Being self employed with a Sen toddler

[JoyousDeer]

Hi. I’m recently going to do an aesthetics course now i have moderate learning difficulties and level 2 autism and I have a toddler he is 2 and under going assessments for autism and sensory problems, I am worried because I’ve actually never worked but since having my little boy I wanted to give us a better life and I thought that with going self employed I could work around my child so I would only be able to do 3 days a week 8-6pm working each week, I’m scared because I’ve never worked and worrying about my child’s development and how it will affect him or even if I could but I really don’t want to not try I really want to give it ago for my own mental health as I just cannot be a stay at home mum it sends me really depressed doing the same thing again and again.

any advise ?

Totally understand your concerns regarding your child's support needs and it's great you are doing things to improve your mental health and to work.

Does your child recieve disabled living allowance (DLA) which you can use to pay yourself for the care of yourself child. And you do receive DLA do you receive carers allowance? If no to either of the these, you might want to contact CAB or a disability charity to support you to make an application.

It's not all or nothing regarding being self employed. You can earn up to £196 a week whilst getting carers allowance. As long as you are caring for your son 35hrs minimum per week.

If you go self employed the job centre can help you to set up to make sure you are registered with HMRC.

It's great you have such positive plans for yourself and your son.

You can earn up to £196 a week whilst getting carers allowance.

Not yet you can’t. Currently you can only earn £151 or less a week after tax, National Insurance and expenses. It doesn’t increase until the next tax year.

I would reconsider the aesthetics, the market is already hugely saturated and there’s talk in future only registered professionals (eg registered nurse, doctor, dentist) will be able to administer.