Working part time.. Is it worth it?

[BellaBoo0512]

I've been a SAHM since LO was born and I didn't return to work when my maternity leave ended due to moving areas whilst on maternity leave.

Me and OH are really struggling financially so I've decided to get a job. I applied for a job on Thursday and was contacted yesterday to be invited for an interview on Monday.

There isn't much detail regarding hours and wages, only that it's part time 16+ hours and the salary is £14,000 - £16,000 pro rota.

I've been fiddling about on the benefits calculators basing it on the fact I'll be working 16 hours/ 2 days. That works out my weekly salary at around £114 a week with nursery fees of £70 and travel at £15.

I know we should get some help towards childcare but I'm unsure how much.

I went on the money advice service website basing it on our current income plus my wages and it says we will be left with around £30 a week once all the bills are paid.

So basically we aren't going to be in much of a better position compared to what we are in now

Am I better off looking for something full time?

Also.. Does anyone know if I can claim Jobseeker's Allowance now that I'm looking for a job? And if I do.. Will it affect my tax credits?

 

[Loui1001]

Personally I think you are always better off working

 

[BellaBoo0512]

I meant is it worth working part time compared to full time.

 

[Tasha]

I think P/T usually works out financially better because you do get help whereas sometimes two F/T wages can push you above the threshold for childcare help etc. I could be wrong though.

As for JSA, you might be able to claim contribution based JSA if you've put in enough NI contributions in the last two years otherwise I dont think you will get help as your partner is working over 16 hours x

 

[BellaBoo0512]

thank you tasha.. Ive been told I can claim contribution based JSA but I don't know if it will make my tax credits lower and confuse things so I've not bothered claiming x

 

[Tasha]

It is a taxable benefit so it does affect tax credits x

 

[BellaBoo0512]

I thought it would be. Not much point me claiming then. Hopefully I'll have a job soon anyway x

 

[sophiebowaus]

Looking for a F/T job is way better than P/T job. That is if you can put your child under a childcare center or hire a nanny.
Good Luck on your job hunting.

 

[special_kala]

Personally I think you are always better off working

Not always. We would literally pay for me to work rather then earn.

 

[aimee-lou]

Personally I think you are always better off working

Not always. We would literally pay for me to work rather then earn.

I'm in the same boat, and I will be until Edward gets his free hours, which is a year and a half away.

I keep looking for work, then figure out that it's just not worth it.

 

[catty]

Im in the same situation (well not right now but once my baby is 6 months)
As to put 2 children into childcare the cheapest iv found is £6.50 per hour, I earn £8.30ph at the job id be going back to but id need them in childcare for the hour of me getting to work and back so basically is earn a few pounds a week. I want to work and want to be making money but for maybe a fiver a week it just doesnt seem worth it :s I might get slated for saying that but there really needs to be an incentive to going to a job that you dont like

 

[MrsMandy]

The way i'm going to look at when my time comes (starting to ntnp in a couple of months!) is so long as we aren't worse off I will return pt as I dont want to be in the position in 5 years time of kids in school and now I have to find a job, at least if I go back to my job (which I do enjoy) pt I can always increase my hours when kids are in school, I'll have a foot in the door as they say and not have to struggle to find a new job in an ever worsening job market!