AIBU to think I can earn regular money somehow

[Sodizzymyheadisspinning]

Right now I'm an Ofsted registered childminder, but have given notice to all my families and I finish work next week. My youngest dc has severe autism and just can't cope with children in the house anymore. That's why I made the decision to stop. He needs 1-1 care.
He will be going to nursery for a few hours a day soon, so I will have about four uninterrupted hours per day where I can work. When dh comes home in the evenings, I could also work then too (although not too late as my dc doesn't really sleep and I'm awake a lot during the night with him. Dh too).

I still want to work though. We can survive on just dh's pay, but only just. If something goes wrong and we need to pay for something unexpected, we'd be screwed.

Any ideas what I can do? Before childminding I had done various admin, PA, junior management type roles. I've also done the odd bit of freelance writing for a local paper.

I should be able to make some money on a self employed basis, right?

Will gratefully accept any advice or ideas as well

If you like dogs, how about dog walking? I presume your DC will be in nursery during the daytime, which is when there is the most demand for dog walkers.

I'd suggest post natal doula / mothers help. Obviously you need to state up front what your daily availability is.

Virtual PA work on peopleperhour?

Ironing? Cleaning?

If he is severely autistic are you getting all the benefits you are entitled to?

I don't really know much about dogs, would I need to to be a dog walker? Am pretty sure I could poop and scoop without too much bother!

There really isn't much call for doulas where I live. I'm not sure it's quite my thing either!

Yes DC will be in nursery every morning.

Argh obviously I won't need to poop. I could scoop the poop. I don't want paid to poop. (Unless it's a LOT )

I think you need to do a course and pay to be a registered dog walker now.

are you claiming dla for him? if so can you get carers now?

Mother's help/babysitting/maternity help?

A mum with a very young baby or twins might be looking for a couple of hours respite during the day.

Babysitting can get you a tenner an hour as a qualified childcare professional (in London at least) so that can be good for the evenings.

Could you start a business. Many people makes fair sum of money by picking up brand named clothing at op shops and selling them on eBay for example. If you can knit if sew you can sell hand made or made to order stuff. I know a few people who make cakes to order to make money while children are at school.

I have just applied for DLA this week. Carers is the next step if I'm not earning by then.

Would really ideally not do anything childcare based. I spend so much time caring for dc, something different would be preferred. And I have a brain here that isn't getting used much !

I did cleaning when my youngest went to nursery. He was only in for 2.5 hours a day so I could do one client a day. It all adds up though.

Ttbb I could definitely start a business. I'm very used to doing my own business admin and I work hard. I had not thought of making money by charity shopping and ebaying. That may be a goer !

essential will check that site out asap!

Enid have applied for dla and expect the high rate. I am not sure what other benefits I'm entitled to, except carers if I don't work. But I'd really rather work and earn more than carers.

How's your proofreading? Sadly freelance paid work on local newspapers has all but gone. There is often proofreading work though, particularly at universities.

I did proofreading a couple of times to help out a friend who did it full time. I thought that you had to have qualifications to do it though. (That's the impression I got anyway)

Matched betting if you are mathematical/ have an organised mind. It's not gambling, there are a couple of threads about it on here.

Honestly, if I were you I'd take the few hours a day and take a little time out. You are a carer for your child and to allow you to do that then you need to care for yourself too. I hope that doesn't read as patronising but I have friends with disabled children and see how exhausting it is.

Have you thought about retraining?

Online tutoring/teaching English?

glen that almost made me cry! I honestly think I won't need that time to relax once I've stopped childminding because dc will be easier to manage. I have thought of retraining and I know what I'd want to do (photography. I'm obsessed but lack experience and don't have all the equipment I would need to be a photographer) but think I should wait until dc is at school next year because I'll have more time then.
So I'm thinking more of something to do to earn money in the meantime

ohyes I've seen matched betting mentioned on here but I don't really know much about it. Will look into it. I am quite good at maths, though I wouldn't say I enjoy it. Wouldn't mind doing matched betting though if it allowed me to earn decent enough money.

Not sure when you have available - is it evenings, weekends, nights??

The usual ...a cleaner?

I know a lady who has become a gardener basically tidying gardens and trimming the plants. If you have a car what about a Driving instructor or Taxi driver.

What about childminding (nanny) for a shift worker sitting in someones house whilst their child sleep at night. Or a short notice childminder if someones child is sick and needs you at their home to look after the child?

Take in ironing, dog walking (as above).

No advice but feel for you. Am also a cm and my own two are autistic but older. It's very hard. I hope you find something x

Cleaning, Ironing, lots of care work.

Babs the night stuff or short notice care wouldn't work. Dc needs consistency and warnings when things change, like when I go out. Also it wouldn't be fair to leave dh doing all the night stuff with our DC because he does work too. We share it at the mo.

I am shit at ironing. And my iron is about 15 years old! Won't rule it out mind.

I don't think I'm cut out for care work for adults/elderly tbh.