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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

help me find work

5 replies

need2findwork · 07/10/2023 11:58

Not really aibu but panicking and thought I ask the MN hive.

I have 3 DC - two with additional needs. DC1 (16) has a rare genetic illness and severe learning disabilities. Attends special school, on transport. No breakfast club, no after school club and no childcare in the school hols. DC2 has a physical illness which currently requires at least weekly hospital appointments. These are during the day. I have worked for a good 12 years for my current company and have a huge amount of flexibility. I can WFH whenever I need, I can attend daytime appointment and just work the time back when it suits me (often evening or weekend). I also have an 8 year old without SN. My company is closing down which will leave me redundant from mid Oct onward and I massively struggle to find work. I need something with the same degree of flexibility and I am just getting nowhere. I applied for numerous fully remote part time jobs but never heard back. I had a couple of interview for hybrid roles which went well but none of the places interviewing me are happy to give me the flexibility I need. Recruitment agencies say that whilst my CV is looking good, I am not easy to place due to the strings attached and the limited hours I can work.
For context - my background is general office admin. No special skills; I do not drive either. No other support network, no family and friends to help esp with DC1 (who needs 24/7 adult support).

Where else could I look for work? My only alternative is being on UC and carers allowance long term but I really do not want that. Help!

OP posts:
Vocaladvocaat · 07/10/2023 12:02

Copywriting?
Proofreading?
freelance work generally?
online tutoring?
childminding? (You could take 1/2 kids to appointments and it’s often after school kids with a baby)
fostering

Most of these are really flexible, wfh and could work around your commitments. What are you trained in OP?

RaeHitsEbSire · 07/10/2023 12:03

Would you consider remote call centre work? Hours are often flexible because it's shift work. The only hours issue might be the training phase when starting, but that might apply to any job. If you join a large company, the benefits are usually very good. You'd need office skills, which you have, and to like working with people, and resilience because you'll always get some arseholes on the other end of line, whatever the industry.

need2findwork · 07/10/2023 12:15

@Vocaladvocaat Thanks, a few ideas though we live in a small rented flat. childminding wouldn't work esp in the hols when DC1 is at home full time.

No training as such. I studies some social science nonsense many moons ago (BA) and then coasted around in various office/call centre jobs.

OP posts:
need2findwork · 07/10/2023 12:17

@RaeHitsEbSire applied for a few of those but no luck. Also, I found most want people to be flexible and do various shifts on a rota (which I can't). And yes, the initial full time training is another road block ☹️

OP posts:
RaeHitsEbSire · 07/10/2023 12:20

need2findwork · 07/10/2023 12:17

@RaeHitsEbSire applied for a few of those but no luck. Also, I found most want people to be flexible and do various shifts on a rota (which I can't). And yes, the initial full time training is another road block ☹️

Worth keeping on your radar - if you can do evenings/weekends that is a plus!

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