Want to get back into work

[lucymrsandmum]

I really want to get back into work, but I can’t figure out how.

My family:
My husband works shifts, 4 on 4 off, money is good but can’t set his days and isn’t willing to change jobs (works in security) - he works 10am to 10pm and currently does nursery drop offs for my daughter. My daughter is 3.5 years old, my son is 21 months old.

Childcare:
My parents are narcissists so aren’t an option for help, they’ve often let me down. My mother in law has mobility issues and lives over 30 mins away. (I love her but when she’s here it’s just someone else for me to look after) - my daughter is in nursery Monday to Friday 9am-3pm. My son will hopefully be starting from 2 years old a different nursery with the same hours, 3 days a week. (Her school nursery only takes from age 3). In my local area, childminders have a 3 year waitlist. Private nurseries are a 2 year waitlist. I don’t drive so limited to local area.

Me:
Based in central Scotland. Desperate to get back working. I haven’t worked since I had my daughter in 2021 (my work at the time were unwilling to make reasonable accommodations and expected me to work until 10pm), a 30 min train journey away. Don’t even get me started on that! I have freelanced on and off - virtual assistant / admin - but struggling to get clients. Last amazing one I had hit financial troubles and had to “pause my contract”. Background in marketing, fashion, admin, social media and events. I’d really like to move away from social media and marketing though, I’ve lost my passion for it.

Really what I’m looking for from this is:
*Advice on working with limited childcare options and no family (or friends tbh) to rely on
*Jobs that would work with nursery runs and my almost 2 year old and where to find them
*Other career options to get back on the ladder part time

So once your son starts nursery, you'll be able to work 3 days a week, from early morning to about 3pm? I assume your DH will do the morning nursery runs so you could start at eg 7am or whatever?

Or you could find work which is results based / flexible / self-employed, so that you can do it all on DH's four days off. Those are your options?

On terms of jobs, you don't want to continue your previous career, so what do you want? Are you wanting to retrain? Or do you just want a "low-skilled" job?

Central Scotland - are you rural or town/city?

Yes that’s the plan. I’ll do pick ups those days. I don’t know what I want to do. I’m completely open minded and open to suggestions, or even just where to go online for careers advice. Can’t find anything on LinkedIn or indeed - the few jobs that are suitable have ghosted me.

Also I’m suburban - Falkirk.

I think there are a lot of options when you're not totally confined to school hours. Lots of places would want workers who can do 7-3 or similar, especially if you can do an occasional weekend shift when your DH is off work. Care homes, supermarkets, housekeeping in hotels, HCA in a hospital might work?
Just throwing some ideas down. If you don't like them at least that's a few industries to rule out!

Do you have factors you would include or avoid if you could? Eg working outdoors/working with the public /working with children?

I enjoy admin and being office based tbh. Before I had my daughter, I was in reservations and events for a prestigious venue and loved it.