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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To be angry I very nearly can't afford to start a new job

135 replies

scaryclown · 16/09/2017 11:28

I'm just having a slight fear period S I'm starting a new job on Monday, I have to use a bus to get there, won't be paid until the end of October, and have £130 spare on top of my mortgage payments.

So.. I need £90 for all the bus journeys,
Have enough lentils,/ tinned tomatoes /rice / pasta to get by.. Just..

But won't be able to do anything else at all. I've not had income since 15th August..

It's stupid isn't it..

Sad

OP posts:
feathermucker · 16/09/2017 12:01

Not the employer's fault. Most places now pay monthly.

coddiwomple · 16/09/2017 12:01

The could offer to pay weekly, but it would be a nightmare for most people not to be paid monthly. You could ask for a small advance. Your new employer must know when you latest job was, so they would understand.

On the positive note, once you have survived October, your financial situation will be great!

MyBrilliantDisguise · 16/09/2017 12:02

Have you been on benefits, OP? Is there anything they can do to help you through that first month until you get paid?

insancerre · 16/09/2017 12:02

Are you certain you won't get paid till the end of October?
Someone starting on Monday where I work would get at least 1 weeks wage at the end of September and one week would be kept in hand

Original poster
scaryclown · 16/09/2017 12:04

Oh just all employers act as though everyone has a big savings buffer, who's knowing they are largely paying at close to basic subsistence.

But yes tiredbutFINE I think I will make it a challenge month..six weeks.. I have already done all the possible laundry for nearly the whole period...

OP posts:
Original poster
scaryclown · 16/09/2017 12:05

Thanks al for the kindness and support..

OP posts:
Bumbumtaloo · 16/09/2017 12:05

As a follow on to insancerre post I once changed jobs and started part way through the month and to my surprise I received two weeks pay from the new job and my last months pay from my old job. Could you contact payroll to confirm?

opheliacat · 16/09/2017 12:06

I think there should be far more flexibility re pay.

A friend of mine is trapped in a minimum wage job because she can't afford to go monthly.

greensnail · 16/09/2017 12:06

When I started my new job I needed to pay a whole term's childcare in advance plus sort out travel - very expensive month with no income until the end of the month.

pigletpie29 · 16/09/2017 12:08

Try and cycle. I used to cycle 6 miles to and from work and I am the most unfit person ever. You might need some cash for emergencies!

Mammyloveswine · 16/09/2017 12:10

Am I the only one who thinks you sound very entitled? It's not your employers fault you live 10 miles away and have no buffer! I've been paid monthly for years, most jobs you give a months notice and so usually get paid continuously! If not then try and save a bit whilst job hunting so that you are not in such a dire situation!

I have walked/cycled to work loads of times, many people do!

What have you been doing for money previously?

AnnieAnoniMouse · 16/09/2017 12:10

It's not your new employers fault you've been unemployed. It's a really shit attitude to start a new job with.

10 miles isn't far to cycle.

Get the bus the first day, sort out where you can lock your bike up & get on with it.

You've slated people on here for far less than this, I'm really surprised you're asking for sympathy. Maybe in future give as much sympathy & support as you hope to get given.

SerfTerf · 16/09/2017 12:12

She sounds frustrated and a bit panicky, not entitled.

spidey66 · 16/09/2017 12:14

Maybe cycle part way to make fares cheaper?

Original poster
scaryclown · 16/09/2017 12:15

Annie.. Sorry I've lost my scorecard.

Could you tot up my sympathetic comments versus unsympathetic ones again for me?

OP posts:
SerfTerf · 16/09/2017 12:17

FGS, it's not a bank. You don't have to build up a balance if conspicuously sympathetic posts.

PieceOfMich · 16/09/2017 12:17

I've been there scrambling around for money until payday!

Do you have a PayPal account that might have some money left in there? Boots advantage points to buy a couple of meal deals?

Nikephorus · 16/09/2017 12:18

Am I the only one who thinks you sound very entitled?
No you're not. And OP making sarcastic comments doesn't really help her cause either.

user1498726699 · 16/09/2017 12:18

I have had this before. I joined just a day after the 'cut off' for payroll for that month so had to go 6 weeks before being paid, shelling out for childcare as well. The large 1st salary slip was lovely though.

It's shit OP and I can imagine it's embarrassing to walk into a new job and talk about your personal financial difficulties.

It will pass quickly though and you know it's going to end.

BellaGoth · 16/09/2017 12:20

Congratulations OP, but I agree it's really tough.

I nearly didn't go back to work after maternity leave as it was a real struggle to find a month of nursery fees upfront. It's all worth it in the end though!

mirime · 16/09/2017 12:21

I sympathise, I had a similar situation, but it was 14 years ago. I'd been signing on but hadn't had any JSA for a few weeks because partner earned too much and I'd done some casual work - which was paid monthly so I'd not actually received any money from it yet. Got a job and had no money for travel. Parents were on holiday and partner had no money as it was the end of a five week month and he's always skint then. Job centre could do nothing.

AJPTaylor · 16/09/2017 12:22

I completely agree
But you could ask your employer for a sub. Not ideal.
I had one woman start at my work and arranged for 100 a week each friday til payday. That way i could be sure she had come to work every day and the risk was minimal. All done on the quiet.

Mittens1969 · 16/09/2017 12:23

I know the OP is getting defensive but some posters seem to enjoy being provocative probably just to make the thread more lively. Sorry but that's the truth.

I understand why you're panicking, OP, but this will pass. I personally wouldn't talk to your new employers about it though, when you're starting a new job you need to be making a good impression. Go to the job centre, or ask friends to lend you maybe £30, as you'll be able to pay them back after your salary has been paid.

FlowerPot1234 · 16/09/2017 12:25

Congratulations on your new job.

I think you have three options:

a) if your position was found through the job centre, they have funds to help with this
b) sell/pawn something (hard, but an option)
c) cycle (not hard, great option and invigorating)

BeachyKeen · 16/09/2017 12:25

Slight derail here:
Can I ask how come pay is monthly , and not bi-weekly?
Here in Canada, unless you are on assistance/disability which are monthly, most everyone is paid biweekly. Your employer may back one week pay when you first start, but you get it when you leave.
I have wondered about it before in real life, and had no one to ask