Is it worth training to do something else when I have to have a job that fits with the school run?

[Rubynoo]

It’s looking likely that I will be losing my part time job and was thinking it might be a good time to train to do something that gives me better options although I’m not really sure what I would train to do. I can probably afford a year or two out of work but not much more than that. I’m also worried that once I’ve completed my training, I won’t be able to get a job that fits around the school run and I will have wasted my money. I have a degree in English but no other qualifications. Any advice?

Anyone?

Sorry you're losing your job OP. What were you doing?

Why would it need to fit around the school run? Would it not be possible to use wrap around care or a childminder? How old is your youngest?

I think you should absolutely retrain and do something you enjoy.

@SkeletonSkins why don't you mention the children's FATHER?

OP - sounds like you've done your turn being part time and doing school runs. Assuming you have a partner it's his turn, you train for something that offers you long term financial security

[quote Grobagsforever]@SkeletonSkins why don't you mention the children's FATHER?

OP - sounds like you've done your turn being part time and doing school runs. Assuming you have a partner it's his turn, you train for something that offers you long term financial security [/quote]
I assumed if dad picking up was a plausible option this would have been mentioned. Chill out!

@SkeletonSkins

Well no because women rarely think to ask their male partners to flex their hours - it's just assumed they 'can't'

I agree - why do you need to factor in the school run so many years down the track? How old is your youngest? Do you have a partner?

Plenty of part time admin jobs allow you to do the school run. If you are looking at retraining then presumably you want to earn more money and/or something rewarding. It's doubtful that when you start your new career you will immediately be able to choose school hours.
What were you interested in?

While I understand the school is important, think about your career beyond that time.

Thank you for all the replies, my DC are 5 and 2 so still quite young. I’m currently a secretary on minimum wage so feel like any job on a better wage is a step in the right direction! I was on a much higher wage as a manger before DC1 but found it hard being full time And doing the nursery runs, time off for doctors, assemblies etc so took a lower paid part time job with the promise of training to become a solicitor in the future. It turns out that there isn’t actually any chance training and I didn’t actually enjoy legal work very much anyway. My DH earns a lot more than me and his wage pays all of our bills so it doesn’t make financial sense for him to reduce his hours or be more flexible which is frustrating quite frankly and I don’t really like being financially dependent. In terms of what I would do instead, I was thinking HR or marketing but am concerned they are hard to break into without prior experience. I also thought about IT as I feel like this is a stable career with good prospects but I don’t really have any idea whether I would enjoy it or not.

Also should have mentioned I don’t have any help from my family as we live quite far away from them. DH only has his mum and she’s quite elderly so would struggle helping more than a day or two a week.

He would be a good shout if you have a good management/ admin and vaguely legal background. Plus it’s a relatively easy career to get into without prior experience but you need to work towards CIPD qualifications. Most jobs aren’t flexible initially but you can apply for flexibility as to u go especially if you go into a public sector role.

Teaching? You have a degree so a 1 year course I believe. Would fit with school run/school hols to some extent. Some subjects you can get bursaries.

My DH earns a lot more than me and his wage pays all of our bills so it doesn’t make financial sense for him to reduce his hours or be more flexible

Comments like this frustrate me: Maybe he earns more because he isn't expected to do all the school runs etc, and can concentrate on his job. You said yourself you used to earn a lot more pre kids.

Why was it you who reduced their hours/took a pay cut.

Have a long hard think about the career you want to do and do the training you need to do over the next 2 years.

After that, do what most working parents with no support do - get wraparound childcare and both you and your DH use your annual leave to attend a few chosen events each school year and parental leave to cover sickness.

That is the only way you will get your career back on track and gain financial security.

Decent bookkeepers can earn a reliable wage. That would be my choice. Do the training, get some experience and then offer your services locally at a decent hourly rate. Ideal to work around school hours as well. Word of mouth and reliable service could launch you a nice business taking you forward for years.