New career / job

I don't know how many of you are aware that I got made redundant from my last job while I was still on maternity leave, and while the silver lining of this was that it is enabling me to stay at home with Erin a lot longer (and have us still be OK financially), I am going to have to look for a job or some kind of work sooner or later (likely after New Year or something). I've decided that I'll probably become a massage therapist, and eventually specialise somehow (not sure exactly), which will mean studying & retraining altogether. That I don't mind, and I'm sure I can manage it along with caring for Erin. Where the "speedbump" might come along is that if I don't actually take ok *another* job at the same time, we will still only be on a single income (for longer than planned). I guess my point is that I'm unsure of whether or not I'd be overloading myself to try and care for Erin, study, and work. Working part time may not be worth it once the cost of childcare is factored in - I can't count on my mum absolutely being able to look after her (even though it could be a possibility). Working full time, well... it comes back to me worrying about managing everything and not ending up in a burnt out heap.

Any advice / experience / suggestions ladies ? *puppy dog eyes*

I wouldn't try mothering and studying and working full-time. You'll need more of a break when you get home from work, with a little one, especially if you are still getting up in the nights. That's just me

What are you already skilled in though? Can't you get a job in the same line as you already were?

I studied full time with both girls.. what i found was that i did not work though.. i couldn't.. that WOULd be crazy.. there were days and weeks where i would feel like i was sinking - just never getting ahead.

However.. have a look, as you would be a student.. you could get living costs on top of your student loan.. which is non-taxable.. does not affect ird payments, nor does it affect rolands tax etc.. bumps up the balance of your loan but hey - to live it's a small sacrifice. you can get $150 a week. also as a student accomodation supp sometimes goes up. also daycare subsidies thresholds have gone up as well.. the top threshold is $1250 per week gross income now.. as long as income is below that then you qualify for subsidys.

something to think about.

studying with kids can be done.. but you seriously need to find ways to make you life a little easier first.. otherwise you risk going under.. i still have no idea how i did it. I think i was more than slightly insane, but it was worth it.

Jax if you were to study fulltime then you would get the $150 no questions asked. Cos its part of your loan and not an allowance it will not effect anything. I am getting it as part of my study over summer school and that little bit extra does help. I also work 11 hours a week and even thou that isn't much it certainly helps the money situation.

Hey Jax, if you have any questions re studying massage let me know, I finished my 18 month diploma at the end of last year at Wellpark College.