What would you do in my situation? I feel trapped and beyond hope (self pity I know)

[losttheways]

My boss let me go, just before Christmas.

I need to find something else quickly, however, I have the small big issue of what to do about my baby DS's childminder.

She's brilliant with him. Even does drop offs and pick ups which are a complete life saver whilst I'm still learning to drive. My DS seems to be thrilled with her.

But I can't afford to keep her on if I'm not working. People suggested on one of my previous threads to keep her there and maybe ask if she will agree to be paid in arrears (she is not paid in arrears). But I couldn't meet these payments. So it wouldn't be right, even if she did agree to
it.

Even tax credits wouldn't help me pay her whilst I'm not working, because they simply don't help with childcare costs if you are no longer working.

This is another huge worry I'm having to face. What do I do? It's not just a case of letting her go and that's that.

How will I attend interviews? I do not have family close by at all, and everyone I know works full time. So nobody to lend a hand.

I just honestly don't know how to get out of this. I feel quite trapped and it's really throwing me off (I'm usually very practical and find solutions on my own)

Does anyone have any words of wisdom or advice?

Thank you

Would she be able to be flexible and do odd days or half days for you to attend interviews etc? My childminder used to do that for me booked in advance of course.

Thespace Thank you, I suppose I could ask.

However, I couldn't afford to pay for it. Not whilst I'm out of work. So it's another brick wall really

Bump

Bump

Could you get a job in a supermarket/care home/waitressing/cleaning... just to tide you over financially, therefore keeping childminder going while looking for another job ?

I'd temp, work can be picked up very easily if you are not choosy and look for something permanent whilst doing it. That way, I'd have an income, no cv gap and could retain childcare.

Not sure if this is still possible but a few years ago (2014) there were numbers of people self employed as eBay sellers etc claiming working tax credits. Could you go down this route for a few weeks. I assume things have tightened up a bit and I don't know if this is still possible.