Single mum how to go full time to part time? Please help

[elephantshoes82]

Hi this is the first time I have posted on here but I don't know how to get out of the situation I find myself in.

I'm a mum of 1, he's 5. I split up from his dad 3 years ago and have always worked full time. I earn around £20k doing a role I have worked my way up in over the last 7 years. However I am starting to hate my job because the pressure is immense & my travel times are about 2 hours a day. I feel constantly tired and feel like I'm being pulled in lots of different directions. I also feel like I'm failing my child cos I don't spend enough time with him.

I want out of my job but I want a change too. I went onto the online calculator and it said I would be better off by around £60 a week if I took a pay cut and did less hours. But I'm scared. Can that be right? I have no savings and my family live miles away. How long do things take to get sorted?

Any help would be much appreciated

[LadySybilLikesSloeGin]

//www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_welfare_benefits_reform_e/benefits_uc_universal_credit_new/benefits_uc_work_related_requirements/benefits_uc_which_work_related_requirements_do_you_have_to_meet.htm There's some more info here, it's pretty difficult to read as it doesn't make a great deal of sense.

[LadySybilLikesSloeGin]

Be careful with tax credits. They will start to implement Universal Credit at some point and they could turn around and say that you're not working enough if you're part time. Are you able to work from home for one day, or work 4 days but longer hours?

[meglet]

I think that in general tax credits usually balance it out. So as long as you are working more than 16 hours a week you're entitled to something.

I work 3 days a week, it's just about manageable. Anymore than that and I'd be broken.

Hopefully someone else will know more than me.