what would you do?

[hollyatchristmas]

Hi

Here is my situation.

I have a DD who is 8 months. Before I had her, I was working (full time) in a zero hours role, although you never actually got zero hours, it was in home community care.

I split up with her dad when she was 2 months, I've had maternity pay just the basic from the government.

Now here's the problem, I need to go back to work. My mum died when I was 13, she left me her house. I don't live in it as I met my boyfriend when I was 17, but I had some money left from what my mum left me, I bought a flat. Me and DD live in the flat now, obviously will prob need somewhere bigger when she's older but luckily she's a quite good baby.

Anyway because I have this house that is rented out to people I am not entitled to any benefits apart from child benefit.

But going back to work is difficult. I have to do anti social hours. I just can't as even if my baby is in nursery they aren't open nights and weekends.

So I need to think of another job, but don't know what. And I'm really starting to panic. I'm just looking for advice on what I can do, to support me and my baby.

I was looking for advice on jobs.

Thanks Sipper

WLF I missed your post I'm not complaining at all. At all. Find me a post where I've complained I can't get benefits. Go on, then come back and quote me.

Ha ha op wants to know what kind of work she can do that fits in with nursery hours and is told a thousand times to sell the house. Super!

OP what about:
Self employed cleaning
Most office admin jobs
Receptionist

Did you say you didn't have GCSEs as you will struggle to find even basic office work without them

Is there a way you can study to get maths and English at least?

I'd probably get English but I don't think I'd pass maths.

Your attitude is seriously defeatist.

I'm shite at maths. Seriously shite. Can barely count. I'm mildly dyspraxic. Still managed to scrape a C!

No it really isn't. Please don't be so rude to me. I haven't been in a maths class since I was in year 9. I would struggle to pass I would need to attend lessons which I'm not sure how with a baby.

I'm not being rude but I'm struggling to see what more advice we can give when you shoot it all down

Fwiw my mum was on her own with me when I was a baby. She had no money. Literally none. Survived off cleaning jobs and we lived in a bedsit. She still manage to go to college and get some qualifications which then helped her into a decent career

There's many ways to do this but you don't seem to want to do any of them, that's the problem

But I'm not shooting it all down. I've said a few things are a good idea and I will look into them. But some other stuff just isn't practical I'm sorry if me saying I can't commit to childminding or haven't got maths GCSE is interpreted in the way you have, to me it's just like a conversation. I'm sure your mum did do that. But did she do it all before you were a year old? My baby is only 1 in March and I just haven't fully got everything sorted.

Yes, I was six months. She had no family support whatsoever. None.

Okay well she's obviously a better person than me.

Anyway you didn't just say you don't have maths GCSE, you said there wasn't any point studying for it as you wouldn't pass. That is defeatist.

You need it or it will seriously limit what jobs you can get. I'm pretty sure the job centre will provide help for studying for GCSEs when you have a young child to care for

No I didn't say that or at any rate what I meant was, I wouldn't be able to just do it.

Please, could you stop it? You are really upsetting me, and I feel like I hate myself now.

I'm sorry, that was not my intention at all

Everyone is simply trying to help, there really are lots of things you could do if you want to.

Well I'm sure there are but even though your mum did I can't do them all in 6 weeks. Maybe in the future. But either way please stop as you make me feel awful.

If the job situation is as dire as you say then you need to sell your house. You can't afford the luxury of a nest egg if you don't have enough income.

If you clear 100k and spend e.g. £800 per month that's over 10 years of income. You can study at home at nights when your DD is sleeping and work towards a qualification / career.

Am I right that you don't pay a mortgage on your flat?

Really you are in a very fortunate position and I think your mum would not want you to struggle just so that you can give your DD an inheritance. The most valuable thing you can give her is love and support to do well in school so that she can support herself in time.

Do you have a local children's centre? They will have sessions with advisers who can help with finances and also support you towards employment. I'm afraid reality is without the GCSEs you will always struggle to get the type of job beyond casual or entry level. However you may be able to do level 2 / GCSE courses there or be signposted to community based or drop in classes which might facilitate childcare. An apprenticeship might be a way forward but won't bring in much income short term. They also employ play workers and receptionist and may be more willing to give you a chance or perhaps as a volunteer to help your cv.

oh I know I wouldn't ever get a good job, I'm happy to work for minimum wage. It's just hours that are tricky but I'm sure I'll manage some how :)

But working for MW indefinitely would be crazy. The more you can earn per hour, the fewer childcare hours you'd have to pay for earning the same amount. Given that you may well have to wait until next September for a GCSE course, you'd be expected by DWP to be looking for work by the time your Dd is 5 so that gives you 3 years to turn it around. You can do some research and study while you working on MW so that you are eventually in a better position. There is no harm finding out your options now. It might be better to relocate from your flat if opportunities are greater elsewhere.

I know LIZS but I also have to be realistic I'm not necessarily asking about the rest of my life but for now. I'm not on any benefits so why DWP would care what I do I don't know.

I can't pretend to have any advice for you holly but I just wanted to say I really hope things work out for you. It must suck feeling stuck like this, especially with a tiny child to look after all the time too.

I don't know if this would help, but my husband used to run access courses at universities which were meant for people who don't have GCSEs or any qualifications. Some have been closed down but lots still exist, so if you're ever interested in any university qualification, please don't assume its impossible; ask the staff there and if they have an access route they might be able to get you on it.

Thank you for your nice post I have been dreading openings this thread up lol

I understand you don't want to let go of your assets, however if you sold your house and had income to live on, you could train while your baby is young, be at home and then get an even better job at the end of it. In reality you're talking 5-6 years max, GCSE first then a degree and you could earn way above MW. By that time your LO will be at school and your childcare costs will be less than they are now. You could then reinvest what was left off the house and go about building back up that investment. You are in a great position to do that, right now.
Are you worried if you get rid of the house and something happens to you, your lo will be left with nothing? You will still have a mortgage free flat even if you sell the house.

Income from the sale if the house I mean.