Is it worth working?

[Enna80]

Hi everyone, I’ll keep it as brief as possible! Returned to work last week, 16 hours minimum wage. Childcare for baby is £320 a month. The tax credits have updated, and once all my bills are paid we will have £157 a month for food, clothes petrol…everything! Just been on the turn2us website and if I didn’t work we’d have £351 to live on… so should I quit my job? I’ve always said if someone’s capable of work they should, but how can I give my baby any sort of life on £157 a month? Any advice greatly appreciated!

[Teaandcake]

Hi Enna80, It seems to me that it isn’t worth you working! I’m currently working 2 jobs (roughly 26 hours) so that I could secure a mortgage on a property, however this means that my UC credits have stopped. Once I have the keys to my house, I will be dropping one of the jobs. I’m fortunate in that my daughter is in school so I don’t have to pay for childcare. Does your employer provide childcare vouchers to help with the cost?

[Kathymumofone]

I guess it depends on how much your job means to you. Does it support your mental health? Is there opportunity for promotion, moving to something better?

£157 is very tight.

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