Why is is so hard to find a job that fits around kids

[rochee1]

Hi all, Just wanted to know why it's so hard to find part-time work that fits around kids school hours. I am very open to any kind of work just need it to be 9-2pm but have been struggling for years to find the perfect hours. I do work part-time but its only 6 hours a week which does not help at all when you're trying to survive in this day and age. My partner works full time and I want to do my bit. I do a couple of things online like sell on eBay etc to make a few extra pounds but it's not always guaranteed like a proper salary. Has anyone else found this hard especially when you really want to work and nothing is suitable? Why can't employers be more willing to offer more flexible hours for parents, especially mums?

I find it incredibly frustrating that companies are rarely prepared to be flexible on hours. My job is fairly skilled, but just doesn't exist in part-time format (I'm self-employed now as it was the only way to have control over the hours I worked). There's no reason why it can't be done part-time, except that it rarely has been.

If I ran a company I'd want to get the best employees, and that could well involve 2 part-time people rather than 1 full-time. Obviously there are jobs where that wouldn't work because you need the post covered at all times, but there are plenty of times when it would work fine.

In general, though, I think the UK isn't as considerate of a work-life balance as some other places. There isn't as much flexibility or creative thought about different options.

My sister-in-law was complaining recently about people who work part time, that they didn't pay as much tax as her (working full-time) and were probably claiming benefits and therefore costing her money. She didn't seem to understand that firstly, it was entirely possible that there was no point in them working in the afternoon and having to pay childcare costs (the school has aftercare, but quite limited numbers); secondly, they're probably not getting a fortune in benefits; thirdly, it's their choice that that's what works best for their family. As far as SIL is concerned, everyone should work full-time so lots of tax is being paid (I'm not sure where she thinks all these full-time jobs are coming from). This is despite the fact that she takes every opportunity to reduce her tax bill and claim anything she's entitled to.

I find it incredibly frustrating that companies are rarely prepared to be flexible on hours.

Why should they? They're running a business, not a charity.

She didn't seem to understand that firstly, it was entirely possible that there was no point in them working in the afternoon and having to pay childcare costs (the school has aftercare, but quite limited numbers); secondly, they're probably not getting a fortune in benefits; thirdly, it's their choice that that's what works best for their family.

There's definitely a point to working as much as possible, for starters, your pension. For another, ability to support yourself if your relationship breaks down or your partner dies. You're right, now no one is going to get much in benefits because everyone is being transitioned to UC but a large part of the philosophy behind that is exactly as your sister says, the government and taxpayers got tired of funding people to stay at home when they're capable of working FT. It's fine to 'make the best choice for your family' as long as you can afford to do it off your own back.

Me33, living rurally with no car is a massive problem. Your circumstances are not going to improve unless you get on the road, so I would be going all out for moving into town unless you can get yourself on the road.

It’s such a shame, as living rurally has lots of positive aspects. But it’s the reality.

Good luck with your job hunt.

I am returning to work in a supermarket. 5-6am starts so I can finish 1-2pm to collect from school and baby is only in childcare for half a day.
A relative worked for John Lewis call centre and did 930-230 midweek and one full weekend day. So no childcare required.
Yes ago I worked in a pub doing evenings. I have also worked in childcare. The jobs do exist. Maybe not incredible pay but I get to spend time with my family

@pootyisabadcat employers should be flexible where they can because it makes employees happier, and therefore more likely to be productive and loyal.

It also gives them a wider base of people to pick from to fill vacancies. If you advertise a more flexible vacancy, chances are you'll have more people applying. There are loads of people out there who would do a great job, but need to work part time for whatever reason. It makes bad business sense to exclude them.

The people my SIL complains about are mostly working part time. If course it makes sense to not be financially dependant on a partner, but that's none of her business, and anyway, she doesn't know what their financial status is. Plus, she exploits every tax loophole she can find to reduce her tax bill, so it's a bit hypocritical to complain that others aren't doing their bit.

It also gives them a wider base of people to pick from to fill vacancies. If you advertise a more flexible vacancy, chances are you'll have more people applying. There are loads of people out there who would do a great job, but need to work part time for whatever reason. It makes bad business sense to exclude them.

No, it doesn't. The majority of people need a FT job to support themselves and don't want to juggle several PT jobs/contracts/flexible hours contracts because they need to pay the bills. It makes even worse business sense not to offer FT contracts with a set number of hours/week. It's why so many people don't like pro rata or part-time or PRN or systems like that.

Her tax issues aside, it's everyone's business to ensure people are doing the best they can to support themselves without dependence on the state, tax loopholes are another thing to campaign against.

I think unless you are very fortunate, they only way to get those hours is to go self employed.

My husband needed a job to fit in around school hours, he now has a little handyman business sure it doesn't rake in the £££ but provides a bit extra to supplement the family income (I work ft).

If you are a beautician, surely the majority of your clients with money to spend on treatments will be working themselves, so limited opportunities to make money between 9-2 as you suggest?

Can you do treatments in the evening?

@Me33

It’s a real bind, isn’t it.

A pp suggested doing an online tefl and tutoring English online. This is not up everyone’s street, but is the sort of line of work you can do from home (if your broadband is broad enough).

Other things to consider are assessing: if you are a health professional, I often see external assessor work advertised for health and social care qualifications; it may be more involved, but I imagine you’d be sent people’s portfolios to assess, which can be done from home. Might be worth looking at the exam boards websites to se what their requirements are.

Thank you for all for your great advice
I think I may go and do some training to gain some more confidence and experience and look into evening jobs for now. My partner works 7 days a week and does all he can when he has days off, we not married but been together 15 years as married lol and I will definitely look into what the school offer as regards to childcare. Thank you x

we not married but been together 15 years as married lol

You have no marital rights if you are not married or have gone to court and obtained a civil partnership. NONE. It's a very, very vulnerable position to be in especially when you are unskilled and have not worked in years.

We're recruiting a 21 hour role into our team and I'm trying to convince directors that it doesn't have to be a 3 day role but could be over 5 days to fit childcare. They are all

Royal mail posties work 930 - 230 plus an odd saturday. Not sure if it's worth looking at that? Seems to be really popular with working mums x

Effic im surprised you're finding it difficult to fill. I would have thought it would have been snapped up very quickly. What are the jobs if you don't mind saying? Does it require specific skills/ degree etc?

It's generally shit now. In the 80's I worked in retail and granted, the tills were buzzing. We had loads of part timers who did family friendly hours like 9-1, 10-2 and they were great workers. No need for breakfast club, nursery, childminders. And if we were really strapped they'd manage the overtime using family/friends because they were grateful for the flexibility the rest of the time.

I am so bored but my after school club has limited space plus I have one dc not at school yet (am hoping will be easier when both at school) fortunately we can afford for me not to work but doesn't mean I don't want to do something for me

Is there a reason why you dont want to put yr kids in childcare if it means you still make some money at the end of the month?

At the very root of it all is the fact that businesses aren't running to accommodate your life with children. They are businesses, not social community agencies, and they have no real interest in your family situation.

The wider argument, however, is one about how society is still heavily stuck in the 9-5 presenteeism mindset. Daily I see roles which are for bog standard office work which could be done at 3am or 3pm, Christmas Day or Monday, in the office or in Honolulu.

Yet they all demand you add to rush hour and sit in the same place for the same hours.

I (desk job) was working till almost midnight last night because I was on a roll, and I am popping out for a personal errand shortly. Does it matter? Does it fuck. I can manage my workload and deliver what I need to and my boss lets me get on with it.