Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3 4

Original poster

To wonder if I should try to get a summer job

94 replies

treesandplants · 30/07/2018 11:38

Dh is off so wouldn’t need childcare, and finances are pretty dire.

But the thought makes me feel so down.

OP posts:

ahhhhmefanjo · 30/07/2018 15:28

How long ago did you finish your degree and how long have you been out of work for?

What is your degree in?

PolkerrisBeach · 30/07/2018 16:14

OP has no intention of working.

If she were serious about a summer job, she'd have started looking in April, not at the end of July. She would not be making ridiculous statements about "not knowing what to google for that". She doesn't even have a fucking CV.

OP wants to be able to moan about how much she'd love to work but how it's all so HARD and how difficult it is with kids, and justify to herself that she's doing what she can when in fact, she's done fuck all and is seriously lacking in initiative. Is this really the sort of graduate which is leaving University these days??

crimsonlake · 30/07/2018 16:23

I think some of you are being a bit harsh on op. Possibly she is stuck in a rut and feels overwhelmed at the thought of what she could do if she has been away from the workforce for a while. It does make you feel apathetic and a bit worthless.

BoxsetsAndPopcorn · 30/07/2018 16:37

Agree Polker.

I think a lot just go to uni as it's easier than going to work and then don't bother using the degree or paying the money back. Just excuses as to why they can't possibly work when the reality is they just don't want too.

TacoLover · 30/07/2018 16:55

You're complaining about working in the summer? What do you think your OH does for you all year? He probably doesn't enjoy it, but he does it because it's best for the family.

DieSchottin93 · 30/07/2018 16:56

To be fair the jobs market isn't that great right now, not in my experience anyway. A lot of places want experience, even for entry level jobs so it's easy to get stuck in a cycle of low-paid/low-skill jobs (speaking from experience here ). I do agree though that OP could at least sound a bit more enthusiastic instead of coming up with reasons as to why she can't do any of the jobs suggested.

ahhhhmefanjo · 30/07/2018 16:59

I do see what you mean in relation to getting stuck in a rut and needing experience to get experience but you can only get out of those situations by being proactive.

McDonald’s type jobs are really flexible and as an employer they aren’t terrible. You could do more hours over the summer and then maybe just 1 - 2 shifts a week. I worked there after I did my first degree (I only graduated 7 years ago so I’m not that old) and would recommend it in your situation. It’s better to get some experience than none.

eightfacesofthemoon · 30/07/2018 17:01

People have been a tad harsh on here. It must be pretty dispiriting to have to do this. I know lots of people do, but do they never feel dispirited by it? Or all they all donning their gingham dresses and skipping to do jobs they hate

You have left it a bit late though, so you’re probably only going to get temp work in catering (ie washing up) or waitressing, though they often prefer young people who they can pay less.
I guess if you have to do it then needs must, but it’s shit

Original poster

treesandplants · 30/07/2018 17:24

You don’t understand.

We were fine in April. Things have changed, but I can’t explain. I’m qualified. I’m a primary teacher.

OP posts:

MojoMoon · 30/07/2018 17:48

If you are a qualified teacher, I would expect you'd have little problem getting babysitting work.
You don't need to join an agency and wait for a DBS check. Just find your local area Facebook or web page - there is probably one for mums/families specifically and say you are available for work. Also gumtree - free to stick an advert on there.

Some families might be desperate for some late summer child care.

In the medium term, you could look to build a regular babysitting client base plus offering tutoring for primary aged kids - few sessions on a Saturday morning would bring in cash without need childcare.

Working evenings babysitting wouldn't be that much more tiring than putting your own kids to bed...?

m0therofdragons · 30/07/2018 17:58

I hate attitudes like this. I had dd1 then twins so couldn't afford childcare for 3 under 3. I did freelance work working after dc we're in bed so would often be working until 1am, sleep then get up with dc as dh worked an hour away. I did it to keep my hand in and ensure I was still employable when dc reached school age. I know many families where one parent works nights then has all day with dc. It's bloody hard but people do what they have to and stop making excuses. I'm sure we could all justify not working in one way or another!

haverhill · 30/07/2018 18:01

Boxset, how can a graduate “not bother” to pay back “the money” (I assume you mean the student loan?). It is taken automatically when you reach a certain salary.

BoxsetsAndPopcorn · 30/07/2018 18:09

Haverhill, because many just don't bother working like the OP or keep under the salary threashold for paying back.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 30/07/2018 18:13

I took in ironing when we needed the money. It’s really really easy to do if you are in a town, as you just letter drop the roads around you with a photocopied ad. It costs nothing to set up.

It’s not well paid, but it does bring instant money in.

NellMangel · 30/07/2018 18:16

I wouldn't bother tbh. You don't sound keen. You don't know what you'd do. Plus we are only talking about the next 31 days. Try and ebay some stuff or do a car boot and enjoy family time together.

mikeyssister · 30/07/2018 18:21

@treesandplants you came here looking for help. We don't want to know private details but we need more information. Otherwise this is a waste of time and not helpful for anyone.

Can you not explain how things have changed without explaining why? And how this impacts on job hunting?

supersundaysunshine · 30/07/2018 18:35

I totally get where you're coming from OP. It's a bit rubbish to read some of the suggestions and comments you've received.
I was in the same boat and ended up not being able to take any work. I did things like selling old books, cds, on apps such as we buy books, Ziffit etc and made about £200. I also sold some old clothes on Depop. You could also try selling old kids toys and bits and bobs at a kids market.
I also looked at stuff like flying but didn't follow through with it and I also looked into selling underwear 😳😂 but again didn't follow through with it (no pun intended...I did hear stuff like that on certain sites would earn you a fortune 😂)

RaininSummer · 30/07/2018 20:13

As you are a qualified teacher, could you offer tutoring in Maths and English or general homework support? Put some ads online with companies like Firsttutor etc.

supersundaysunshine · 31/07/2018 10:53

Without being presumptuous I'd say it's te length of time it would take the OP to start up tutoring - getting clients etc. I'd seriously have a look at doing some decluttering and making making Some money at the same time. As I said I made a fair bit and it was relatively simple! On some of the selling websites you can also download your cheque and cash it straight away rather than waiting for it to be paid into your back account. I can't remember the last time we used cds etc so it was a win win!

Flip

1 2 3 4