How on earth can I afford to work??

[Arrowfanatic]

Stopped working to become a sahm in the early part of 2011.

I now have 3 kids all in primary school and have been considering returning to full time employment.

However I've been totalling the costs of child care and I just can't see how it's worth it. Daily costs for before/after school care is almost £60 a day and that's after the sibling discount.

Holiday costs are close to £100 a day after discount.

I have no family or friends who could help, and the nature of my husband's work means he wouldn't be able to be reliable to do any school runs (works for the emergency services, shifts, minimum notice call ins, very rarely makes it out on time and is at least 1.5 hour commute away).

Any job I could get would not be a big earner, less than £25k. Even with childcare vouchers I can't see it being worth it. I feel like I should try to work, especially now the kids are all in school but it looks impossible. My husband's salary although good only just covers our costs as it is.

Is there anything else out there to help? We don't qualify for any benefits, except child benefit so no tax credit help.

It's pointless me working isn't it.

I have a school hours job. But they are like gold dust and my job is something that the majority of people hate!

I Started a support job at a local school in Autumn. I believe it was some kind of miracle I got it tbh. I sorted out a childminder way before I even applied for the job. My thinking was that I didn't want to have to limit my options before applying or at interviews. I was out of work for 3 years, and felt mentioning caring for my kids was going to be a massive negative. The only thing I mentioned was that I had been a SAHP for 3 years as to why I had a gap in employment. I told them I could start within 2 weeks.

However my DH works 9-5 and if the kids are sick he uses annual leave or swings a WFH day.

I make a grand total of £16pcm after childcare but I contribute to a pension, I'm being a role model to my daughter who previously only thought women stayed at home being mums and didn't need to work and my CV has come back to life. I also get to go for a wee unaccompanied and people address me by my name and not MUM!!!

Some people think I'm crazy but I think the cost of living is going to sky rocket and my childcare costs will go down once youngest hits 3 and can get some free hours.

If you used to work in social housing field then why not try looking for jobs in local authority housing teams? I work for local authority and do part time hours so that I can do school pick up and drop off.

I think that what you are finding is a real reflection on the disadvantages women face in the workplace and unless you are self employed you can't dictate hours which fit in with having children.

I have a degree and run two businesses, one of these would be considered menial although I do design work as well, I also work part time in a gallery.

I would say look in your network, does anyone require someone for a few hours work a week, can you become self employed as your previous role ? Lots of companies now employed self employed people as they don't have to pay benefits, this not great but gets you networking and possibly a foot in the door.

Not easy looking for jobs with other commitments do good luck.
Keep an eye on civil service jobs. More and more departments are wanting people to homework once they are trained. Some also allow school hours, term time only. Also worth finding out if local government or civil service employers near you use an agency (instead of taking on permanent) as it could be a start off point.
It may not be what you want but would show an employer you are prepared to put the work in.
I started as an aa nearly 20 years ago, even though I had a degree and post graduate diploma.
Also let friends know you are looking as they can give you the heads up if they hear of anything.

In your shoes I would either a) train as a CM or b) look at working as a teaching assistant.

Ive never been to uni/college so would be starting from scratch and couldn't afford the course costs anyway

Realise uni may not be what you are looking for, but is it not possible to get a student loan for course fees? I know you have to pay the loan off eventually but you have to be earning reasonably well before you have to start repayments.

Why don't you become a childminder? Stay at home and earn money.

Work part time?

OP I have just taken someone on who was in a very similar position to you - had been a SAHP for a while but previously very experienced. The position I'd advertised was FT, but the agency I deal with had sent me her CV anyway, with a note saying that they thought I might want to consider her anyway because of her previous competence and work history.

I liked the look of her CV so kept it in the 'maybe' pile. Did a first round of interviews for people who were looking for FT hours, none were quite right - so I decided to call her in for an interview. She was great and I knew she'd 'click' with the team straightaway. She was also very knowledgeable although didn't try and hide the fact that some processes and regs might have evolved whilst she'd been out of the workplace. However she'd done some reading up to try and bring her knowledge up to date again - which I liked, because it's pro-active.

So I offered her the job - and what was originally a FT role is now agreed at 30 hours a week, with some flexibility with start and finish times if needed on the understanding that she'll make up time/jobs at home if necessary (I've given her a laptop). So far it's working really well and I am very glad the recruiter sent her CV to me - because I'd far rather have the right person for 30 hours a week, than the wrong one for 40!

So in your shoes I would contact a couple of recruitment agencies and make an appointment to go and see them for a face-to-face chat. Pick the one you feel has the best chance of finding you want you want. Often they will have long-standing relationships with firms and will also know whether there's any leeway with trying to flex a job or not - the recruiter I deal with knew that whilst my preference was FT, I'd be flexible for the right person.

Good luck - oh and I would agree with the previous advice not to put the SAHP responsibilities on your CV and try and dress them up as work experience! Just say something like 'Career break - family responsibilities'.