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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think being forced to get a job when a student is ridiculous?

615 replies

onedaybabywelbeold · 07/06/2021 20:01

I am a 29 year old single mum, I have just finished my 3rd year at uni and going into my honours year. I worked for 10 years full time before going back to education. During the term year I receive student loan which is topped up by universal credit. I have about 1100 pounds to do me for the month so it's doable but tight.

Now that uni is finished for the summer I am obviously getting more universal credit to see me through. However, today I had to meet with my work coach and he told me I should be job hunting for a job over the summer and should treat job hunting as a full time job.

I told him that I might struggle to get a job as I can only work during the hours my daughter is in school, I have no one to help me and she finished school for the summer end of June. Also I told him it would be hard to get a job as I would be leaving again in September, to which he suggested I stay in a job whilst at uni as 'you don't really have to do much work until the end of the year'.

To be honest I don't really want to work when at uni, I mean I wouldn't be any better off than I would be on universal credit yet running with a substantial decrease in time so why would I? Honesty I don't understand the point in this, surely it's just wasting employers time as I'm not very serious about getting a job as I don't have the childcare. However, I'm worried that if I don't get a job they'll start reducing my payment.

AIBU to think the system is absolutely fucked?

OP posts:
WeddingSingers · 07/06/2021 21:33

I wouldn't be any better off than I would be on universal credit yet running with a substantial decrease in time so why would I?
This applies to literally everyone - you work because it's the right thing to do because Universal Credit is for people who can't work (whether that's temporarily or permanently, for whatever reason). Most students work alongside their studies - it's really not an absurd suggestion. And most students (even student parents) don't get universal credit at all.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 07/06/2021 21:33

@SchrodingersImmigrant

Under new UC rules you can't have savings, certainly not enough to get a mortgage Depends where... If it's still 16k saving then you are ok in MANY places. With few grand still left over
It's £6k before they start reducing UC.
FuckMyLife2021 · 07/06/2021 21:33

@Scrambledcustard

Universal Credit is a way of life. You can even get a mortgage with your UC factored in for income.

I honestly don't know who's at fault. Low wages or the entitlement not to have to work. The threshold for UC is quite high.

A colleague of mine dropped from full time to two days a week because she could live off the UC top up.

Genius or cheekyfuckery I still can't decide tbh. She will up her hours when her dc leave full time education. Im in work sweating my back out and she's sat in her garden getting a tan - she isn't legally doing anything wrong. If I didn't have my financial commitments maybe I'd do the same.

Conversely, you can’t have more than 16K in savings and claim UC, so how the fuck does one buy a house on NMW in the first place when as soon as you sit 16K, no more UC? And 16k isn’t even close to a enough for a deposit? Or do people on NMW not deserve to own a home? Very few mortgage companies accept UC.

Save your anger for the companies paying poverty wages, ffs.

NannyAndJohn · 07/06/2021 21:34

@FuckMyLife2021

I’m hoping to get my degree done before I have to move to UC, and this is why.

My degree is STEM and there’s no way I can work alongside doing it, it’s 40 hours a week study and I do around 20 hours a week more on top to cover the breadth and depth part of the content, and I always have at least 2 assignments plus exams on the go, it’s not just the end of the year at all.

I'm responsible for hiring graduates, most have whom have STEM degrees. Every single one of them who gets an interview has some form of term time work experience on their CV, so it can easily be done.
Lalliebelle · 07/06/2021 21:35

Having to work whilst studying is very normal and not at all ridiculous. Part time and temp jobs exist that fit in very well with the academic calendar. Temping in particular is brilliant as you can work just over the summer months without feeling bad about leaving come September. I know it's tough (I had three PT jobs as a student, no universal credit, no parental support, no other income).

SamusIsAGirl · 07/06/2021 21:35

I'd rather people actually have the resources to focus on their tasks at hand rather than be stressed and spending so much dead time jobseeking (because that is what 99% of the time it is).

I did a STEM degree and it would have snowed in hell before I worked anything more than 8 hours a week term time - first summers totally sucked as all there was was factory work.
It would have been so much better to be able to claim something over the vacation as a student - if you are unfit to work you can claim fuck all. I'd have still looked for work but having the money to study as well and not have the ensuing poverty would have been useful.

I'd rather have my tax money fund students of any age rather than a fucking Brexit (gun)boat.

JayAlfredPrufrock · 07/06/2021 21:36

The hospitality industry is crying out for staff.

SofiaMichelle · 07/06/2021 21:37

Forgive me if I'm unsympathetic but I worked night shifts in a packaging factory to make ends meet while I did my degree.

Quite eye opening that you think working isn't worth it because you can get as much on benefits and it won't be a job you want to do.

FuckMyLife2021 · 07/06/2021 21:37

@NannyAndJohn Explain that to me. My contact hours are 9-5, Monday to Friday, for the entire degree. I’m a lone parent with 3DC, one has autism and I receive PIP for mobility issues.

Are all of your STEM Grads single, disabled parents in their mid 30s are they all early 20s?

Overit20 · 07/06/2021 21:38

As a social worker I am surprised by your attitude. You will be expected to support people to make positive changes and this may include finding jobs that they may not have dreamed of to get by. I worked throughout my training with two children. It’s tough but I also showed the children how you can work hard to achieve. You say you have no support so cannot get a job due to child care. I know you are saying that when employed you will pay for child care, I hope you realise that social work is not a 9-5 job. On a side notes, why is is taking you four years to qualify?

