What job could I do?

[Alwaysgrey]

Hi,

I have three kids (10,8 and 6). My youngest two both have autism and youngest is quite difficult and he goes to a specialist school. I gave up work when middle dc was 1 as she would have really struggled to cope in FT care and work wouldn’t offer me anything except going from 5 days to 4. Youngest would never ever have coped for longer than 3 hours so not working suited us. Raising the youngest through the toddler years was hard. My dh was in agreement and never has once brought up me not working. I did a bit of freelance admin for a year in 2017 but the company made redundancies so couldn’t justify me. I feel like I’m a bit of a drain now all the kids attend school. My dh works unpredictable hours so I couldn’t commit to evening work. I feel awful like I’m a bit of a sponge and I’m not really contributing. I attend all the school meetings, all the kids appointments etc on my own.

Could you work short shifts in a pub/cafe/shop or similar?

You are contributing.

Do you need the income? If not, perhaps an admin voluntary role. Would look good on your CV but could fit around DC/DH.

Another option off the top of my head would be an INA (individual needs assistant) in a school.

What was your background and where do you yourself in say 5 years time?

I’ve volunteered to read at a local school. I have thought about retraining as a psychologist. My background is business marketing which isn’t overly compatible with kids as to be honest I don’t want huge amounts of responsibility. I’ve taken on some exam invigilation work too.

I’m not sure where I see myself in 5 years. Possibly even more exhausted than I am now 😀

I sympathise.

Psychology sounds interesting but you'd presumably need to go (back) to Uni. It's doable. I did in my 40s.

Why not look into some relevant OU modules which you could fit around your existing commitments?

I was in a similar position... so started helping at the special school when my youngest (of 4) started. Then did a bit of supply TA-ing...

15 years later, he's left (still at home with us but can be left and even has a little job) and I'm still there. Special Schools still tend to recruit a lot by volunteers gradually taking on supply roles.. , there are lots of parents at our place precisely because they have the skills needed!

Would that be of interest to you? I enjoyed it and it obviously worked with school hours and holidays, and though I am hoping to go part time in September as I'm getting on a bit, I enjoy it, and once the school day is over I rarely think about it until the following morning.

I tried going back to Uni to do a second degree, but found the child care unsustainable sadly (dh in forces back then) but the OU is a good option .. I wouldn't pick psychology tho for a career unless you want to do many years post degree training!

The psychology course is online though I’m a bit worried about going back to school as it were (I have an undergraduate degree). It feels like special needs is my only knowledge really.

@StillMedusa I may look into working with children with Sen. I think as I have two at home I’m not sure I could do it at work and home.

I think a lack of confidence is also holding me back but I’m not sure how you gain it back.

I have two friends who are chartered psychologists - one educational, one criminal. Generally, to get a job in psychology you need to do an undergraduate degree and then a masters so you're looking at many years of studying. You usually also need relevant work experience. It's a very competitive field.