Would you judge someone negatively for this?

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

For giving up work in order to become a sahp while studying to complete their degree (as they were planning a career change anyway), while their partner is currently on a very low income having recently successfully changed career, but obviously with the potential to earn more in the future as they become more experienced.

If parent A gives up work then the family is reliant on tax credits and housing benefit to top up parent B's income while they build their career.

Does this demonstrate a bad work ethic to their children because one parent will not be in paid work and they will receive benefits or are they being good role models by working to better their position in the future?

This is about my situation and a decision dh and I have to make soon, and we have received different views from family and friends, so I thought I'd throw it out there to see if we are being totally unreasonable or not.

If it’s going to put you in a better position in the end then it’s the right thing to do and surely it will teach the kids that it’s worth working hard and making sacrifices for an end goal. It’s not at all the same as giving up work to choose to live on benefits indefinitely.

One parent works, while one studies, is that right?

I think that demonstrates to the children that there are alternatives to the School-University-Career pathway, and that life isn't always as linear as they might think.

Personally I don't mind what you do.
You could go to university pt and work ft/pt if you are concerned about family finance and work ethic etc
This might work better for you as a family until your partner gets more experience and a better job

You are a good bet for the taxpayer, I think. By living on benefits on the short term, you will pay much more back into the system in the long term.

Good luck with it!

No, I'd think you were doing a good thing continuing your education as an adult rather than being stuck in one job forever. I think that you are demonstrating a good work ethic and a willingness to try and improve your life :)

I wouldn't judge negatively.

Tax credits are there to help low income families. I'm assuming with you completing degree, your earning potential will go up and your partners will with experience too. Eventually you'll be contributing more in tax and off benefits.

I also assume that both of you will be happier in your new careers.

I don't see how that's teaching kids a bad work ethic.

I quit full time, worked part time for 2 years while studying, got more tax credits and a student loan. Now, with qualifications, my earnings have increased and tax credits halved. I'm paying much more tax and claiming half the benefits I was getting when i worked full time before. I'm much happier in my new job and a better parent because of it.

Nope, I'm doing this right now. If I was to work, it would have to be p/t. If I was at work, I'd have to put my DC into daycare. If my DC was in daycare, then my wages would go on that, so I'd not actually be making any contribution to the household income.

It is possible that the degree course I'm on can lead to some short-term, but well-paid work. This work could lead to building of contacts and establishing myself in a certain field. It's a bet I'm willing to take.

I work in HE and have so much respect for people who are doing what you are planning to do. It's a proud moment at graduation to see all the graduands with their families, including children of all ages.

I think people should absolutely be supported in this way and you are showing to your children that you can take control and make a change.

Yes one parent would work and the other would be finishing studies with the OU over the next couple of years. Adding up the cost of childcare and commuting costs, which wipe out my wages, plus the stress of organising the logistics, it doesn't seem sensible to try and continue working when mat leave is over.

It's nice to hear from people who have done/are doing it and to see that it can work out fine in the end!

This is what we did, I see no problem in it. If it means greater earning potential which in turns means contributing more in tax then why not.

Too many people spend too much time asking for the approval of others.
Why do you GSAF. Worry about yourself

I don't necessarily want approval but when the people I've spoken to irl make it clear they think we would be making the wrong decision, it's good to get further opinions I think.

If I judged anyone for this, then I would be a hypocrite.

My DP works full time, is mainly in charge of the DC, while I am at uni trying my best to learn how to be a good nurse.

It meant an increase in tax credits, but we still don't get HB or CT paid. Where the nice tax credits people ignore my bursary and student loan, they horrible mean council take everything in to account, even the loan, which will have to be paid back eventually.

I wouldn't judge you.

However, I wouldn't be making any decsions this side of the election, or at least until Ocotober time, because you might not be entitled to the same benefits by then.

I'm not interested in judging people, and especially not in this situation as I've been a single disabled student on benefits for over 12 years.

But TheFairyCaravan is right, it is going to be much harder to make this kind of plan, especially several years ahead. The benefits/tax credit landscape has changed a lot in the past couple of years, and it's undoubtedly going to change a lot more. I have training in welfare rights and have kept my ear to the ground, so luckily I've been able to retain everything all my entitlements, but many others have lost out. You may find that the current rules allowing you to manage on tax credits and HB change later in your course. You need a tight understanding of current legislation and also any planned changes, and to keep an awareness of anything being proposed.

I really wouldn't care less. I know families where neither parent works or studies from one year to the next I do judge then . You sound like you'd be setting a perfectly good example.

I see no problem with this whatsoever!

I wouldn't think to wonder what support you were getting!

I really wouldn't make any decisions yet as Cameron (if elected) will probably cut any benefits to the bone. The ludicrous policies will be paid for by those with the least income.