To move to London on 28k?

[TequilaLemonSalt]

I'm in my third year of uni. Just got through the first stage of the Civil Service Fast Track. Actually quite chuffed, as they write books on how to pass it, and I just did it on a whim after two glasses of wine

A bit presumptuous, but I'm starting to consider if I could manage it if I did get the job, and had to work in Westminster.

I have a 2 year old, and am a single parent. I currently live in the South East - Google maps says door to door commute is 2 hours.

My current rent is 1095 a month for a 2 bed terraced house. I got it because of a mutual acquaintance though, and I'm not even sure I could get a 2 bed in London on a 28k starting wage (?). I'm sure it's x3 annual income for most estate agents.

At the moment, my annual income - due to my part time salary, tax credits and student loan - is pretty high. Loads higher than 28k. Probably too high, due to student loans not getting included in benefit calculations, but I'm doing my best to make sure I pay handsomely into the system for the rest of my life, so I'd rather not get flamed. Plus I work my fucking arse off from 6am - 10pm every single day, either working, child rearing or studying.

I'll do the entitledto calculations etc., but I just wanted to see if anybody thought this was doable? Or even that I'd be accepted for a tenancy? If I'm accepted for permanent employment for the CS, will this help? I'm not sure how it would work staying here and commuting. 7-7 every day is very long with a 2 year old with an unstable father. But people do it, I guess. But it wouldn't be for a short amount of time. I'd feel sad. I'm not sure that's best.

I know I'm getting ahead of myself. But I'm really excited - I've cared for different groups from 2 year olds, to the mentally ill, to people who have LD, to the elderly; all my life, and I'm so excited to have the chance to work academically to really make a difference on a national scale. But if I can't make the £ work, I can't make it work

Opinions gratefully received!

Bit depressing that civilservant. OP, I've been thinking about you as I think it's rubbish that someone like you, who genuinely wants to work in public service is wondering if you will be able to make ends meet if you accept a graduate scheme starting salary. I'm trying to improve social mobility in my department and am arguing for things like out-of-London training opportunities and more advertising of the benefits that are offered like flexible and home working. The take up of those is massive once you're in post but for some reason they don't make a big thing out of it at recruitment. FWIW I am G6 and work part time. I do work hard but not routinely long hours and I am on track to progress to the SCS so I don't think it's true that you cannot succeed with caring responsibilities, though obviously having support helps as some roles will involve eg travel to Brussels or attending evening sessions in Parliament, though ime there is much greater understanding of personal circumstance in the civil service and it wouldn't be frowned upon to turn down a role you didn't think would work for you. As a single parent on what is not a huge salary you might have to think creatively about how to get this support - au pair/favour swapping and so on. Your daughter will be eligible for free hours soon - I'd urge you to shop around to find a place that actually offers these without too many strings. There is in fact a nursery in the House of Commons that opens late when the House is sitting. Good luck - and do look into the GLS. You would progress to legal officer (SEO equiv) grade at the end of your training contract (or pupillage, which is shorter) and G7 2 years after your training completes, subject to passing probation. Hours are slightly more predictable too, imo, though it varies from team to team.

How are you getting on OP, I have been thinking about you