What job can I do?

[SavingSanity]

I have two DC, DS1 is 5 and DS2 is 2. I have a PhD but the field I worked in is not compatible with childcare and I had to leave. There are no part-time roles within the industry and the job involves long long hours travelling across the country and weekend travel. I have no support or family available to help with childcare and the school has no before or after school care currently available for DS1. I am having to start again in my career and every role I see that is flexible around school hours (cleaners, TAs) are minimum wage, which would not cover DS2 ‘s nursery fees. I would physically lose money by going to work. All the nurseries locally are similar cost and work out at about £11 or £12 an hour. Currently I am a SAHM, but going through divorce so that won’t be a financially viable option going forward. Any suggestions on what I can do to support the family would be very welcome!!

What's your PhD in?

I would look for something professional linked to that previous career and then pay for wraparound care as much more lucrative and satisfying long term than something school hours

Lots of things to think about but on the cost of childcare: You will be entitled to some help, for both kids, either through universal credit, or through the tax free childcare scheme. I use tax free childcare to pay for DD nursery fees, and DS after school club as well. You can also use it for registered childminders which might be an option if there's no breakfast club for you locally. Some time after your youngest turns 3 you will be able to claim the 30 hours funded childcare, and depending on your income and benefits, you might also be able to claim 15 hours funded now. Check with your local council, the 15 hours is administered through them.

Check what you are entitled to claim, especially if you are looking at low paying work. You might be surprised how much help is out there. Also things like single person council tax discount make a difference.

Work wise, would something home based give you the flexibility you need? On linkedin and most job sites now you can search for remote work opportunities and there are loads out there. What kind of work experience do you have? And what was your PhD in broadly? Academic work has a lot of transferable skills, so I'm certain there must be something out there for you.

You will have lots of transferable skills but we need more info on subject PhD is in and job roles you've done