Can't find work because of my location.

[bellastricken]

I work in social research. I have a decent job but hate it. There are loads of jobs out there but very few fully remote and others where they require two days a week in the office. Problem is, I'm a single parent and there is nothing where the office is based in my location. Zilch. I can't move because my mum, dad, brother, sister and a lot of my friends live within 30 miles of me. I feel totally stuck and don't know what to do. Has anyone ever been in the same position and how did you manage it?

Sorry but years ago, when benefits were not so generous, people just moved to get a job.

Can you move within your current place of work? Can you pre-call jobs asking if you can WFH due to your son’s disabilities? I have two teens with similar conditions - DS has the same. It’s hard work so you need your network around you so understand your need to remain where you are. Just a thought but would your mum or dad have your child if you did work remotely but need to go in say 1 day per weeek?
have you tried universities? I worked in medical research and universities can be quite flexible

Yeah, but years ago, most people with children were in two-parent families and families could survive on one salary. Years ago, children walked home from school alone, played out until dusk alone. Parents weren't threatened with neglect if their children were home alone until they got back from work. These days women in particular are expected to be in 2 or more places at once, simultaneoulsy perfect parents and committed workers. It's not sustainable without support. Average salaries can't run to wrap around childcare costs. So, what's the solution?

Always someone has to benefit bash. The op is working. She is earning £45k as a single parent. She wants the support of her family, what is wrong with that?

Think op was implying these people help out with her child making it harder to move for work.

What has benefits got to do with anything? I work full time as a single parent, 5 days a week and two evenings so I can be there for both school runs. The only time I have had out of work is during maternity leave. I get DLA for my son which pays for his play therapy and two after school days a week with a specialist SEND sports provider. I don't really understand why you have shorhorned that in there completely randomly. I am genuinely in awe of myself sometimes and honestly am not ashamed to say that because 10 years ago I wouldn't have imagined I would be capable of working full time, paying a mortgage, raising a disabled child, volunteering for charity and giving my tiny family the best life possible.

I moved across the country with my kids, away from all my friends and family, for a better job. If you choose not to move, then you have to accept the limitations that brings.

@bellastricken
Yes you are doing well. I did not say that you are on benefits. I did say that people had to move before benefits were so generous. They had no choice.
You have a choice. You can either move for a job you want or stay put and do a job you don’t like.

Tonissister

Yeah, but years ago, most people with children were in two-parent families and families could survive on one salary. Years ago, children walked home from school alone, played out until dusk alone. Parents weren't threatened with neglect if their children were home alone until they got back from work. These days women in particular are expected to be in 2 or more places at once, simultaneoulsy perfect parents and committed workers. It's not sustainable without support. Average salaries can't run to wrap around childcare costs. So, what's the solution?

👏👏👏👏👏

Also all the people saying ‘move’- I’m always perplexed by this being any sort of a suggestion unless it’s a rich family losing out because of a huge mortgage. Moving somewhere you know nobody and add to this the costs associated probably causes more problems

if the jobs are asking for 2 days in the office - is it possible to stay where you are and then stay overnight to do the 2 days whilst your parents look after your son?

Have you looked at jobs in the civil service? There are lots of social research posts and as a lone parent with a child who has additional needs you may be able to get homeworker status.

I don't know if there is any overlap with clinical research, but medical monitoring jobs often come up WFH.
I've never used this site, but might be worth a look: https://www.theworkfromhomehub.co.uk/jobs

Firstly - congratulations on what you have achieved. It already sounds pretty formidable what you have already accomplished. In the short-term, could you use a co-working space rather than work from home and you would meet more people/dogs etc and the working time feel more enjoyable?

I think the secret is to be really left-field and forensic in your job search. What are your transferable skills? Do you manage people, contractors, budgets? Could you get a job at a university on the non-academic side? Be really clear what it is you dislike about your current job and use that to inform your search. I agree with other posters that civil service and local government shouldn't be ruled out. Also your volunteering work might open doors. I have a friend who has pivoted from a PR agency to general project management in their local council and someone else who took a paycut to be a front-line support worker for people with addiction issues but has now got a promotion. Someone else has joined the police on a fast-track scheme to become a detective later in life. Might it be possible to cut your hours of current job and combine it with something you find more fulfilling? Or work towards a promotion and then cut down your hours? Some of the responses here seem very harsh. Rise above that and use the fact you have already achieved a lot as a good sign you can absolutely take the next step.

My dd1 single parent lived 3 hrs away, moved back near to family 18 months ago, best decision, support whenever needed, I currently take dgd to school every morning and look after baby so she has a life outside the home. When she returns to work there will be overnight stays so I can help as much as possible. As a single parent your support network is the most important thing, a no negotiable imo.

Is there nothing within commutable distance? Say an hours drive?

I would apply and when offered the job say you’d need to do a flexible working request and see if they can adapt the in office requirement

Ignore comments like that about benefits - some people have to shoe horn in either benefits or immigration into any post , even when totally not applicable - I get you OP , you have very specific circumstances and in those circumstances familiarity comes first - I would have a good think about what it is you really don’t like because even the most perfect jobs on paper often can turn into a ball ache - sometimes it really is best if you can separate it mentally when everything else is right and think ‘I’m working to live, rather than living to work , but that’s ok ! My H works in his dream job in a very sought after business and has for 25 years, we run a business in it , he still moans every single day - there are various aspects he hates but I honestly think so many jobs are like this

I think you're getting a hard time on this thread, OP, from people who don't know the field. Just commenting to say I've PM'd you a suggestion in case you're not checking them due to the hostility you're getting! Good luck with it