I’m 58
I have been a self employed childminder for nearly 30 years but stupidly didn’t take out a personal pension.
The number of childminders has halved in recent years. And I can see why.
Ive had enough too. But I can’t retire as I still have bills to pay. I’ve got a polytechnic degree from the 1980s. I had some office experience but I had my kids and I became a childminder when my kids were young and since then the time just sped up! I’d like my home back now my kids are grown.
I don’t want to work with children anymore. I’d have to take a pay cut in a new job but I think it’s worth it. I’ve had a chat with the free National Careers service. They have looked at my cv and emphasised my admin skills. Job application forms have changed so much in 30 years. I feel too old and too institutionalised. I tried a couple of civil service positions and got nowhere. People can’t see past me being a childminder.