Child friendly jobs? Becoming a midwife..

[Laura--x]

I really want to become a midwife, ive wanted to for years, even more so when i had maisie and i still do now. I always read up about it but then i realise that is it long working hours and obviously not just a day job, is it really suitable for me being a single mum?

I keep pushing myself back about it, thinking well whos going to watch maisie when i am qualified and have to work nightshifts, her dad wont always be able to have her and theres nobody else i can rely on..

Its the only job ive ever really had a real passion to do but i feel like its just out of the question for me now ive got a child of my own.

Trying to find another career i want to go for is proving very difficult!

 

[kanga]

How do you train as a midwifel, does it take long?

 

[Laura--x]

You can take a pre-registration midwifery degree which takes 3 years x

 

[ArcaneSpark]

Do any of the hospital have crèches attached or any 24*7 crèches in the city, as you can't be the only person looking for shift worker cover child care?

 

[aimee-lou]

Some childminders do a 24*7 service. it's not cheap but I know ours will take children overnight if necessary for a flat fee, or into the evening at double-time rate (Earl goes until 7pm 2 nights per week due to me working evening and hubby having lectures til 6). To give you an idea she charges £3 an hour normal, £6 an hour 'extra hours' and £22.50 for overnight 8pm-7am.

If you're a student you get childcare grant of 85% of your fees paid provided you are using an OFSTED registered provider. You'll also get parental allowances and grants, which help A LOT! Even though I work, my hubby gets these, and they top up his loans etc to a point where technically, he earns more than I do!

Maybe it would be worth doing some research. Maybe speak to your local university where you would be attending and ask about provisions on campus too. Our hospital has a Busy Bees on site, and I believe they do 7am-7pm as standard to cope with hospital workers. UEA (where my hubby goes) also has an on-site nursery that students can get a discount at (but its over-subscribed). Get all the information you can, and then make your decision. At least if you have all the details, you can make an informed decision rather than assuming that you can't do it for xyz.

My advice though, is if you want to do it, then go for it. You CAN make it work. My hubby is currently 2 years into a 5 year degree programme to become a teacher, and when he has finished I will be going back to college to become a veterinary nurse (total change lol). I think that it will do the children good to see us working hard towards a goal. Money will be tight but we'll really appreciate it when we get there, and they'll see Mummy and Daddy working hard which is a life lesson in itself. Even though I'll be 35 when I qualify, I'll still have at least 20 years left of my working life left (more like 30 if the government have anything to do with it lol) and who really wants to be miserable for 20-30 years, for the want of a 3 year long course!