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.

Self entitled, what have I said I feel entitled to? Why are you being so rude to me?

tbf some of your posts have been on the slightly rude snarky side op

were you hoping for advide on how to get benefits? i axk as its the first thing you mention, before asking for advice on what different job you can do besides care work, but then huffily stating you just want a job in......care work

entitledto.co.uk can show what benefits you can claim, although as you say i dont think they would pay out if someone has a good income from a rental property

Only the one where I pointed out someone hadn't read the thread. I really haven't been at all rude, if you read back. I do appreciate people's responses although not if they are being unpleasant. I know it's only the Internet but it does upset me and makes me feel bad. I am not entitled to benefits and I don't think I should be. I just want to live and work like a normal person but because I don't have much support I do need something with regular hours.

Would you qualify for an NHS bursary - worth reading through to see
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/457030/2015-16_NHS_Bursary_Scheme_New_Rules.pdf
and maybe childcare financial support
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Documents/Students/Help_with_childcare_costs_for_NHS_Bursary_students_2015-16_(V1)_03.2015.pdf

I don't think I would due to having an income. Plus the same problem would be not just affording childcare but finding it. I definitely would like to do it in future but right now with such s young baby I think I'd just be setting myself up to fail. But thank you.

I think your attitude is setting you up to fail. Lots if 'I can't' and what you don't have rather than recognising you might still need to put some time and effort into ideas rather than dismissing them outright

Could you work from home selling things on Ebay/Amazon? I do this and started off with a really low initial investment. I can work whichever hours suit me best, which is always helpful when you have kids!

What about being a teaching assistant?

I think that you're getting a hard time on here OP, unfairly so as you have been clear about your criteria for jobs, best of luck with your search

If you would have to pay for nursery surely you wouldn't make any money working for MW? You also must be getting quite a bit from renting out the house?

I get it, all I've ever done is worked in care, it's hard to find anything else. If you used a childminder at the weekend you could work the every other weekend they require and just ask for morning shifts. I've also found call centres willing to take me on and quite flexible.

You will find it hard to have your pick of jobs with no qualifications. There's masses of competition for TA roles, with qualified teachers often applying.

OP have you been to the Job Centre and talked to an advisor?

You do need money coming in to pay for bills/food, but you have your rental income. Isn't it possible to live off your rental income and child benefit if you have no rent/mortgage to pay yourself?

I know this has been asked by pp but I can't see an answer op - apologies if I missed it.

God some people are rude and insensitive on this thread. Banging on about privilege to a young single mum whose own mum died when she was 13, who grew up in care? Have a word with yourselves...

OP you've been perfectly polite. I don't know why some people are being so pay about the fact you don't want to sell either of your properties. I don't have any good suggestions besides maybe signing up for agency work . then you could pick your hours. But it might not be secure enough for you. Otherwise - could you go to the job centre and ask them for advice? They would have a better idea of what's available in your area.

Thank you for the nice replies. The rental income is £450 per month. So it's difficult to actually live off.

Plus, I don't think staying at home is good for me. I liked the care work as it was good experience for nursing in future and I'm disappointed I'm not going to be able to do it. But maybe I can see if some nursing homes will let me work for them and not mind I can't do weekends.

No reason you can't do nursing, but you'll need to start with getting your GCSEs and A-levels or an access course, then do a degree.

It's a long term plan. But you sound young so plenty of time

Thank you for the nice replies. The rental income is £450 per month. So it's difficult to actually live off

So if that's your sole income...it equates to just less than 6 grand a year...so surely you would be entitled to tax credits?

No former not entitled to tax credits. Just child benefit.

You just need to look for work that has the hours you can do.. no matter the job.

Indeed.com is good for this.

Old peoples home are allways looking for staff they train you too.

I also suggest doing your gcse to. You could do them at home.

it's quite hard on indeed as I find most jobs don't get back to you. Or you find out they are quite different to what they say they are.

Sometimes I wonder how people get a normal job lol.

Why not though op? Have you actually checked?

yes, I have checked, I didn't think I would but of course it makes sense to check everything when you have a new baby.

Ok, off the top of my head

1. Care work, speak to different agencies tell them you're only available for x times and see if any are happy to take you on.
2. Community/clinic HCA check NHS jobs, usually no qualms required although recruitment may take longer than 2 months.
3. Retail, best time of year to apply many retail places will take on for certain shifts.
4. Data input/clerical usually office based 9-5.
5. Start your own cleaning/ shopping business for housebound people. Advertise through care agencies and old colleagues.

Hope these help

Thats life though... getting a job with set hours is hard... you have to apply everyday and cross your fingers the perfect job isnt going to fall into your lap. You have to activly search for them on job sites. Going round town applying for jobs.

Quals not qualms

of course yes, and I have been trying. Thank you AndWhat