working abroad with a 2 year old. . single mum

[mummykayxx]

hi, im a single mum to my 2 year old son. I'm so bored of my life. theres a big world out there and I'm stuck in a tiny town. I want to go and work abroad just for a season. a friend works in turkey atm but travels around each season. does anyone know if this is realistic? I'm not fussy what work I do. I have qualifications in childcare and criminology. I don't speak fluent in any other languages. my friend works in the kids clubs and stuff, something I like the sound of. would I be able to afford the cost of living and nursery fees? any advice welcome. Thanks (: x

It is very unlikely to work with a 2 year old, and you'd be stuck inside in the evenings to get him to bed on time, so wouldn't have much chance to enjoy it. Wait and do it when your son is older. Could you consider a career change/ going back to uni/ moving within the UK/ planning and saving up for a big travel adventure holiday in a few years time (drive across Europe in a camper the summer before he starts school...)?

i can't see why it wouldn't work.... you'd need to look into nursery costs and potential wages and stuff.
does your friend know anyone else who has done it with kids in tow? perhaps it would help to talk to others in the same position?

I live away from all my family, with my dh though, and my dds were 2&5 when we moved away. It's incredibly hard having no family. You have to do every little thing yourself. Nobody is going to ake them for a walk down to the post box.

When my dd started school the school wanted two emergency contacts before they let me leave her. This was on the first day so she was standing there in her uniform. They let me use one overseas one but they wanted a local one. The woman behind me said that I could put her. So I did. I didn't know her name. I just had to stay alive! Five years later and dh and I do not traveling the same at without the dc! Like the royal family!

You could try it. But a word of caution, I have lived in a country where I didn't speak the local language. It takes much longer to do anything because you have to work out all the admin house, nursery etc. ppl are not always accommodating and friendly abut this. You lose your support network and have to start from scratch. Your child may have challenges in adapting. Think about what that countries attitude to single parents are. Also waiting lists for child care. I live in Switzerland. The waiting list for the local nursery is 3 years. Also once the excitement of moving is over life is still the same routines etc but you are just in a different country

How about a proper nanny job in a big European capital?

thanks for the comments. I'm on my own here anyway, so wouldn'take a difference really. I'm not thinking forever, just a summer. just want to see the world a little bit! (:

In that case give it a go. I would make sure you leave some money in the bank to come back to, just in case.

What about moving to London instead?

Savoy I live abroad too, moved 6 years ago with DH and a 19 month old and 6 months pregnant, barely spoke the language at the time. It was very hard but long term worth it (we're still here, plus a 3rd DC). However Mummykay isn't talking about a long term move or something to benefit her or her husband/ partner's career long term, she is talking about a summer doing seasonal work - low pay, long hours, main perk being after hours socialising and days off on the beach - unless I've read it wrong. I doubt a summer job in a kids club will pay separate nursery fees, but it could work of kay can take her DS with her to work. This may not be possible though (for example the kids club may only cater to older children or they may need her to be flexible). Additionally the kids club staff usually also do the kids early (ish) evening entertainment - mini disco type stuff - which she would need a babysitter for... If not she'll be stuck in in the evenings so not socialising with her colleagues.

It is purely my opinion that this won't work well, if at all, with a toddler in tow, but that there are lots of other things the OP could do to liven up her life or make a change - seasonal work with tourists is low paid and odd hours and really unlikely to be the best option to fit around a 2 year old. You'll also be very unlikely to be able to afford a flat of your own - most people doing this kind of work share with several others, also a factor with a toddler where it might be fine alone.

Bonsoir's idea is good - in fact they are desperate for Kindergarten staff in Munich, and there are a lot of Bi-lingual private Kindergartens (I don't think state ones would be allowed to employ somebody without fluent German and the very specific German qualifications done via apprenticeship). Does Bavaria appeal Kay :) I just don't think the studenty summer job at a beach resort idea is going to fly, sorry!

This site allows you to search for jobs in Europe and outside - I signed up when I had one DC and there were a regular spattering of jobs outside the UK suited to mums with their own child to bring along, and other childcare experience/ qualifications, though I can'T vouch for them as I never took it further:

www.nannyjob.co.uk/