Struggling TA on wages

[harrypotter1993]

I have been a TA since January last year, to say the pay is abysmal is an understatement. I am a single guy, but I am finding that I'm skint every month, at least a week before we're due to be paid. I have tried finding a second job/better paid and there is literally nothing. I literally don't know what to do. I live at home because I can't afford to move out so I am not entitled to any benefits. Can anyone help?

What was the reason you became a TA rather than going straight onto PGCE?

If you're single without dependents, you're unlikely to be entitled to much in benefits that would allow you to continue to work part time TTO even if you did move out.

The main attraction of TA work is that it's term time only so, while the money is low, it can be worth it for working parents if they don't need to find and pay for school holiday childcare/much in the way of wraparound care. Without that, it's far less attractive.

But the most likely solution to your issue is to either use your qualifications to get a better paid job, or could you use your contacts to work more? Can you do school drop offs/pick ups for DC who attend the school you work at and live locally? Babysitting, school holiday care? You might need to register but there must be ways to increase the hours you work if you're already in education so vetted and known etc.

My TA friend works Saturday mornings cleaning offices for extra money.

You will need to change jobs (do teaching training or something that isn't term time only) or find a second job.
I'm in the same boat although due to maintenance payments the low pay isn't affecting me yet. I'm already looking for another job as working as a TA isn't sustainable for me on its own.

If you are healthy (physically and mentally) then you need to get a better paid job.

If you want to go into teaching and daunted by the PGCE and the additional debt then apply to academy's or private schools for teaching posts. You are qualified if you have a Masters. What subject was your degree (& which class?) and your Masters.

If you can tell us that we can help a bit more with more specific advice.

TAs get paid shit and it's PT. Everyone would struggle to live off that as a single person.