single mum working or jobless which works for you?

[stomp110]

Hello I have worked since I was 16 in the same job and when I had my first daughter I went from 42 hours a week to 16, and then my partner left im still working 16 hours and paying for nursery but being pregnant again and on my own now I dont no if I can cope with 2 kids and work.

What do you think I should do for a few years while I bring up children.
please dont judge.

 

[Pearls18]

My husband is in the military and while I am in no way saying it is like being a single parent, I know it isn't, but I do have to plan my career as if I am single because he works odd hours, goes away for weeks/months at a time, isn't allowed to take time off for DS if he's sick, I basically have to plan my hours as if I am the only one who can pick him up etc (although this isn't always the case, but I have to plan as if he isn't there), and it is fine. If it is financially viable I see no reason why single parents need to stay home and not work, plenty of women who have partners do not have them there for childcare purposes for whatever reason, I should add I rely on childcare totally, we don't live near family as we move on posting. It kinda annoys me if I am honest that single parents kinda get this option to choose to stay home if they wish to look after children, whereas lots of mums in relationships are forced to work for financial reasons if their husband's salary isn't enough to support them to stay at home because the state obviously doesn't pay for this, I find the system to be unfair. Not for me personally I love working and would always choose to work, I also think it is important if you are able and and in a job you should do what you can to provide for your own children, this is just my opinion and mean no disrespect to anyone
A lot of the time it seems easier for single parents to work because tax credits are very generous to make up incomes and pay towards childcare, I know it isn't the case for everyone but from my experience with tax credits it seems that way.

 

[weebubba]

You should qualify for tax credits and help with childcare as you work 16 hours, so you should be able to keep working if you choose to do so. It's hard going holding down a job and running a home as well as looking after the little ones but it is do-able.

Good luck, I hope things work out in your favour.