Wibu to ask for the money?

[Sharkirasharkira]

I've been having a tough time recently and suffering from a period of mental ill health which has meant I've had to have time off work and am currently on SSP.

As such my wages are really low and I'm struggling for money. My job absolutely sucks and is part of the reason for my ill health, my manager is of the opinion that I should just 'suck it up and get over it' RE my depression and anxiety so every day I'm in work with her is awful. It's a minimum wage job as it is and my contract is being changed and my hours cut as of the new year. Basically, I desperately need and want a new job.

The industry I work in involves a lot of late nights and weekend work. I live quite rurally and am reliant on public transport, making finding another job very difficult. There are lots of jobs available but the vast majority involve a long commute, which I am willing and happy to do but can't actually achieve due to the crappy public transport.

I recently saw a motorbike for sale that would enable me to get back on the road and look for better jobs. It's in very good condition and very cheap for what it is, mainly due to its age and the fact it's winter and no one is buying bikes! I don't have enough in savings but I know getting it would really help me out and enable me to get a better job.

Wibu to either ask my Dad for the money or get a payday type loan. I have no access to other lines of credit at all, can't get loans, credit cards or extend my overdraft. I've worked it out and I can just about afford the repayments once I'm back at work and on my normal salary but hopefully I will get a better job to go to once I'm mobile again. I really don't want to ask my Dad as he has already helped me out so much and I already owe him money but it would save me paying a ton of interest and if the worst happens and I lose my job he won't be putting on extortionate charges.

So wibu to ask him for the money? Should I get a loan? Or should I just not get it and carry on as I am for now?

I have had to borrow money off my adult son . Then paid a bit back and then had to borrow more. I was ill then unemployed. Not paid anything back yet. He was more than willing and is very laid back about it.
I hated asking but needs must, plus I know hes got plenty due to an inheritance.
Ask your Dad, if you save on fares and get a better job you'll be able to pay him back.
Good luck

Oddly, it would actually save me money as I'm paying out so much in bus fare! Insurance is cheap, petrol is very cheap and tax is only £17 for the whole year. I can easily afford to run it based on what I'm paying out on public transport.

Servicing, repairs, repayments to your dad for the purchase.....

Sorry missed that you also already owe your Dad money!!

I wouldn't even consider it. I think this is one of those times where you just have to accept you can't have it.

potatoscon Yes all very well stating that buit if you are in a rural area and the buses are no damm good what would you do?

I just answered the OP's question.

What OP does instead isn't something I'm interested in debating.

Ok, I've broken down the approximate cost for the bike over a year -

£600 to pay back Dad
£250 insurance
£17 tax
£250 petrol
£150 serving, MOT, replacement parts

So £1267 over a year.

Monthly bus pass -

£1200

That is assuming I don't want to go anywhere that isn't on the bus network, late at night or on a Sunday when the buses don't run. Having the bike would also open up a lot more possibilities for work which the bus doesn't.

Have you got leathers and the like already sorted? Can't see if you said.
If so, then ask, show him what other jobs there is out there, and how much roughly they pay and see what he says

Where do you live that the monthly bus pass is £1200? My annual rail pass into London costs around the same amount.

Do you mean you want the motorbike to get to work rather than look for jobs? Have you started your job search on line and redone your c.v. so it's ready to send out to prospective employers.

Yes I do, I have a full kit including heated grips Just need the bike!

Ask then, I would!

That's for the year @Storybarn, it's £100 a month but there are days and times I can't use it (ie after 10 and Sundays).

I've been jobsearching and sending out CV's for months but had no luck. I'm applying for lots of different kinds of job. Many adverts state that they require applicants to have their own transport due to location. So that immediately excludes me

Normally I would say don't ask your dad for more money when you already owe and haven't started paying back yet. BUT I think in your case you are somewhat trapped by circumstance and this could be the leg up you need to break out of it.

I'm looking at this too OP, in a similar position.
I think I'm opting for a moped as have never been a driver before.
I'm sure the cost will be recouped from savings from stopping public transport.
Please don't get a loan, ask a friend, family member, anything.
Maybe ask a few for a smaller amount rather than one person for it all.
If you were my dd/ds I'd give you the money, no problem. If I didn't have it I'd get a loan for you.
Good luck with the job search, get the interviews first, when offered the job then look at transport.

I'd ask your Dad, But I would come up with a payment plan before you put it to him and set up a standing order for this so you dont even miss the money.
Pay-day loans are awful- please don't go down this route

I've read this before.

Is the OP still there?..

Yes I am, I did ask for the money and he was lovely about it - he did offer but sadly it has sold now. Never mind, I may find something better, at least I know the offer is there and I have an option for the future. In the meantime I can try to save as best as I can

Don't know where you live, but where I am the government has this program called Wheels to Work and may be something similar in your area.

Wheels to Work in County Durham

A brand new Wheels to Work transport scheme is now running in County Durham.

If you're struggling to get to your job, can't cope with the college commute or can't afford a car, Wheels to Work can help.

This new moped-loan scheme aims to help people access employment, training or education that would otherwise be inaccessible due to poor public transport connections or out-of-hour work patterns.

The project has been funded by three of our Area Action Partnerships (AAP's): Chester-le-Street and District AAP, Stanley AAP and Mid Durham AAP in partnership with us, in response to a growing need to help local people get to work or college.

Applicants who live in one of these AAP areas can apply to join the scheme to borrow a 125cc scooter for six months to help establish themselves in work and/or training.

Who qualifies for a loan?
There are a number of conditions that applicants must meet in order to be eligible, but some of the main criteria include:

a minimum lower age limit of 16
the possession of a provisional driving licence
the means to pay the weekly fees
The scooter loan costs £30 per week, although there is a reduction for those on apprenticeships, and participants receive a wide range of benefits, including full personal protective equipment (brand new helmet, gloves, armoured jacket, high visibility vest, waterproof over-trousers and heavy duty lock), insurance, break-down cover, road tax and servicing, as well as motorcycle training at Ace Motorcycles in Durham.

Participants also get the chance to buy the moped from the scheme, in partnership with a local Credit Union, after the loan period.

A number of people have already joined Wheels to Work and are now independently mobile, using their new scooters to get to work on time - it could be you!

How to apply
If you're interested in applying for a scooter loan, or if you'd like to find out more, get in contact with the Wheels to Work team check out the website Wheels to Work for more information.

What type of work are you looking for? If you live in a university town then have a look on their vacancy websites. Universities employ everyone from admin staff, librarians, manual staff, cleaners as well as teaching staff. Worth checking as well as schools, hospitals and your council web pages.