Aibu to work for basically nothing

[Moomoomango]

Aibu to work for basically nothing just to get my confidence back? I'm currently a full time carer and mum - my partner is disabled and needs help with some tasks and I have two children 4 and 1. Financially it makes no sense to enter a job as we are on income support and anything I earn gets taken off minus £20 a week. But I kind of feel like I could gain some confidence, I have no confidence at the moment having been out of work for almost 5 years and I want to get me back. Am I being selfish? My children and my partner need me. And there will be no financial gain for my family. Will only be working 10 hours per week in a job I would really enjoy?

Your own sense of self-worth is extremely important, and carers also need a life outside the home.

It's wrong that the financial gain will be so small, but that still doesn't mean you are unreasonable for wanting to put yourself first for 10 hours a week.

If you would enjoy the job, go for it :)

It's called work experience if the JobCentre orange it for you.

Let them know what you'll be doing. Provided you can't find paid work, I can't see YABU.

Go for it. It's obviously not just about the money.

Go for it. You getting alot more benefit from a job you enjoy than money!

YANBU at all, there's more to working than just money so it wouldn't be for nothing. It would be about retaining your own identity away from being a wife and mother, about giving you confidence and something you enjoy. You do deserve to have that and it's not at all selfish. Good luck!

YANBU. If you only work 10 hours per week, will this really affect your benefits?

Not unreasonable at all. There are many reasons to work over and above earring money. It can be satisfying, boosts self esteem and confidence. It gives structure to the week, extends your social circle, makes you appreciate leisure time more....I could go on and on.

I no longer do much paid work, but I volunteer in various roles and although it can sometimes be a bit of a chore, the pros greatly outweigh the cons.

Go for it!

do it do it do it - repeat until you do!

your children will get older and more independent, and school is soon for the eldest. Your partner will understand.

you'll get a break, self-respect, new skills and build up your CV.

I think you should go for it too. It's good to have a reason to get up in the morning, socialise with other people and improve your confidence.

You have to think of the future too as at some point you may 'have' to work, or work longer. You will be keeping up your skills, access training and could even start paying into a pension. Think of the 'longer term' too.

Go for it . 10hrs work will do you good.

I have volunteered for 4 years and hope to do so until I graduate and probably after. I could do with extra money but I don't yet need it. I find it incredibly helpful for my self confidence so if the money is not too big an issue there's no reason you shouldn't. You are a mum and a carer but primarily you are a person and you also have needs. It's not selfish at all and incredibly selfless what you already do for your family

Do it!

Thank you for your positive encouragement mumsnetters!