No job to go back to... pros and cons...

[ImogensMumJess]

I'm a social worker, and the job that I did before having buba was through an agency. Consequently I have no job to go back to as they had no obligation to keep my post open for me.
My maternity pay is coming to a end next month and Im pretty stuck on what to do.
I would love the adult conversation and challenges that work provides... but pay wise, it is barely worth it financially after the cost of childcare, which would take approx 80% of my wages.
I have no family support who could help with childcare and the thought of nursery positively scares me. The other day I saw two members of the local nursery taking four children to the library, where they sat and basically ignored the children.
We moved to a new area, my friends (who are not really local) mostly all work so arent around in the day, and others from my NCT are going back to work and Im worried Im going to be stuck alone with my beautiful and amazing daughter with no one to talk to, although there are enough baby groups near by, but most cost... So am I going to go mad?!

My partner earns good enough money, but is saying that I should go back to work and family members have been asking when Im going to look for a job and start work again. I am just in a conumdrum, to search or not to search. There are so few social work jobs and even less part time jobs, which would be ideal.

Argggh I basically needed to vent! So thanks for any advice or words of wisdom!!

[lljkk]

I have worked for less. I looked at it as free babysitting.
It sounds like you enjoy your work; I know PT social workers, so should be doable. You have transferable skills, too.

You could try SAHM life for a few months & then look for work if it doesn't suit.

[juneau]

You don't have to use a nursery, but how about ringing the local ones up, going to look around, talking to the staff, checking out local childminders, asking friends for recommendations, etc. DS2 just started nursery and it's always really hard picking a place and committing to it, but once you get comfortable with it, it does get easier.

Alternatively - yes try being a SAHM for a bit longer and see how it goes. You can make new friends and summer is coming (apparently!), so it's a good time of year to try it out.

[ImogensMumJess]

Thanks, I am just in two minds about everything and can't decide! Story of my life!!!
xx

[Mutley77]

Depends on what you want to do. I have always seen the benefit of being a social worker that I could work part-time and flexibly. I also love my job (in adoption) and enjoy working.

I wonder where you live that childcare would take 80% of your wages as I wasn't in that position even when paying for 2 children in childcare (albeit one only 2 days per week after school). I also have experienced loads of PT social work jobs - but again depends on where you live - and what field you are in I guess.

I have always had lovely reliable childminders for mine but yes I wouldn't have wanted to work unless I was happy with the childcare.

[ImogensMumJess]

I live in london, used to work in Youth offending, the local nursery here is £80-£100 a day and I used to bring home £485 after tax etc. I just can't make the figures add up in my favour.
I am keeping my eyes open and looking for pt work, but agencies only seem to do full time. I think a side step into support work may be the answer...

[Mutley77]

In London you have loads of options. Going through an agency may not be your best bet as often if employers are paying agency rates they want someone who is coming in to hit the ground running, usually by working f/t and you won't get the same flexibility as if you were employed directly. When you say £485 - what do you mean - I don't know what time period that relates to? A week I'm guessing?

If you work for a permanent employer usually you will find your salary increases by the year (both incrementally and - now more rare - cost of living increase). You also need to take into account that you would get paid holiday, sickness, etc and often a v good pension scheme which are still important despite not seeing the extra money in your pocket.

Do you have other experience/interests or are you keen to remain in youth offending? I know that adoption is growing massively and many VAAs are recruiting although you need to be at least 3 years post-qualified and it may be slightly harder (although not impossible) to secure a job with no adoption experience. What appeals to you about support work?

Yes the nurseries do sound expensive but you could look at a childminder which may be a bit cheaper esp if you could cut the hours down a little by getting your DH to share the pick ups / drop offs? When I first went back to work DH started work later so he could drop off DD at 9.30 (only 3 days per week), then I got in early and got going, and was able to pick her up at 5.15 - making the hours paying for childcare less.