Hi IM's
I have a 2 year old and a 8 month old and am a Sahm but I feel I can't cope to stay at home full time this year, I suffer from depression but have been taking steps towards trying to help myself with medication and counselling.
I don't have any skills or qualification really that I can return to work with that would provide a wage. I definitely can't earn more than my husband so we can't swap roles which he would be happy to if I could.
My question is if I return full time or part time to work that would earn in the low $20 an hour maximum at a job like Coles or as a receptionist etc would it cover my two if day care/child care etc? We are eligible for some of the centrelink help towards care but I'm not sure how much at the moment.
I also don't have a spare room for an au pair so that isn't an option.
Any help or advice would be great
3 Replies
I could have written this word for word just over 2 years ago. I needed to go back to work, and despite having no qualifications and barely no experience, I was hired at 5 months pregnant and I stayed there for 2 years.
Firstly, you will be entitled to some child care benefit, so even if you only do 2-3 days a week like I did, it will be worth it. If only to make you feel like you have some independance and a bit of adult conversation!
Secondly, have confidence in yourself! Ok so you have no qualifications.... babe you are a mother! You raise little humans! You run a household! You're more qualified than you realise.
I was exactly the same as you. Had no confidence in myself, was so convinced I would never get a job. Until I was put in a situation where I didn't have a choice.
Now 3 years later, I've got am actual career.
You can do this. Whatever job you get, it will make you feel so good about yourself.
Look into child care and go for it!
All the best to you xx
Thank you your response is very empowering and kind hearted xxx
I was very much the same. I had no skills and wanted Togo back to work. Not for the money but I knew it would help me mentally to have outside relationships.
I could never go back to staying home now. I love working and am also paying daycare for 2 days a week.
I work in a major supermarket and they are great with scheduling hours to suit my availability.
Daycare costs me about $40 a day with 90% rebate. You can estimate yours and hubby's projected income to see what you would be entitled to but honestly I would work even if it only just covered my daycare. I work some nights and weekends so hubby is able to watch the baby abd I basically only work during the 2 days of care. However I have an amazing friend who helps out if I need to work on the other days:)