To get a job at 54 and a half....

[Bigwelshlamb]

I have a lot of caring responsibilities which are slightly easing off now. I have the chance to apply for a job that I can fundamentally WFH with occasional in-office days. Part time, small salary, under 20k but has a civil service pension. So I have no private pension now, I currently get UC and have done a calculation on Turn2us which says I'll be better off monthly. Re. The pension.. is it worth it? God knows I've left it late but would you bother? I would love a job, because I've had nothing for myself iykwim but is it even worth paying into a pension at this grand old age... And if I pay more into the pension to make it worthwhile, would that mean I could keep more of my UC? No clue what to do and any advice is welcome.

Well as it stands you could be working until at least 67 so that's 13 years of working and paying into a pension.

Employee also contributes to it as well. Even if it's not a huge amount, you can still take it as a lump sum when you are eligible to claim it. Better than nothing.

I've no idea how it works alongside wages and UC though

I went back to work a couple of years ago at a very similar age. It’s amazing to have something for myself, something where I’m not the mum of autistic kids. Do it. And I pay as much as I can into my pension. Probably too little too late but every little helps.

Can't help with the UC but have a look at the pensions calculator.
https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/knowledge-centre/pension-schemes/premium-scheme-guide/how-your-pension-is-worked-out/

Never ever listen when people say it's too little or too late. You don't have a time machine, you do have now. Say it with me Every. Little. Helps!

You get free money for even bothering, it's win win.

Yes that where I am.... I'm glad you understand my situation because it's only now when my child has reached 20 when I could consider doing something for myself... She has three younger brothers too but the youngest is 12 and I still want to be here when they get home. I know that's a luxury but I've found the amount of parenting required increases as they go through teenage years with exams and stuff. This would be a perfect opportunity for me, totally manageable 😊

Go for it

I don’t think you can claim additional UC though for topping up your pension more - at least I hope you can’t as that would be a very unfair system

A civil service pension works out at 27%. It's definitely worth it. BUT, it is tied to state pension age unlike private pensions.

Please do it! I am your age and in your situation. I would love a job and something for me. This sounds perfect and will be great for your 12 year old to see. I am jealous but so pleased you have the opportunity. Good luck!

With 13 years remaining, you can probably add 3k+ to your annual pension. But I think the main benefit is actually getting out there, having something you can be proud of, making friendships, gaining skills... Pension is just a nice bonus.

Definitely do it!!

If it doesn’t work out you can always leave.

Sounds like a splendid opportunity to have something that is yours. As PP have said lots of benefits other than juat financial.

@Bigwelshlamb my DH didn't start paying into a pension til he was 53 and when you consider how long he's probably going to be working it makes sense to have something over nothing

I went back to school at 56 and started a new career at 58 and have now my own private practice at 64. I love it! Do it!

@pikkumyy77 can I ask what you do please?

Op definitely do it, I'm in a similar position and looking at going back to work!

Yes do it. Plenty of civil servants here who can help advise about the application process if you need help with that.

Definitely go for it if you have the opportunity.

I am 51 and in a vaguely similar position. I work very part time in a caring role and have also spent several years caring for a lo. I desperately want a wfh job and to earn some decent money for myself (and to have a small pension pot).

Sorry to be nosey but do you have qualifications for the job you are applying for? I ask simply because the last time I held down a actual office based job (NHS) was 16 years ago. I’m trying some online courses but have been afraid to start applying for wfh jobs incase I’m turned down because of my age and/or lack of up to date experience. The relentlessness of caring has knocked my confidence a little tbh.

OP, there's also a chance you may get promoted or move jobs once you are back in the workforce, that's a positive too.

Do it! You could transform your life with this job.
It will upskill you - you could stick with this job or go for promotions later on.
If it's civil service you will also get access to other employee benefits, there's a whole package of things there.
If you've been filling your time with caring responsibilities then this will be a new focus which is good for the mind.
And the pension is absolutely worth it, your employer will pay into it too. If I were you I would go for the maximum pension contributions and really boost the pension pot. If you work for the next 10-15 years, which at your age is fine, that pension pot will grow nicely!

54 and a half?

Err, yeah, go for it.

Thank you all... I do have a degree, a good one but have never directly used it and it isn't particularly pertinent to this job. I have done loads of voluntary stuff and I do have transferable skills. I did have a job for a year about 10 years ago but had to leave because my child had to come out of school. The application process is not so much about previous work but what general skills you can bring and only basic IT skills required, they do train employees (thank goodness). It isn't brain surgery but I think it could be interesting day to day. I've been fortunate enough not to be too isolated during my almost endless years of caring stuff and actually even that has given me skills I can use. But yes, confidence... As an extroverted introvert is an issue; I know for a fact I couldn't do all week in an office and balance my home life which is much more important than anything else. I am nervous but this employer walks the walk in their recruitment policies and I think it would be a good fit for me. Shitting myself though and acutely aware that as an adult woman who pays pensions for her children, I haven't got a bloody clue how it all works...

Definitely go for it