Hi,
Any help and/advice would be gratefully received.
OK, so I am a 34 yo single parent to an 8 year old daughter. Her 'Dad' isn't in the picture (his choice). I tried claiming CSA to no avail so money is tight. I have always worked but I struggle working 5 days a week as it leaves me feeling burnt out as I try to juggle everything, i.e., house work, spending time with my daughter, food shop, life admin etc etc, the list goes on. I want a good work/life balance being a single parent.
I like working but 5 days just isn't viable as I end up paying a lot in childcare for before and after school clubs, not to mention the holiday clubs. I only have my parents for childcare but they still both work full-time and they go on holiday every school holiday so again, I have to rely on holiday clubs.
What would I be better off doing? Dropping my hours to part-time? I want to be able to drop my daughter off at school and pick her up after school. I also want more time to spend with her whilst she grows up. I'll never get this time back!
I have been struggling with my mental health and recently got diagnosed with ADHD. This brings with it a lot of difficulties as I struggle managing my emotions etc. I feel like people don't 'get' me if that makes sense? I've found myself crying at work due to how stressed I feel juggling everything. I'm sure there are other parents out there who can relate?!
I just want to make the right decision which is best for me and my daughter but I don't know what would be the best situation?
I have a couple of very good friends who help me when they can but they are both self employed. I would love to have the option of WFH but I don't unfortunately.
None of my daughters paternal family see her so my options for childcare are very limited. Why is childcare so flipping hard work as a single parent? I hardly ever go out or do anything for myself which I know isn't good because I do deserve a break every now again.
I would also like to finish off my studies next year too as I only have 1 more year to do of my degree. I'm hoping my degree will open up some better doors for me.
Sorry for the long winded chat and thanks for taking the time to read 