Community Posts, Tips & Support on Work & Money

Honest, unfiltered, and in real-time: what women like you are talking about. Peanut group chats, support, and posts on Work & Money

Maternity leave

Has anyone decided when you will start maternity leave? I’m leaning towards starting as early as possible which would be at 29 weeks, would love to have time to fully prepare for baby and also have time to relax and take time for myself before not having much free time for a very long time

Going back to work 4 or 3 days?

I know this will have a lot of various factors to influence it but in general, can anyone give me advice/their perspective on this?

My sister who was a SAHM is very much saying how time together us more important than money. But my thinking is:

1) do I want to be stressed during their childhood over paying the bills and mortgage
2) do I want to sacrifice being able to do bigger things/outings on the days I actually have off
3) do I want to risk my work not letting me up my days again once little one is at school

On the other hand, 3 days at my workplace may be more likely to be accepted as a job share than 4 so this may not even be a case of having an option..

Just really torn on what to ask for on my flexible work request and its fast approaching!

My partner and I have had similar incomes so we have always split bills equally too (joint account for bills and seperate account for everything else) so I'm also worried about how my income drastically changing will affect this dynamic and how to make it fair

I’m tired please help

Hi guys I posted about how my job is very hostile and they’re trying to get me out of here. It’s causing me so much stress and anxiety. Can you all please send some WFH jobs or anything please I’ve been suffering for MONTHS.

Advice - steroid injections for babies lungs

Just want some advice please! I’m having a planned c-section 2 weeks earlier than planned so baby will be around 37+5. They’ve suggested some steroid injections to help the babies lungs but means I’d have to stay in from the 31st until after babies born as I have gestational diabetes so they’d need to keep an eye on me. I’m umming and aringgg about them as I thought he’d be okay because I’m basically over full term and I don’t want to be leaving my other kids for over a week while I’m in there possibly longer but I also want what’s best for my baby boy!

Has any one else had these steroid injections and would you recommend having them?

Apps

Hiya Im wondering what other free helpful apps everyone has on pregnancy and even ones for when baby is born? Trying to be prepared well prepared as i can.

Jobs please

Does anyone know of a stay at home job i can do entry level? I have a computer and phone

Extra income

How are my single moms making more money without getting a part time job! Please help!

End of Maternity Leave 😭

It’s been three months and I have to go back to work tomorrow. Anyone else back to work or about to head back and feeling sick over leaving your baby? Ugh my heart 😭😭😭 This is my second so I’ve done it before… it’s just so hard. Looking for solidarity!

First time stay at home mom

Hey mamas! ❤️ I’m a first-time mom and currently a stay-at-home mom to my little girl. This is the first time in my adult life that I haven’t had a job of my own and made my own money, and I’m wanting to find a way to bring in a little extra income while still being home with my baby.

For the moms who have been in a similar situation, what are some side hustles or ways to make money that have actually worked for you? I’m open to ideas that I can do from home or work on around my baby’s schedule. I’d especially love to hear about things that don’t require a big upfront investment!

I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thank you! 💕

Maternity Pay

For the working mums, does your company offer any enhanced maternity pay?

My first baby in 2024, I received the first six weeks per usual (90% of my usual salary), and the following 33 weeks were enhanced by my work who added £1,500 per month on top of the statutory amount.

Just curious to know what other workplaces offer as I don't have many working mum friends to gauge off of in the UK. I am due for a pay rise now, but considering requesting an increase in the enhanced mat pay in lieu of a pay rise.

Would love to have some insight what other workplaces offer!

How to make money to enjoy life?

What sort of money and how to make that money to enjoy life? I m not saying that u wnat tot be rich,not bothered,but I wnat to be able to show some new places to my daughter,go for weekend away,it feels like I m juts about to pay the bilsls and put food on the table,but that's it....I m single mum,don't have access to credit,not sure what to do but i need to do something with my life.

Savings account

Wanting to open a savings account for my kids for when theyre older.

Any recommendations on which bank? I'm dyslexic so I dont understand the whole percentage / interest stuff.

Nursery for working mums

I have 3 under 3 (3, 2 and 8 month old) and am due back to work in January 2027. I work 4 days (mon- thu). My two older children go to nursery half days until 1pm those days and Friday they are home with me. My 8 month old is scheduled to only go in on Mon-Tuesday until 1pm as they don’t have space for him yet so I’m on a wait list for remaining 2 days.

My job is hybrid so we have mandatory days in the office (Mon/tue) and then 2 days wfh, on my wfh days I’ve always just worked at home with my kids here (not disclosed) as my partner would be home to juggle if one of us had meetings. However, given my return to work is looming I’m wondering whether I should put my 8 month old into a different nursery albeit they only offer full days.

Do other mums that work hybrid work at home with their kids at home? Do you disclose it to your work place? Have a flexible working arrangement in place? Just interested in how other mums work?

No judgments please, just the past 3 years I’ve basically had back to back pregnancies so that hasn’t made sense to pay for full days when I was essentially available all the time.

Remote jobs?

Does anyone know where I can go to look for remote jobs that hire and don’t require a lot of stuff to hire me?
I’m asking because after giving birth and dealing with being in college I don’t think I’m ready to go back into the workforce right now since my son is mainly breastfeeding

Studying during post partum?

This might sound crazy but I am currently studying medicine at university and would like to continue during my pregnancy and after the baby is born (due in jan2027 and university year ends July 2027). I am in my pre ultimate year and really don’t want to take a long break. Most teaching is online so would only go in 2-3 days a week and would depend on how long the sessions are so unlikely to be a full 9-5 day. Husband will look after baby whilst I’m away and I plan to breastfeed/ pump. Has anyone gone through something similar or has any advice? Thanks!

Okay I need some help

My stamps got cut off due to missed phone interview. I done talked them and send in what I need after I reapply. They told me it will be 30 to 90 days before I get my stamps. I tried food banks in the area. They only help seniors. I just need resources to do while I wait on my stamps. Thank you

Nursery funding for 30 hours

Hi

Does anyone know if the £100k income cap to get 30 hours funding is adjusted for pension contributions? It says it’s the adjusted net income but I can’t see if pension is an allowed deduction. Thanks

Return to work

Any fellow Teacher assistants out there that have returned to work in July time ?
We only get paid for 39 weeks of the year and it obviously gets spread out over the 12 month period. I will be due to go on Mat leave start of November. If I go back at the end of July possibly just the last week will I still then get pay as per contract for August as normal or will I only get paid the hours I worked ?
Because currently my SMP would end mid August so would then have no pay until the end of September after my return if I don’t go back until the September 🤦🏼‍♀️

Work school or both?

Hello

I just want to know others opinions and experience - if you went back to studying/ working and school with a LO. I’m currently doing 12hr shifts and I am 2 years PP. I want to start a PGCE or try to apply for my Masters for January start and I’m just struggling to work out what’s best in the long run!!