In questioning if I'm doing the right thing.

[brentonstripeandredlipstick]

I'm a lone parent. I've always worked. when dd was tiny I tried to work full time and just couldn't manage, so have been part time since.

Dd is now 9. I work 24 hrs a week. I don't hate the job but I'm not happy. its a ' mum job ' I go in, do my work and leave. minimum responsibility but also not far of minimum wage.

I'm utterly sick of being skint.

at the moment dd is only in childcare 2 hours a week and I can get most holidays off, using holiday, .buying holiday amd time in lieu.

its what's best for dd. I know this. It's why I'm doing it. few more years and I can change it. but I'm so tempted to just go full time somewhere. wages are rubbish though. lucky to get 18k a year so I won't be much better off and of course I feel that dd will be paying the price with being in childcare.

I'm doing the right thing by staying in the crappy job, aren't I?

What's making you think about getting full-time position? Is it because you don't enjoy what you currently do? It sounds like you wouldn't be better off financially, and I'm guessing you might need to pay additional childcare so would need to factor that in too.

I'd stick with the job you have for now but maybe consider doing some additional qualifications. In the evenings once she's in bed you would have time to do some studying. Then maybe once she's older and childcare is less of an issue you could work full time in a better paid role.

Could you stick where you are for the time being and in the meantime apply for every term time only job you see? They are as rare as rocking horse shit but do exist.

1 - You're not asking if you are "being reasonable in questioning", you are asking "am I doing the right thing?".

2 - You haven't really told us what the alternatives are.
Are you considering stopping working altogether?
Are there better jobs out there that woud pay more AND be more fulfilling, but mean that your child would be in childcare for longer?
Are there jobs that are more fulfilling BUT would leave you with no extra cash after paying for childcare?

We can't tell you if you are doing the right thing without knowing more. (and even then we can't promise to have the answers)

I would work out what interests etc are, how that fits in to your current qualifications and experience and what jobs are available in your ideal industry - then see where you need further qualifications and use this time to get them.

Stick with the job for now and use the next few years to update your training and skills to help you get something that you would really want to do.

pre dd I used to have far better jobs and qualifications aren't really an issue. But i know I've been out of it for a while and I won't be able to pick up where I left off.

I'd need to work full time to see ant benefit but then the childcare would probably wipe any difference out ( though being a lone parent I can claim 70% back with tax credits )
but then dd would be stuck in childcare which isn't what I want.

A average wage where I live is about 16 to 18k. its not going to leave me much better off than I am now.

I think I just need to suck it up for a few more years.

So what was your industry and qualifications? Can you look for refresher or industry qualifications so that you can either get pt hours in your chosen field or be right on the money when applying in a few years?