Coming off the single parent pension how did you cop.
I've been on the pension for about 3 years. After leaving a financially and verbally abusive marriage I have coped rather well mentally and financially (considering my expenses and two small mouths to feed). I've recently been accepted into the job of my dreams, just waiting for the paperwork Only catch is it is 5 days a week and possibly long hours. Starting at $68k i am weighing up whether I should take it.
I know the answe is yes, but I am used to the lifestyle of getting things cheaper, no rego, discounts and being at home looking after my kids, and I know with this salary that my benefits will be taken away but I need a job for the sake of my sanity, so I'm wondering how others coped when they went to work full time.
I'm sick of being labelled as a dole bludger by other mums and families and men giving me the flick because I'm not working. I am giving up so much going back to work full time, I will have the kids in care full time while I'm at work and I only have a small percentage of help from the kids dad he may as well be non existent.
I know this may trigger some mums who may think single mums are dole bludgers but I have been through so much shit from my ex being in and out of the kids lives, trying to kill himself a number of times, and I have managed to get my degree during this time whilst he verbally abused me and our kids frequently and made my life miserable. But hooray I am past it now and a stronger woman.
So my question how did u cope coming off the single parent pension? Was it worth it?
6 Replies
68k is definitely worth it!
No I wasn't rich, but I was definitely better off.
Get on to the Centrelink website and find the payment calculator. Do a budget.
Yes it meant working I had to be more organised. I would bulk cook to save time, (cook double of a meal so I was only cooking every few nights). Switched to online shopping so food was delivered to my door at night or on Saturday morning (more time with kids).
I'd also invest in one of those robot vacuums to keep on top of the floors.
This is me. I love beign back at work. I still get ftb and had working credits to ease into it.
Although i only work part time, 3 4 or 5 days. I wouldnt want full time. I did a contract and found the money only covere childcare and petrol and extra expenditure and i lost all the time with my kids and we were all tired and cranky it wasnt worth it. but it might be better for you, if your rents and childcare is cheaper you might find it is worth it.
Its great to get back to 'adult world' making up your physical appearance and interacting with people is a really valuable positive. As long as the balance of time with your kids isnt too off, i think it will be a really positive step.
Yes do home delivery of groceries! Best time saver when youre time poor with kids.
I'm in a job paying a lot less than what you would be but I do receive spp of $67 a fortnight. It is not worth it, every fortnight I have to declare what I earn and if I earn more it goes down. It's a pain in my ass, it was a help but now it is more of a hindrance than any thing. I have paid off credit card debts that I was left with, purchased a brand new car with no debt and we live very comfortably. Take the job, it's worth it. As I said I don't get anywhere near as much as you but it is still worth having nearly $2100 a fortnight then having only $1200 a fortnight on Centrelink.
Wow that is great money. My husband studied for 4yrs to get into his trade and has now been doing it for 10yrs.....and he is only on 55k.
$68 grand a year, that is great money. You'll still get help with child care etc.
I was a single mum and worked full time the entire time and i survived just fine on a lot less than what you will be earning. I still got the single parent help with rent assistance, child care , rego etc still.
I had to report my earnings every fortnight and depending on what i earnt in the fortnight, would depend on if i got any single parent payment or not.
Absolutely take the job