... to ask for job suggestions?

[Trappedmumof3]

Hi all, I'm stuck in a job rut and need to get out of it (mainly so that I can get my kids and I away from my ex).

I've got 3 kids, who are all at secondary school. I currently work as a TA in a school, which is great as it fits so well around the kids. I've done this job since my youngest started school. I love it but simply can't earn enough to get away from my ex. Before having the kids I worked in engineering but I can't see myself going back to my old job for various reasons.

I need a new job! I'm open to suggestions, but they need to meet a few criteria:

• I need to be able to take holiday time during school holidays (term time only would be ideal but that seems to limit me to schools - unless anyone knows otherwise)
• I need to be around in the mornings to sort breakfast etc. and see the kids out the door - so not starting before 8.30am
• I need to be home by 5 ish - so not finishing after 4.30pm
• I need a regular job i.e. not a zero hours contract or being self employed
• I've discovered that I need to not do a predominantly desk-based job. I'm much better doing a job that's up and about quite a lot rather than just sitting at a computer all day every day
• I need to be earning more than the £1.2k a month that I'm earning now!

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks so much

Are you primary TA? Lots more variety of roles in secondary schools - Head of Year, mentor roles, Attendance Support. Also SEND roles like deputy SENCO, ELSA/MELSA support. Most pay better than standard TA salery, but I have to say they are still not brilliantly paid.

Yes, primary at the moment. I've gone through all the vacancies at the local secondary schools but the pay is only £100 - £200 a month more than I'm currently on. Thanks though

Admin for nhs, university or local council. Pay might not be quite there at the start. Some roles have an element of work from home sometimes. A standard office day though is generally 7.5 hours. 8 if you include half hour unpaid lunch break. I doubt you'd find any term time only roles.

If the kids are all secondary age do you need all the holidays off ?
Also if you're on a low wage would you get universal credit?

Healthcare Support Worker

Higher-level Teaching Assistant

Community Outreach Worker

Public Sector Admin

Postie

Good luck, OP.

Thanks for the replies, I'll look into the suggestions!

I don't need to be around for the whole of the school holidays, but certainly need to be able to take a week and/or some odd days off from work. I'll admit that I will really miss having the holidays though!!