffering with chronic sinus post covid (but also work stress - my brain just freezes when I get there lately but I haven’t mentioned that to anyone).
what can I do? If I quit will my UC top up stop? If I’m signed off I only get SSP how would that work with UC? I’ve been job hunting for 6 months now and only had one interview. I have a degree in maths, a bit of accounts experience, but working in a call centre the last year after being made redundant from part time accounts told. I work 9-3, struggle with child sickness, school holidays the twins basically stay home alone on devices with a pile of snacks for 7 hours. I feel sad for them in the holidays. My manager is incompetent. I’m unwell, stressed, I need a way out. Any advice welcome.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tiredsinglemamma · 21/11/2025 16:16

Yes I’m more qualified than most of the managers! It’s all I’ve been able to find at present. It’s literally an every level job on minimum wage.

OP posts:
TheGander · 21/11/2025 16:15

Teaching can be stressful, but also very rewarding. Both my teacher friends ( in primary) love their jobs. Or how about doing an accountancy course?

TheGander · 21/11/2025 16:13

You have a degree in Maths! You are way overqualified and surely that is adding to your stress! Not an immediate solution but you need to be working towards a job that makes better use of your brains. Your kids are about to hit teenage and won’t have the same need for your day to day attention. It will free up space for you to invest in your career. Hang in there.

Lmnop22 · 21/11/2025 16:13

If your 12 year olds can be home alone, could you work longer hours? That might open up more options than 9-3 or part time.

I think lots of jobs are stressful but if you love it, it’s bearable. It’s only when you hate it that it damages your mental health!

I would persevere with your job and throw everything at finding a new one to try and keep financial stability for your family.

Original poster
Tiredsinglemamma · 21/11/2025 16:09

I have actually been looking into teaching this afternoon! But I have heard it’s very stressful. But working in a call centre I am hating it, I had to take the first job available after being made redundant from my account role.

OP posts:
Original poster
Tiredsinglemamma · 21/11/2025 16:08

I’ve got no holiday left! I used it all up taking days off in school holidays. 20 days a year doesn’t go far 😩

OP posts:
Overtheatlantic · 21/11/2025 16:00

Don’t quit. Book in some holiday time. Your twins need to help you around the house. 🌷 keep job hunting.

Itsaknockout235 · 21/11/2025 15:56

Oh man, boy if you have a degree in maths is there a secondary school near you in need of a teacher! There are now teaching apprenticeships you know.