employment dilemma

[billybob4eva]

I have been a SAHM for the last four years. My eldest is starting school in a few weeks and I find myself in an employment dilemma.

I'm hoping someone with an outside perspective will be able to help me with some advice.

I have two children. Eldest starts school in September, youngest is at school nursery - so 9:00-2:30 and term time only.

About a year ago I started looking for some part time/home based admin work, Its what I did prior to having children, sent off loads of applications and got nowhere.

Being keen to do something other than just being at home all day I took on some cash in hand cleaning work. I do four mornings a week, two hours a time. £15 p/hour.

I'm wondering now whether I'd be better off looking for a part time/home based admin job, or supermarket work again. As then I could join employers pensions scheme and get paid holidays etc. obviously with my current set up I don't get paid if I don't go.

I'm having trouble weighing the pros/cons of my situation.

Hourly rate is good but no illness or pension provision.

No paid holidays but flexible.

I choose my own days/times but I can't be driving around a lot.

Any advice much appreciated

Any one?

Think about how you would cover the school holidays in both roles? You can start a private pension ( obviously no employer top ups). You will have more flex staying self employed.

Agree with pp, private pension.
The flexibility would be hard for me to let go.
With both children doing longer hours you could take on more jobs?

You will find school much less parent friendly than nursery and your child will need you more.

It's very hard work working with a school aged child.

self employed formally? . Think I'd stay with the cleaning jobs. They should give you the flexibility you look like you need. Could you up your rate a few quid which would give you more headroom to gather up a buffer for sickness and pension?. You can still look out for other jobs that would fit as well.

Many thanks all. So helpful to have other perspectives!

I definitely appreciate the flexibility my cleaning jobs give, and all my customers are understanding about the kids timetables.

The only thing is the pension issue - I'm contributing to a PP, but feel slightly gutted I'm not getting any employer contributions. Still I suppose we can't have it all 🤷‍♀️