To feel distraught about my housing situation

[everylittlehelpss]

I'm living in damp, mouse infested temporary accommodation miles away from work/nursery with my 2 year old son - I can't help but constantly think about what I should have had and how I've failed him.

Before I got pregnant at 22 I had finished my degree and was working full time in a job I loved, earning enough to save quite a bit each month after paying rent and bills. I've worked since I was 15 and have been saving for a mortgage since I moved out at 16.

My abusive ex and father of my son financially drained me and left me homeless midway through my pregnancy. I'm now working part time as I can't afford to pay for full time nursery and have no way of saving ANYTHING. I can barely get by at the moment and that's including all entitlements to universal credit.

At times I feel genuinely hopeless and can't even begin to think of a better future. The waiting list for council housing in my area is around 6 years and even then it's likely to be a flat in a high rise. I should be grateful but I can't help being so resentful of people with houses and gardens who have never worked a day in their life. The housing officer even suggested I would be better off not working as I will be seen as "more in need".

I just feel like I've tried so hard but have fucked it all up. I never wanted this for my child as it's how I grew up but here we are.

On the plus side you'll never let anyone financially drain you again.

This sounds awful. Could you try your MP and doctor to support you? Are there any small housing associations you could approach?

There was a brilliant article my DS found that said that the experiences of children when comparing 2 parent to single parent families was wholly dependent on the mother's education. The fact that you've got a degree is a huge advantage and things will get better.

I feel for you, but perpetuating this narrative about people living the high life on benefits and ‘openly laughing’ at people who work etc only helps keep the tories in power, which is the root cause of the wealth gap.

Opposed to people having children tbry can't afford? Yep, all the Tories fault, that!