to give up work, warning, tax credits involved!

[monkeyfacegrace]

Ok all, Im getting myself all muddled so I cant think straight! Please help!

At the moment, I work 16 hours per week. My kids, 4 & 2 go to nursery while Im at work, and the government pay 80% (soon to be 70%) of my childcare.

I earn £400 wages, and get £660 every 4 weeks TC. My childcare costs are £450 per month on average for both kids (vary due to month lenghts, my 4 yr old grant etc). So I get £1060, minus £450 nursery, and the nursery and work are in the next town, so I spend £100 p.month on diesel to get there and back. Leaves me with £500ish(?!)

If I give up work, and pull kids out of nursery (except eldest who will do her 15 hours free), I worked out via TC calculator, I will get £450 per 4 weeks, then I will work a little 4 hour shift every week to earn an extra £100 p.month.

Now on one hand I feel like a scrote and a 'benefit grabber', but as my DH points out, Im actually saving the government money as they pay for so much childcare so I can work. My youngest will miss out on 1 1/2 days nursery that he gets now, but at the moment I feel like I never get quality time with him

What do you wise lot think?

Yes Ive included the £100 (see OP).

Its a totally different job that Ive been offered for the 4 hours, so Id be leaving my current one completely.

Yes, bedubube, I thought that about the leaving the house at 10.30 meaning the whole day is 'gone' I've been at work for 3 hours by then, so I'm sure if you're at home you could be finding things to do......

Ive already been offered it violet, sorry to burst your bubble.

Not bursting any bubble here monkey. Just think you're mad to set your expectations so low. 4 hours a week, and maybe a minimum wage supermarket job when you're kids are in school.......

We dont get up until 9am (kids dont wake until then). Looks like I got childcare wrong, someone pointed out to me that it looks like Ive only been getting 50% paid so my mistake.

Violet, it must be amazing being you, you are perfect aren't you love?

Also, I seriously object to the 'developed world' argument. Contrary to popular belief the majority of people in poorer countries are not living off handouts. They might not be living to a level we find acceptable but they 'afford' their kids (and those kids are also their pension).

your

My expectaitons arent low. Im happy, thats what matters. I expect to be happy.

better start getting the kids up earlier - 4 year old will be at school soon Less childcare costs then too. Win win!

Oh my goodness, Violethill just really nasty...who are you to judge about OPs expectations or employment choices? For whatever reasons not everyone has had a neat career trajectory, or is able to find rewarding well paid employment. Sometimes just doesn't work that way

Not nasty at all - just being realistic. If the OP is happy, then what's the problem? She was ready to chuck herself off a bridge a page or so back, so good to see she's happy now with her choices! Stick with your 4 hours a week job OP and keep your fingers crossed for the future

I said that was tounge in cheek. You have away of making people feel like they have failed in life. I may not have your finances, but Im sure as shit nicer than you

Monkey just do what you think will make you happiest. Try and think ahead to 2013 and the dc's are both in school, will you regret having worked for that little bit extra you're getting and missing the dc's or not!

You don't get up until 9am!

Well there is your answer, get up earlier and you could fit something in before work. As Violet said your eldest will need to be in school by then soon.

My alarm goes off at 6.30am. I get up, sort the washing etc, get my 3 primary school aged DC ready for school, leave the house at 8am to take them to school and be in work by 8.30. Most of my friends do the same.

Wow ...just wow !

Apologies for multiple typos - I've been having quality time since 3.30 :)

if they're up at 9 either you've got the best sleepers in the world or they're in bed at 9 (ish). Plenty if quality time after work then.

Although in response to your original post YANBU - it's the system so take what you can get and use the extra time to get more qualifications so you can earn more when the kids are in school. I don't get it, what's the point in being a 'manager' if you're still on minimum wage?

It's not my tax money so I shouldn't care anyway. I seem to get more right wing when I don't have a vested interest!

Still dont have time for a swim/soft play/park/playdate with friends/picnic etc, which is what I long to do with my kids before they start school. I doubt I will have babies again, so this is my one and only chance.

Then go for it!

What about the days you don't work? Can't you swim/picnic/go to the park/sort out your pension then?

Don't worry OP, seriously some people on here get their kicks from being horrible and hiding behind nicknames

Im not a manager anymore, thats my background, but I couldnt offer the flexability cuz of childcare, so Ive gone back in at supervior to stimulate my brain but without the pay iyswim?

My kids go to bed at 7. Bath/tea/story routine starts at 6. More often than not is DH who does it.

P.S that was a rhetorical question. I don't think I can bear the thought of an answer!

You can take your DC to the park at 9am, I used to take DS2 to the park on the way back from taking DS1 to school when I was on maternity leave with DD. Same with swimming, most pools are open early. You only work 4 days a week which leaves one day completely free for playdates and picnics. Plus weekends with your youngest.

Also remember - the fewer hours they are in nursery the more housework there will be to do as they will be at home making a mess

I dont have days that I dont work and I have the kids. On my day off, dd is with her dad (dont even open that can of worms!), and one day isnt enough for me, considering the cost of dropping to 4 hours at a place next to home.