Aibu to quit my job and go on benefits.

[NachoAddict]

I have worked in my job for a very long time, almost 14 years. It is in the same borough as I live but a different town seperated by a bridge over water.

Over the past 3 years they have been building a new bridge but always said the original bridge would be kept open for cyclists and pedestrians.

I have always got a taxi to work as I only have a 25 minute window from breakfast club opening and work starting and I dont drive. Buses don't stop near my work.

Seeing as a taxi over the new bridge is now going to cost 60% more per journey I have invested in a bike and started driving lessons with the saved taxi fare. I couldn't afford them before as I was paying for taxis and couldn't afford both.

Well now the council have decided to close the old bridge with a weeks notice and have a shuttle bus for cyclists instead. Great. Only the 25 mins I have to get to work just won't cover the extra journey, to the bus stop, wait for the bus and from the bus stop to work.

I just feel so frustrated. I cant afford to go back to taxi fayres at a 60% increase, I can't drop the children off any earlier and if I shift my day forward and start later I then won't be able to pick up the children on time so will have to use after school care which for 2 children won't be cheap either. I already work later one day a week so work 30 hours.

Just feel like quitting my job.

Give me a shake please. I will figure it out somehow but its so frustrating I could cry.
cry.
It is illegal to cycle on the new bridge.

Thanks Red that is something to bear in mind.

I must have misunderstood about cyclists on the new bridge sorry. And yes you are right it is very long.
Would your employer be able to offer anything to help with the cost so they don't lose you?

No advice, but I love the new bridge! It’s cut 15 min off my journey time to Liverpool. Now if they just sort the M6 I can do Nottingham to Liverpool in under 2 hours.

Can you go and talk to hr or similar about this. I doubt they want to lose you as an employee and this is a temporary problem. For example if the bridge is closed to cyclists for another month could you shorten your days with annual leave?

Is there a train that runs between the two which would allow bikes?

I am out of annual leave for this year, I had a lot of time off when DS was diagnosed earlier this year. That may help next year though.
Well Toddler I am glad some one likes it. Must admit it is needed and it will be for the best in the long run just bloody inconvenient for a year.
I will speak to my line manager as first point of call about re arranging my hours, then if she can't help I will approach HR. I work for a fantastic company so I am sure we can come up with something.