I am looking for advice on my next step…. I am currently working full time( in a job I love)whilst studying, and looking after my 6yr old DD. I started my course as something to do whilst sat at home on an evening to dust off my grey matter, but not viewing it as an option to pursue as a career move. However I am increasingly struggling to juggle the demands of work (lots of travel, long days, and weekend hours) childcare (ex husband now not helping at all, no local family help), and keeping it all going. I can’t keep this going long term…and I feel it unfair on my daughter that one parent is absent through their own choice, and I’m having to be away due to work. I also want to keep working but with no childcare/support its really stressful every weekend. I am currently entitled to very little in terms of child tax credits, given my current income. I feel that if I could go part time, I can complete my studies (max 6months left) and I will be able to give better support to my DD, and then build a career with my new qualification in due course. Would I be able to claim anything in terms of tax credits, housing benefit (I currently rent) etc? Has anyone been in this position before and how did you manage? I feel that my hand is forced now that her dad isn’t supporting and it’s causing me to reconsider everything…
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