Am I crazy...

[puddinmama]

Hi

please some hand holding or a good kick

basically I have been on income support since I had my first child (7 years) , now this year I have decided that I need to get a job and any job at that as I dont want to be on benefits my whole entire life. Since I havent finished my degree or anything still 2 years to go with the ou, I will be working for minimum wage, so tomorrow I have a job interview for a job which will be 25 hours at £6 per hour, so really we are just going to be the same not better or worse off until my dh gets work.

People are telling me I shouldnt be making all this effort etc, but I'm determined to work for whatever I get

also I'm scared this is all new to me and I worry about childcare, my youngest starts school this year, so its really only after school care

could someone please tell me that this is a good thing I'm doing, and if any knows about this stuff money etc maybe some advice there and the kids and organisation thing

thanks in advance

Good for you - I don't have any advice but it sounds realy brave and positive, what you're doing and in the long run it'll be so worth it.

Hi

Thanks kittycat, much appreciate some positivity, seriously I think even my husband was raising his eyebrows at the fact that we arent going to be better off, so I just chime 'we'll be paying our own bills and thats enough for me right now'

It's an utter disgrace that people can be working and no better off. However, hopefully the imminent welfare reform will improve that situation.

In terms of your own situation - you are definitely better off, even disregarding the money for the moment, because you will feel better earning your income, you'll be getting out, meeting people, improving your cv - even in a minimum wage job. Also, don't underestimate the long term advantages. Once you are back in the workplace, it's easier to find the next move, increase your hours, get a reference etc.

From your childrens' point of view - they're seeing their mum earning which has to be a good thing. My children have always been to before and after school care and have are fine.

Well done - now enjoy.