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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask you to pick my career for me

38 replies

usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:05

Recently single, thanks cheating exP, currently on full benefits for 2 children and apparently there's a 2 child cap which means I need to work ASAP!

3 kids 11, 2 and 6 months.

Just finishing a masters in Criminology and Criminal Justice and have a BA history. Good GCSE and a levels it this even matters these days.

Retail work on and off for 9 years - highest role was assistant manager.

No free childcare from family or anything so it needs to be stable hours.

What careers are there for me? To afford everything in my life I need to earn £27,000 minimum. AIBU to ask what career would you be aiming for in my circumstances? Also AIBU to say that I though benefits were a lot more generous. I may not have left exP if I'd have known!

OP posts:
Catatlarge · 14/03/2018 20:06

What kind of retail? Lidl and Aldi pay really well at AM level

Original poster
usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:08

Fashion mainly, a little supermarket but only temp and about 8 years ago. Thanks I'll look into them right away

OP posts:
phoenix1973 · 14/03/2018 20:11

Retail management could include unsocial hours, eves, weekends. You may struggle for good childcare. Check that first.
Your last 2 sentences are exactly why many women stay in shit relationships.🙁
I'm not sure on careers but I wish you all the best x.

Camomila · 14/03/2018 20:11

Legal secretary/paralegal?
Higher level court admin?
Uni admin?
Something in a council?

dingdongdigeridoo · 14/03/2018 20:16

With your degree, could you go into the police? Not as an officer, but maybe some sort of support role? My friend did a psychology degree and did some sort of police grad scheme, ending up as an intelligence analyst (I think that's the job title, it's similar!)

Ivebeenaroundtheblock · 14/03/2018 20:19

Boarder or airport security.
Immigration.
Childcare will always be a problem sadly.

GirlsBlouse17 · 14/03/2018 20:23

Is your ex paying maintenance?

Original poster
usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:26

He is paying but I annoyingly have car finance. That and car insurance voids his maintenance.

I've tried to get out of the finance and there's no hope, still 17 months left. It's a right pain!

OP posts:
CottonSock · 14/03/2018 20:29

Patent assessor with legal speciality

Police

CottonSock · 14/03/2018 20:30

How does your car affect maintenance? I have no clue sorry

Original poster
usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:33

The hardest thing I'm finding is trying to get decent pay for a job with set hours. Extensive overtime seems to be the norm these days, and I just can't do that.

Arrangements with exP are every Tuesday and every other Saturday. Don't suppose someone will be willing to pay me £27,000+ for 16 hours work a week HmmGrin

OP posts:
Original poster
usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:35

@CottonSock sorry I meant the money he gives me just goes straight back out on that so it doesn't really help the financial situation. Actually I guess without it I'd be a lot worse off.

Sorry, I'm stressed and making no sense. Really thought this would be easier

OP posts:
Original poster
usernamechange99 · 14/03/2018 20:35

@Uniglo18 thanks!!

OP posts:
Grobagsforever · 14/03/2018 20:37

Civil service jobs ideal for you OP! Google it, lots of options and your degree will be recognised

Grobagsforever · 14/03/2018 20:38

Try admin roles at Deloitte to - they are very proud of their women returning to work program

Uniglo18 · 14/03/2018 20:39

You're welcome! I hope you find something that suits your family commitments. Good luck.

Grobagsforever · 14/03/2018 20:39

You'll be able to get decent tax credits to help with childcare

ChasedByBees · 14/03/2018 20:39

Could you say what region you’re in (as vague as north-east for example)?

What did you hope to do wit your masters?

Civil service is flexible and has good leave provision so I would consider thatcbut the salaries are someone’s not as high as elsewhere.

gingergenius · 14/03/2018 20:40

When you went for your masters, what were you hoping to gain from it?

MrsPatmore · 14/03/2018 20:40

Civil service, local government ie, your local Council, Police force.

ChasedByBees · 14/03/2018 20:40

Sometimes

Boopear · 14/03/2018 20:42

The John Lewis group are very family friendly too (both head office and stores)

Boopear · 14/03/2018 20:48

There is also the Salesforce retraining programme (intended to get mothers into work) if you are in any way technical www.economicchange.co.uk/about-us/our-social-mission/salesforce-superheros/

BettyBaggins · 14/03/2018 21:03

Cheers for that link poo bear.

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