We've flown the nest, now what for my Mum?

[cocoannice]

My mum brought my two sisters and I up as a single parent and took on various part-time jobs as a cleaner, a shop assistant etc to fit around our schedules. We were brought up on very little but were always very happy. My mum instilled a strong work ethic in us and we've all went onto university and done well.

My mum works in the local supermarket and has been there for the past 6 years. Despite progressing to a supervisor, she really isn't getting anything out of the work. She's always been bothered with depression and the lifting and pulling in heavy crates has really hurt her back. To add to this, at the end of the month, after paying the rent, bills and putting money aside for food and transport, she has no money left.

My little sister is now 21 and at university in another city, my older sister graduated from uni two years ago, has a good full time job and has moved out. I got my degree last year and have been offered a job in France. We were (and still are!) my mum's life, yet, we're moving onto other things. Although she would never hold us back, telling her I'm moving out again is absolutely unbearable.

We help my Mum as much as possible by paying digs when at home, paying for necessities etc. But we also have own student debts and obviously want to try to save for own futures as well.

I'm convinced that my mum can't go on slaving away in the supermarket for next to nothing. At the same time, I don't see any other options. We've put ads on Gumtree and around our village, suggesting she does caring or a similar role. She's also applied to admin/receptionist roles but had no success as the last time she did this sort of work was about 20 years ago. I really want her to be happy but with little money for hobbies or anything enjoyable, poor health, poor job prospects in our economically struggling area and limited transport options, it seems like there's no way out.

Any ideas?

[paulapantsdown]

I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that your hard working mum has done a brilliant job with you. I am sure that your mum is bursting with pride at the mature, hardworking girls she has raised alone, who have such love an empathy. Well done Cocos mum!

Pride and love does not pay the bills I agree, and it must be tough. I'm sorry I dont know what the answer is, and I do know how hard it is to get by these days, and to not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Is there any scope for training at the supermarket she works at, to maybe do some of the office based work there?

[AgentProvocateur]

I echo everything Paulapantsdown said.

[Rockchick1984]

If your mum had 3 kids at home and you have all left now, could she look at downsizing and move to somewhere cheaper? She will get single person discount on her council tax as well which (if she's not already claiming) will make a difference.

Re her job, is there another role within the company she could look at doing? Also, if she is in a job paying a low wage has she checked if she's eligible for working tax credits (she must be working a min of 30 hours for this). Depending on her health/fitness what about child minding, she could look into something like that if she would like to do a caring role?