I have been an at-home mum for seven years now and am now trying to get back to work. I have a background in sales and marketing administration, but would be happy to try something new. However, I want to still be there for my girls at least until they're in high school (they're six and nine now). Where can I find part-time/term-time work or homeworking opportunities that don't involve me selling to friends who frankly are as strapped for cash as me! I could be classed as a single mum since my partner works seven days a week, 11-12 hours a day and have no-one who can babysit for me either, at least not on a regular basis. I fear I couldn't earn enough to cover childcare fees. Also will my long absence from work affect my chances in finding a position?
Read Story
I have been working for a firm as an IT support assistant. Everything was going very well in terms of where I was going within the firm. My appraisals were great. Then I became pregnant in my second year of being with the firm. When I came back from maternity leave I found my job role had changed I was not given notice of this until I went in for my back to work interview two weeks before I was due to go back to work after maternity leave. The firm insisted I work different days which I thought was fab for me because it meant I could spend more time with my baby. I asked for my hours to be cut before I went on maternity leave, which the company granted under flexible working terms. Now I feel I am being discriminated against because I don't get the same responsibilities as my work peers even though our job description is the same. I am the only female in a male-dominated working environment. I feel penalised for working from home and I am always feeling guilty for not having done enough work when I do go into work. I am very good at my job, but I feel I am being left behind when I am more then capable of doing much more. My peers call me a 'part timer', making me feel I am not working hard enough. To be honest, I am sick of the attitude. On top of this my peers were given a pay rise. I was not. I emailed my manager and he did not give me any answer as to why I was not given a pay rise. Any work I am given I knock it on the head and complete it; I have exceeded my performance time and again. When I started at the firm I was not being paid the market value for the job role I was performing and I fought for the rise which was eventually given. I have never been given a performance-related pay rise like my peers have. I don't know what to do. I feel I am always given the dull jobs. I feel guilty for being a mum. I can't win.
Read Story
I've been looking for a job to do from home and have my CV ready. I've applied for loads of jobs but there only seem to be scams out there.
Read Story
Does anyone know the maternity law when it comes to self-employed individuals? I am due to go back to work, but the client I have been working with got cover whilst I was away, but now I'm looking to go back he has changed the goal posts and wants me to go into the office three days, instead of what I was previously doing - working from home. My contract states that I am able to choose my own time and place of work If I had never got pregnant and been on maternity leave, such a request would not have been made. If I was employed this would not be accepted. Are there any rules for people who are self-employed?
Read Story
I am a 21-year-old mum of two young children, the youngest being seven months. I previously worked as a customer service adviser, but did not go back after maternity leave as it was not finacially beneficial to me and my partner. I would like to get a job, but there seems to be nothing out there for me. Childcare costs are ridiculous -what I would earn a hour wouldn't even cover these costs. I have thought about a home study corse in bookkeeping. Is there any way I could get a grant to do this? I thought with a qualification under my belt I'd be more employable. Please if you know of any jobs I could do or advice on my home learning it would be much appreciated.
Read Story
