Feel like a failure

[lyssie29]

Hi my fiance died 5.5 years ago and I had to quit my job as we had a 6 month old baby and a 3 year old and no childcare. My youngest is now at school and I've been on universal credit since October. I can still only do mainly school hours and I'm feeling really low at the minute as nearly every job I see advertised says I need to be fully flexible etc . My sister was saying that it can't be helped and I know that but I still feel like a big loser because I can't get a job. I only have experience in retail. I don't feel like I'm a very good example for my kids since I don't work. My eldest who is 8 said I just sit around and don't anything all day while they're at school and I know she's young but obviously that's not what I want her to think. It's just making me feel really down. Has anyone been in this situation? Did you find a job eventually?

What did you do before? Deos the school have childcare after school?

@L1ttleSeahorse they do have an after school club I think until 5 so when I apply for jobs I put down I can work until 4.30 as I don't drive and will need to get public transport home. But being retail theyre open until 8pm so alot ask for full flexibility between 8 and 8. I have tried cleaning jobs but they are either very early or after office hours on the evening. I worked evenings in a petrol station previously. My fiance worked days while I had the children and then when he got home I went to work.

What about admin work?

You are absoluretly NOT a failure. I do know once that's in your head its hard not to have a negative spiral. You have been there for your kids and given them a great start.

I think it would do your self esteem wonders if you could get a p/t job though. And break that negative cycle.

Would care work be okay? Some care companies will take on restricted hours.

Lots of admin type jobs.

I've found retail aren't easy to get into without flexibility. Friends who have found once they are in they can do set shifts but I can't see how people get in without v flexible childcare.

Would you like to study? I'm not brilliantly clued uo but a friend had childcare and fees paid for uni as a single parent and it was more flexible than working.

As PP said, what about admin jobs you can do from home? Could you become a virtual personal assistant? Lots of freelance and self employed people and people with very small businesses need these

I've applied for a few admin jobs lately. I haven't seen any remote ones advertised and a lot say experience needed but I will keep checking every day. Thanks.