going back to work as a single mum

I stayed local to my baby Dad so that he could see the kids and have a relationship with them. He works during the week and has them one day at the weekend. Our daughter will be going to nursery soon so I’ve been thinking about going back to work as both kids will be in nursery. I’ve asked if he will do either drop-off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon, as finding a job from 10 till 2 will be difficult. I don’t have any childcare around as I moved down from Scotland to be with him when we were in a relationship. The way I see it how it’s currently working is I have the kids so that he can work full-time, but he’s not prepared to split childcare so that we can both work bearing in mind I’m the primary carer of our two children and I’m responsible for their housing their food everything. He’s currently living with his parents and has been since we split up as he’s 35 grand in debt he doesn’t pay rent. He doesn’t pay to run a car but he has a full-time job. How is this fair on mums who are responsible for the children and he’s not even responsible for himself! Am I seriously meant to just not work and be on benefits my whole life.

Show your support

I hope he pays you child support. It's not the best but it helps. Do you have friends who you trust who could help here and there. If not the best thing I can suggest is try and find a WFH job or a flexible working hours job. The second is harder to find (theyre a little bit like a unicorn job im afraid). But some companies don't care when you work as long as you work your hours. So WFH is probably your best bet or finding a job within a school as that would fit the hours you need better

I think from September you get 30 hours free childcare from 9 months old? Should make things a lot easier going back to work! I’m due next month and not with my boyfriend anymore and plan to go back part time after a year off with mat leave. You can also claim 85% of your childcare back from uc if a single parent for out of term time!

Currently as a single parent you can get 15 hours free childcare starting the school term after they turn 9 months old. UC will also pay up to 85% of childcare costs. You can look for a WFH job on workingmums.co.uk but good luck working at home AND watching a baby at the same time. Some jobs also provide childcare vouchers. Maybe also have a look at TA in schools. It’s term time, school hours and paid across the year (so holiday time is paid). Also get dad on CMS if he isn’t already! I work in education and study a degree and am a single mum to two boys (both dads not involved nor pay). You can make it work! Good luck 😘

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