HalzTangz · 07/06/2021 21:41

@onedaybabywelbeold

But I'm at uni to ensure that I can get a job I will actually enjoy (hopefully) and work as the next 40 years (hopefully) so surely they would rather I concentrate on my studies than juggle everything and possibly fail? It's one thing if I'm sat on my arse doing nothing then yes, definetely put the pressure on to get a job. However, I'm not, some people may do uni, work, placement, run a household and raise their child alone with little support but I honestly don't see myself managing that. I also volunteer on top of that.
Why would you fail when hundreds of students who are also parents manage to study, work and raise a child.

Sorry but the why should I is a childish strop.
The answer why should you, is because you chose to have a child, you should work to pay for their upkeep.

Stop being spoilt,its manageable to do a course and work part time. You can claim childcare too

Lebowitzlove · 07/06/2021 21:41

Most of the people on this thread are not single parents I would guess. We all work as students but it’s different when you are also singly responsible for the care of children too.
You are working towards a good future for yourself and your family. Do what is right for you right now. You are contributing now, ( by prioritising the care of your children) and will be contributing in the future in other ways.
Good luck

Bamoon · 07/06/2021 21:42

I can see why for you it seems a bit ridiculous, but that doesn't mean the entire system is fucked.

Christmasfairy2020 · 07/06/2021 21:42

Social work is hard work. My ndn qualified 2 years ago and just had a nervous breakdown down. Have the summer of u need it

SchrodingersImmigrant · 07/06/2021 21:44

It's £6k before they start reducing UC
That's still a deposit for an ok 3 bed terrace where I am. Not the best postcode, but not the worst at all. In bit worse (bit ot can still be good street) it gets a semi...

And 16k isn’t even close to a enough for a deposit?
It's more than enough in MANY places. And I personally know people on nmw who bought houses before covid.

I am not saying it's possible everywhere. By far it isn't, but it's certainly possible in many places. And no. Not just "shitholes".

CovidCorvid · 07/06/2021 21:47

[quote onedaybabywelbeold]@Brefugee no I didn't say that. I said i won't enjoy it nor will it interest me. [/quote]
I don’t think anyone enjoys or finds shelf stacking interesting. 🤷‍♀️ But people do what needs to be done.

SchrodingersImmigrant · 07/06/2021 21:47

Also, just in case real people looking for summer work are reading this.

Hospitality really does need staff, it's not glam, but it's a job and plenty now. Quite a few places are also able to do schooltime hours, or just lunch shift over busy period (like 11-14 for example to cover long shift's staff breaks and busy time). Don't be afraid to ask, even if they aren't advertising it literally. For good staff people do small changes happily. So don't be shy.

WeddingSingers · 07/06/2021 21:48

@SchrodingersImmigrant

It's £6k before they start reducing UC That's still a deposit for an ok 3 bed terrace where I am. Not the best postcode, but not the worst at all. In bit worse (bit ot can still be good street) it gets a semi...

And 16k isn’t even close to a enough for a deposit?
It's more than enough in MANY places. And I personally know people on nmw who bought houses before covid.

I am not saying it's possible everywhere. By far it isn't, but it's certainly possible in many places. And no. Not just "shitholes".

This will sound like an attack because I can't express tone and I don't mean it like that at all. But, WHERE DO YOU LIVE?!? I just bought my first house and my deposit was over £60,000.
smallgoon · 07/06/2021 21:48

I see the bullies are out in full force. Ignore them OP. Ignore them and their sad little lives.

NoProblem123 · 07/06/2021 21:49

Damn I missed the start…….reaches for popcorn

KiwiDramaQueen · 07/06/2021 21:50

Cannot believe the posts on here.

Like most of the posters I worked through uni and the summer holidays... however (also like most of the other posters) I wasn’t a flipping single mum with no support or childcare putting myself through uni to create a better life for me and my child!!

You’re doing great OP. I wouldn’t have been able to do what you’re doing. Do what you need to to get your degree.

Let’s not forget that it wasn’t so long ago that this country would have given everyone free education, all our parents would have got state support to better themselves. It’s sad that anyone should be in the situation the OP is.

Lebowitzlove · 07/06/2021 21:50

Well said @smallgoon
This thread is a depressing read.

Babyroobs · 07/06/2021 21:51

On Uc you would actually be better off working because as you have a child you would get a work allowance meaning a certain amount of your earnings ( depending whether you claim help with rent or not). is disregarded before earnings reduce your UC and even then it is on a taper so you get to keep some Uc and have wages on top. UC is not a bad deal for working parents ( not so great if you are single).

JayAlfredPrufrock · 07/06/2021 21:51

Whose sad little lives? The ones who work?

Cherrysoup · 07/06/2021 21:52

@MrsTerryPratchett @Peoniesandpeaches totally!

I worked throughout my degree, had to, the £20 a week from my parents didn’t go very far. The sense of entitlement from the OP is crazy. Who really enjoys their job (me, mostly, thank god)? I doubt very much that if people could afford to not work that they would choose to carry on.

Many degrees consist of 12-20 hours of lectures/tutorials, yes, people should therefore work to support themselves.