I left my job when I went on mat leave. I had relocated to a different part of the country to where the org is based and by mutual consent - kind of, but encouraged by my manager, I left. She has since employed a number of people who are based far away from the org which is at best annoying, at most dodgy in context. I only received standard mat leave - absolutely no enhancements (the org's standard, ungenerous policy) so I have nothing to pay back / didn't miss out on anything.
Anyway. It turns out being unemployed and looking for work on mat leave in a nightmare - lack of childcare provision, unsure of what childcare I'll need (I want to work part time) coupled with huge waiting lists for childcare, being exhausted by applications and interviews and generally feeling crap and underconfident.
It has also transpired that my 1 year old dc needs quite major surgery and will need months to recover. So I've halted the job hunt for a little while so I can focus on looking after them. But I really, really need to work in the meantime - I'm completely skint. Is there such a thing as a flexible job I can do from home when I can? I do potentially have a bit of childcare - 2 days a week with a lovely childminder if I can find some work (whilst we wait for dc's op, then hopefully after she's recovered too).
I have experience in comms, admin, fundraising, project management. I'm pretty competent. I thought I could pick up some freelance work but none of my contacts have offered anything after I was in touch with them, but I suppose I am on their radar.
Is there any other sort of work I could do in this circumstance - does anyone have any ideas?
I thought I could maybe do cleaning or ironing but with 12 hrs childcare a week I'm not sure how much cleaning I could get done with travelling to and from houses etc and whether it would be worth my while. Ironing seems more viable. But ideally I'd like to do something a bit different to use my previous professional skills but at this point I'm considering lots of things that could pay me. I wondered about virtual assistant work, but I can't work out how best to crack into it, or audio transcription (maybe this is all done by AI now?).
I have listed and am selling as much stuff as I can but am not having much luck, despite previously having been an avid Vinted buyer. I'm pretty crafty and have thought about making things - mainly crafts for children to play with and selling on Etsy but confidence is a big issue for me and I can't help but think no one would want my stuff.
I'd appreciate any ideas anyone can throw my way.