To think there's no way to win as a single parent

[middlemuddle]

I am a single parent of 3 DCS age 7,4 and 3. I want to go back to work to support my DCs, but part-time pays pittance and full-time would not only be hard but it would also be tough on my rescue dog. I would have to put him in doggy day care which costs a fortune and I'm worried what effect it would have on him, not to mention the effect on my kids going from having a SAHM to a full-time working one. They've already had a lot of change with me separating from their dad.

Also, I posted on here before saying about how I would like to go back to work but I'd be then put on UC. I was told I wouldn't be put on UC but my friend in a similar situation but has two DCs has been told she'd have to change over to UC so now I'm wondering which scenario it will be.

I feel so stuck. I'm in a private rent that is 2 bedrooms and I can't afford to move to a 3 bed because here it is so expensive, and I would need a HB top up. However around here there is rarely a landlord that accepts HB and if they do it's usually the dodgy ones. I've been on the council list for 4 years and have reasonably high points, and I'm currently under a section 21 notice as my landlords want their house back but the council aren't doing anything unless they seek a possession order.

What on earth do I do? Please refrain from slating me over my lifestyle choices, I'm fully aware that everyone hates single mum 'spongers' who rent because they're just so irresponsible, so I don't really need anything adding on top of it.

Well, you can't with 3 DC and a dog. I personally would rehouse the dog as that seems to be a major hurdle.

Are the DC in school / nursery?

So you can’t work because of your dog? Wow that’s a new excuse.

Did I say I can't? Or did I say it'd be expensive and I was worried about the effect on him? It would cost 200 a month, so it's a consideration if I work part-time as there's no help for the cost.

I was willing to give it a read until you mentioned the dog

Sorry I can’t imagine it’s really hard for you. Is there anyone who might help with dog? Pop in each day and take him for a walk?
For example I am recently retired and need to do more exercise. I don’t think I want a dog full time as it would tie me down too much but would be happy to help out a neighbor.
Do you know any dog lovers who might help?

Is there anyway you could find a job that fits around your DC? Are there any jobs you could do that you could work from home with?. Do you have any family or friends that could pop in a let the dog out for a wee? I do sympathise, I’m a single mum of 4. I understand how hard it is.