Hi all, NC here as I don't want to be linked back to my previous threads, but I am a frequent user.
Go easy on me here, I really need some advice and I just don't know where to turn. I'm going to put in a bit of personal info here because I am really hoping there are some wise mumsnetters who can see the forest past all the trees, because I certainly can't. And I am sure that there are things I can do, but I'm not sure what they are.
I left my abusive husband 3 months ago and I've been with him since I left school 10 years ago. He controlled all our finances so this is my first bit of adulting and it's not going well. I work full time as a teacher and I have a middle management position. I live in a council flat and receive housing benefit (not a lot) and I get some money from Child Maintenance. In total, that makes my monthly income after deductions £2269.38. My rent is £664 per month, childcare £1648.48. I work 1h15m from home as I can't afford to live nearby and therefore use my car. Petrol costs £80 per month approx. Then I spend about £15pw on food and toiletries. This puts my basic outgoings at £2452.48. This means each month I lose £183.10. That's before my phone bill, additional childcare for Parents' Evenings etc.
I've applied to UC but don't get anything. I have no friends or family that could help out with childcare. And when I say no one, I really do mean I am doing this alone. DD is 20 months, so we are still a fair bit off the 30 free hours. I am trying to relocate up north, but no jobs are coming up for the subject I teach but I am looking as this may help. I could do something else, and have been looking at admin jobs, but a huge pay cut would still put me in the same position. Do you think a weekend job would help me out after the cost of weekend childcare (providing I can find one, as looking at childminders, there seem to be none in the area that work weekends)?
I just don't don't know what to do or where I can go for advice. Any ideas are welcome!