Not paying for childcare this autumn as bills go up

[Essenceandvibes]

I've just had an epiphany.....I absolutely won't be paying a penny for childcare this autumn as bills increase and I won't be made to feel guilty about it either. I can work from home and watch my baby and pick up my 10 year old from school without the assistance of anyone else and if my employer has an issue with it, he can pay an extra £2000 per month post tax to cover the cost of full time help.

Our bills are going to be about £800 a month just electricity and gas alone for our detached 4 bed house, this isn't even thinking about the increase of petrol or groceries.

The mortgage has also gone up a few hundred quid too....childcare and commuting is now a luxury not necessity and I really hope every parent joins me in asking for employers like it or lump it

Shameful the government have let everything get this far, the knock on effects will be huge

Yeah- you’re not the best employee are you. If you’re not doing your job, the most likely thing for them to do is to sack you. And they will be well within their rights to do so.

@FinneusMum

You're not coming across very well, just so you know. A little bit arrogant at this point.

Do you not think men do the same?
DH WFH and looks after DD too, will employers stop hiring men?
Doubt it

All the evidence showed that women did a much higher proportion of childcare during the pandemic, even when both parents were WFH. You're being very naïve if you think that this wouldn't be detrimental to women's careers as a whole - the pandemic is a prime example of this.

You definitely won't be able to cover the mortgage and bills when you get sacked
Look at the bigger picture

So just as I said then, it's a doddle.
You only do 2-3 hours/day which makes it possible to manage without childcare. A proper, full time, demanding role wouldn't be possible.

My mind's all open thanks so I have the sense to realise that very few people are in your (very fortunate) position. It would be better if you were supporting others who are 'down the mines' rather than showing off on the internet. Besides, pride comes before a fall.

@durianne

I suspect you are right, along with delusions of grandeur. Even if it’s totally true, good for them however I suspect they are a long, long way off causing some sort of revolution here on mumsnet, where people do tend to work productively for a living and would quite like to remain in employment.

LOL at being told to open your mind. Thank you for all your hard work and contribution to society.

I agree that we need to do something about the increased cost of living. I don't agree that stretching yourself everyday between caring for your baby and working is the way to go about it. You will struggle, your mental health will struggle, your baby will be at a disadvantage.

I think we'll do the don't pay campaign too. They're taking the piss with their huge profits. They got into the business of fossil fuels knowing we'd run out, they don't get to wreak the profits then pass on the shortfalls.

I'm also "highly valued" in my NHS role. My job requires a PhD level qualification and there is high demand for my skills. I get paid on the higher bands and I could get paid significantly more in private practice. But I'm still not going to start refusing to turn up to see my patients and allow my colleagues to absorb my work. Because I care about my patients and my team. That doesn't make me a "sheep" or whatever other nonsense has been spouted on here. It means I care about my role and the patients I look after and I have a strong work ethic.

I'm slightly mystified. Paying for childcare during working hours is part of a parent's responsibility, isn't it, regardless of how much your other bills increase? When you have children, you assume that you'll be paying for childcare unless one parent decides to stay at home.

I don't think your employer is going to be impressed, OP. They may be fine with WFH a couple of days a week, but not full-time. I'm self-employed, but my DH is now expected to go into the office two days a week, it's not optional.

@FinneusMum

It's not really what you're saying, it's the general tone tbh.

No posting history....always a clue.

That's really kind of you. I honestly did mention being a Dr to gather praise, just because the OP mentioned that she had respect for NHS staff so I thought it might be a useful perspective. I have had my mind opened by doing my job as you say!

I will keep an eye for your thread seeking advice because you've just been disciplined/ dismissed.

It's people like you who give working parents a bad name and child-free people like me who end up picking up the slack.

i doubt my working day adds up to 2 hours tbh.

The adjustment is definitely on its way, 4 day working werk is being trialled, IR35 focused contractor output rather than hours and streamlined so many processes.

thatll trickle down eventually to the masses.
there arent enough resources for everyone.

@FinneusMum

You work for TWO hours a day (fair play). Of course you can manage children at home with those hours, that is hardly revolutionary.

I'm genuinely intrigued by those who claim to work just a handful of hours a day while also sunbathing, supervising swimming lessons and doing housework, do your line managers know that this is all it takes for you to produce such great work that results in promotions and bonuses?

Are they paying you for your output or investing in your time? Do your contracts reflect this with no mention of working hours or times you're expected to be available? Is there no expectation that if they called or emailed you, say between the hours of 9 and 5.30, that you'd respond?

I’m not a psychic, but I can see a P45 in OP’s future.

I think we'll do the don't pay campaign too. They're taking the piss with their huge profits. They got into the business of fossil fuels knowing we'd run out, they don't get to wreak the profits then pass on the shortfalls.

Don’t do this without being aware of the consequences: www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-11070049/amp/What-Dont-Pay-UK-happens-cancel-energy-bill-payment.html

@Essenceandvibes : why not to ask for £2K pay rise and see what your employer's reply will be?