Going back to work- options

[monkeynut]

I was self employed before going on maternity leave, but because I also moved 200 miles across the country, I cant really go back to that when my maternity runs out as building up a client base with/around childcare is not really feasible...

Sooo, I have no idea what to do! My OH works shifts which can vary from 7am- 11pm and looking at the cost of childcare...I dont see how it is possible?!

An ideal job would be evening/nights on a flexible basis around OH's shifts so that we limit childcare. The problem is I have been self employed for the last 5 years and so have no employers references and it has been in an industry that the skills would not be beneficial elsewhere.

Im really stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Any suggestions? I would do pretty much anything (not cleaning though as I hate it with a passion) but anything else goes!

How do you manage with childcare costs? We have no family to help out other than on a very rare occasion.

Help!

 

[kat1988]

I would suggest night shifts as it might b easier for u to fit around childcare, supermarkets pay quite well for stock replenishment at night. your oh can ask his employers to set his shifts or not work certain Eve's etc to suit his hold are obligations too (they have to be flexible where possible by law)

as for references, u can ask former clients if they would mind u using them, and u may not realise it but tere is bound to be at least some transferable skills u can prove from being self employed eg, self motivation, time keeping, financial management and money handling skills, customer relations and people skills etc,

I'm sure you'll find something xx

 

[monkeynut]

Thanks thats really helpful. Unfortunately my OH can only get limited changes to his shifts due to the nature of his work but maybe its a possibility to get childcare for a small amount of time in the evening/early morning... does anyone know if this is possible? It would just be while the kids are in bed?

 

[kat1988]

Thanks thats really helpful. Unfortunately my OH can only get limited changes to his shifts due to the nature of his work but maybe its a possibility to get childcare for a small amount of time in the evening/early morning... does anyone know if this is possible? It would just be while the kids are in bed?

yes it's possible, if its only for a couple of hours at a time childminders/ babysitters might be better than a nursery? u could also ask any local colleges/unis if they do childcare courses and have any students that would like experience...I don't mean any randomer that doesn't know anything about kids mind...

...a friend of mine is a nanny (has been for 6ish years) and despite having experience with children, a enhanced CRB check and references she needed more contact with different ages of children to complete her Uni course, she studied social work with a nursery age speciality, asking someone like her would work out cheap even tho fully qualified, capable and flexible

 

[katie_lou]

Have u got a Costco warehouse near u , I work there as my 2nd job and you just tell them when your available and they try work round you , it's on the demo tables thou so your giving out free samples of food and stuff but the money is great .

Xxx