Going back to work.

[tasha41]

As it stands, my maternity pay and child benefits total $1,000 per month. If I go back to my old job, I will make $1,000-$1,200 per month. As of March 2, 2010... my monthly income will be cut in half - to $500/month if I choose not to go back to work (but I do plan on it right now).

Child care is sooo expensive, obviously at my income level, if I go back to my old job because I don't have my courses finished or I don't find a new job.. it's not really an option..

I was thinking I might work part-time evenings/weekends at a bar or restaurant, I have my Smart Serve ... I just worry I'm not "hot"/pretty enough to work as a waitress if you know what I'm saying?? They're usually young and pretty and stuff.. well, at the restaurants & bars I typically go to anyway.. like where I'd want to work..

I was also thinking of babysitting, I have quite a bit of experience with kids.. obviously, I have my own baby.. and I've worked the last 6 summers (minus this one) at day camps and daytime drop-in programs for kids aged 5-12 (and a preschool camp, ages 3 & 4).. I've babysat for a couple of peope, but only casually.. but how do you get your name out there? I worked at a well-known rec center's camp and I worked at a very popular city-run program for kids.. I have first aid and CPR training, and I'm resourceful, I know "where to go" and I like crafts and games and singing and stuff.. so I have qualifications, but is that good enough? What do you look for in a babysitter??

IDK. My confidence at interviews is kinda gone ATM, I've gotten every job I've interviewed for, minus the most recent one, at Sol Exotica (tanning salon).. and I really wanted it, I'm really knowledgeable about tanning & lotions and stuff and I have cash & customer service experience.. so I don't really know why I didn't get it.. he told me I'm not very outgoing at the interview, I think I am! I talk to EVERYONE at my current job and make everyone has fun at work, I worked with kids for 6 years and love to party and stuff! AND I dragged my butt to a 10:45am interview in a snowstorm... Anywho I tan at the salon and he hired a girl who looks older than me and is really IDK pretty and bitchy.. I'm not a bitch! She's also working at a tanning salon and is snow white?? lol. Anyways this was like 1.5 years ago so..! I'll stop rambling about this.

 

[Sarahkka]

Tasha, look into the requirements for running a day home. If you and your OH do buy a house, that would give you an income and all sorts of home business tax write-offs, as well. I know there's a day home agency in Calgary where you can register and they show you how to qualify for certification and help you connect with people who are looking for chilcare. Maybe there's something similar in your area?
Also, where are you geting this idea that you aren't young and pretty enough to be a waitress? First of all, you are hot. You are a bona fide babe, sweetie. No question about it. Stop doubting that! Secondly, I've been a waitress and looks have nothing to do with it - charm and personality do. That's how you sell food and booze.
If a place is hiring based on looks, do you really want to work there? Sounds about as degrading as working at Hooters, if you ask me.
Beyond that, would bar hours work for you?
The early education, day camp stuff is great experience and will really help you in the childcare job market. You should check out the day home option, but you can also advertise. It will cost some money, but you can run an ad in the paper or put it on the net somewhere. Put up posters in rec centres, schools (if they'll let you), community bulletin boards, etc.
Maybe also look up any nannying agencies and see if there are any people seeking nannies who would be okay with you caring for Elyse at the same time. It's worth asking. You never know, right?

 

[Vickie]

Sarah has some great advice I've seen you in person Tasha you are beautiful!