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.

Thank you but I'm not selling the house. In not deliberately trying to be difficult but I really don't want to sell it.

Just to add to what others have said, I used to claim working tax credits with a lump sum in the bank. I was between houses and renting. I couldn't get housing benefit or council tax help because of my capital but I did get tax credits Working 18.5 hours. I also got help with child care. It was a huge help. I know universal credit may be different but it is well worth seeing what help you get when working ie with childcare by speaking to someone in person. I do appreciate you need to get a job first.

Also supermarkets don't always want people to work unsociable hours worth asking. I had a friend who worked regular weekday mornings while her DD was little and even if they want a sat/sun you may find a childminder who will do sat. Lots of other people may want Eve or weekend work so their OH is available for child care.

And you might find a CM cheaper than nursery..

Do try and go to some parent and child groups too if you can. It can be hard to start with but is a great way to meet people. My support network is made up of people I have met through having DS.

It doesn't matter what I'd like to do. I will sort that as and when right now I'm just trying to keep my head above water.

OP the only thing I can suggest is....you will hate it but....get some money from the house to tide you over for 6 months to a year, train to be a child minder, you don't need GCSEs and it's really easy, basic stuff which will be a piece if piss for you as you've been a career. Then child mind from your flat. You don't need lots of room, do you have things near by kids would like? Do you have a school near by you could pick kids up from? When I trained the course was free, all you had to pay for was a CRB check. I presume you don't have a criminal record. You can work from home. Look after your child and therefore won't be paying anyone else to do it.

No, you weren't Hands. As you know.

Hands actually I apologise I mixed you up with the earlier poster who was laying into me for not having GCSEs by the time DD was 6 months. Really sorry.

I assume that was referring to me holly.

No I did not "lay into you" FGS, I merely pointed out it would be a good idea to get some GCSEs as they would help you to get a job. It was intended as helpful advice. I certainly did not say you should do it by the time your baby was 6 months. It was you who said you assumed my mum hadn't got her qualifications before I was a year old - I was merely telling you that she did when I was 6 months old, in response. Wasn't saying you should do the same.

I'm sorry if what I said to you wasn't palatable, but it would be possible for you to gain a maths and English GCSE at some point in the future, and this will widen your options wrt to jobs.

Thank you hands, she is. Her upbringing was total shit, she had seriously been through the mill.

Yes I don't disagree with any of that at all house but you were quite aggressive in how you put it.

Well I apologise, that was not my intention.

Thank you that's nice of you.

I think people are being really unfair. The OP is saying she isn't capable of a maths GCSE. Some people aren't. The OP knows. It sounds like she's had a difficult life and now has some nice security and just has to get a job. She's just asking for ideas

That is all I want Matching, just a quiet life lol.

Stick a card in the local shops advertising ironing. £10 a bag. Once word gets around you could easily make £50-£100 a week. You could do that straight away with no start up costs at all and it would give you some breathing room while you look for a job. And if you don't get any business you haven't lost anything.