Work/ family balance

[Winter202454]

I started a new job Sept 24, working 36hrs all year round. Previously I was working 30hrs term time only.

I have taken on more hours starting this week (41) thinking the money will be great but the hours are long. I pay around £300PM in tax and NI.

I use a childminder for my DD10 and stress about the holidays as I have no family around. Lots of my holiday gets taken by bank holidays.

My theory has been work as much as I can so I claim less UC but I feel like im working myself into the ground.

I dont know what the right amount of hours etc are per week! If I worked less hours I would pay less tax etc.

Is DDs dad in the picture?

Is the £300 per month the extra you get from the additional hours? How does that balance against extra childcare costs? And is there any opportunity to do flexible working?

I'm in a similar position to you - although working 36 not 41 hrs a wk. It is tough, i totally get it. Constantly feel like you're chasing your tail!

School holidays are a mix of my annual leave, kids dad having them, and holiday clubs. The holiday clubs don't come cheap, but they do keep the children engaged and busy and frankly are the only option with no family in the area.

It's that or unpaid leave which would leave me worse off than paying for holiday club.