Which path to choose?!

[Moonandstar5]

Hi everyone,

I want to go back to work when my DS starts full time school in September and current circumstances have really pushed me to find something more financially lucrative than I had in mind especially as a single mum.

I’m receiving benefits now but I really don’t want it be receiving it forever. It’s easy to get comfortable. I want to be financially independent and be comfortable and not scrimp and save all the time. You know enjoy fine things in life. Especially to provide for my DS

I’m torn between getting a job at a school or working from home as a virtual assistant freelance, both allowing flexibility in terms of covering childcare in different ways.

A part of me is leaning towards school because of term time hours, pension, steady income however small etc but I actually really don’t have the heart to work with children anymore to be brutally honest. I’ve found motherhood tough and I don’t think I can really do that and then be at home with children again.

But then the other half of me really is motivated and inspired to work for myself and have the freedom away from kids and grow my own freelance business, but it’s a lot riskier ie do my own taxes, sort out my own pension, not as steady income especially in the beginning and I’ll be solely responsible. I’ve never been self employed so it’s a big step.

I know people will say work at school but is it really crazy to work from home freelance and generate my own income self employed? Especially as a single mum?

If I do go down wfh freelance then I would do online training since I haven’t been in work for 4 years and also get work experience with a company first to even think if this is really practical.

Help?!

Hi OP. You've listed some pros and cons to both routes. Like you said SE can be very risky especially at the start so may not be a sustainable option in terms of income but I wonder if you'll still get UC until you're earning a certain amount as SE? (Don't really know how it works sorry) That way you wont have to worry about making ends meet.

The school sounds like a better, more sustainable option IMO and would def work in your favour in terms of childcare but I can understand not having the passion for it anymore.

It a tough one TBH but go with your gut...Good luck OP x

Hi @ISayItLikeItIs! Thanks for your pov. Yeah a tough one! I would have to investigate about the benefits and SE cos that sounds possible actually. Yeah I look at my sons nursery teachers and I’m like nah I just don’t have the energy or heart for it. Used to work as a teaching assistant temp for nursery a looooong time ago but that was before I was even pregnant and I had lots of passion to be around children lol

In your shoes I think would prefer the freelance option BUT there are a lot of people doing this and it’s often outsourced abroad for a lot less money.
So it’s only viable if you are very sure you can get plenty of clients- and I’m not talking some friend who promises to use your service, I’m talking about a solid marketing plan

Hi @Hoppinggreen, thanks for the feedback. That’s a really good point. I’ve been researching about business systems and marketing strategies as well. I would hope to also find a mentor and join a freelance or va group to help as well. Food for though for sure🤓there’s a lot to think about but that’s why I’m here to get some perspective.