To feel like I've failed?

[username901]

I lost my job. I'm a single parent. I need another one ASAP otherwise I'll have to pull DS out of his nursery and go on benefits and stay at home. I've applied for 20+ and either didn't get it, haven't heard back or got it but the hours don't suit.
I've never felt like such a failure that an option might be to take DS out of nursery where he loves it. He wouldn't be able to get another place there if I took him out and did get another job and childcare is so limited to find a place (his name was on the list for this nursery for over a year before he started).
I've woke up just feeling like utter crap (again).

Gown old is he? You could still be entitled to some free hours of childcare. I think it was 15 hours a week. Could you reduce his hours to mornings at his current nursery?

how old

@Conflicted2019 definitely don't qualify for that at all!

Right, what kind of job are you looking for? Are you getting interviews or knocked back at the application?

@SavoyCabbage honestly - any. Most places want 5 days a week and I can only do 3 or 4 (and no option to up the days at nursery). I'm getting knocked back at the application or not hearing for the most part! I've had 2 interviews where I've been unsuccessful as they require someone to be flexible for weekends/evenings. I just feel stuck!

You say the hours don’t suit on the jobs you have been offered, have you tried to negotiate? Sounds like you have nothing to loose here by being pushy.

I sympathise, it’s a shit situation.

Are you in England OP?

@Conflicted2019 I'm not!

@Biscusting not really, feel like there's no point at that point. I've got basic qualifications but little work experience and don't feel very valuable!

Would signing up for a temping agency work? They might want 5 days a week but might not. It's probably worth signing up or contacting them.

Maybe you could use this time to do a degree? There are government study grants for single parents on benefits. You could retrain, then look for your dream job when your D.C. starts school?

What’s the problem with upping nursery? No space? You are going to struggle to find part time, unless you are looking for certain roles where negotiation is common place and you have skills they really value

20+ dosnt seem that much especially as you say you got some but couldnt do the hours

Take control of the situation, use this time to get an education. Do a degree, or course in a trade that you can use to work from home. This will make you much more employable. Losing a nursery place isn’t the end of the world, it’s easy overthinks things until they feel overwhelming. This is a chance for you to make some changes for the better.

@HasThisSoddingNameGoneToo I've tried, all jobs 5 days so far.

@Passthecherrycoke no spaces for months.

@Stormy76 it's just guilt about taking him out of somewhere he's got used to and really likes!

Can you start looking at alternatives now?
A second nursery, childminder etc? Any job you get won't start immediately, you’ll at least have a couple weeks notice.

Can you look for something self employed temporary for now like cleaning/dog walking? Do you have a friend or relative who can help with the other 2 days just until the right job comes along then taking any job to be employed?

Why did you lose your job?

Does the reason impact future job prospects?

Do you drive? Could something like Amazon Flex work for you?

amazon.co.uk/]]

amazon.co.uk/]]

Can’t get link to behave. Just put Amazon Flex into google

If you are reliable and hardworking you are very valuable! Don’t think otherwise.

I did a bit of cleaning and house keeping when I had an employment gap, but couldn’t commit to long hours. I could pick and choose suitable clients because there was a demand for the service. Could you do that?