Back to work after kids

[emidevitt]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could give me a little advice:

I am a 31 y/o mum of two who would like to start working again. My husband and I are really strugling financially on his income only (25 000p/a). However, after consideration, it will prove harder to organise than I previously thought. I haven't had a paid job for over three years and wouldn't be able to find a position allowing me to cover the cost of child care (I have a 3 y/o and a 8 months old).

My qualifications are also a bit unusual and my work history too diverse to look good on a CV.
I am French and therefore hold a Degree from a French university (Masters Degree in French Literature).

I would really like to find an office position in the city (administrative work, from reception to sacretarial) but as I said the wages are a bit low to pay nursery fees and make a decent living.

Should I give up on work and stay home (and be poor!) until both my children are of chool age?
Thanks helping and sorry about this long post.

[redcrx]

Do you get child tax credit at the moment? Im not sure what age it works up to but it does cover childccare to a certain extent.
Could you look for a job closer to home that wouldnt involve too much travelling and commuting as this will extend the hours youd need a childminder for.

[aims1202]

If your reasons for going back to work are only because of money then maybe think about working from home? I have heard of mums setting up their own business from home. Also there is childminding which you could do?
Personally i think it is better to stay at home with children when they are very young, but some mums want to go out to work, not just for the money, but for doing something else and meeting other people. If these are your reasons as well then maybe think about using a childminder for childcare, they are cheaper than nurseries and much better environment for little ones.

[meltoadhall]

teaching french somewhere? primary schools often need people, private french tuition, coaching?

[angeldraws]

When i was in a similar situation to you i went to an agency to gain experience in admin.....admittedly, it can be difficult to tie it all in together but it can be done - it depends how determined you are to work at it. Then maybe one or two days a week (afternoon or morning) you could go to adult eduaction classesto gain qualifications to back up your experience....they usually provide childcare/creche for the hour or two long classes....
Well, thats how i did it anyway, and im a PA now - im only talking the last few years too.....