@plinkyblonk that's exactly what I had to do. When I was made redundant, after 9 months of literally applying non stop, savings all gone, I had to accept anything to be able to pay the bills. Losing my house wasn't an option. I've worked so hard for it, done it all on my own. Throwing it all away because no one would employ me as 'I was overskilled' for their job broke my heart. In the end I had to beg saying I have no intention of leaving. I have a home. I don't want to lose it. I want to work and settle in a job permanently.
I had to change sector completely which brought an horrendous salary drop down to min wage, but I managed just about.
But then I fell pregnant and was in a very toxic relationship where he racked up lots of debts all in my name and now I am stuck paying them still.
I enjoy my job now but it's not enough to be satisfied until I retire. I've recently been offered jobs back in my old sector. I was so happy, but then had to write all the pros and cons down and let's just say it wasn't good.
I was gutted as whilst it's just me and my DS whatever I do has to work around him. With no childcare option because family work themselves and not being able to afford childcare it's hard already to start somewhere new. I work 10 minutes from the school and my work day starts 10 minutes after I drop him off and finishes 10 minutes before I pick him up. I have zero spare time. These other jobs would add 40 mins to an hour each way. Breakfast club is strictly from 8am (they won't allow him in even 1 minute before 8am) and there is no afterschool club. These other jobs require me to work all over the country. How can i possibly do that again.
I feel trapped in my situation and relying on tax credits. I know I am going on about wanting my award to be finalised. But that's because we already live on the breadline as it is. So losing £200 a month since May (plus loss of maintenance) has been very hard on us.
But through all the hardship I have to say I now hold such a higher value for the simpler things in life like time. I know I can get us through on very very little money. The time I have had with my son where I've been able to leave work and leave it there, so I can focus on being a mom has been so precious and is something I am very grateful for.
I'm over half way through their specified time frame now for getting 2018/19 finalised. Hopefully it stays that way which will mean I have less time to wait now than I have had to wait already. I does sound this year that most claimants see having similar waits.
I look forward to the day I get to say its finalised.