leedsforever

I dont know why but Im starting to fret about my up and coming decisions (saying that I have at least another 5 months to decide) but Im just so confused!!!

Waitressing at the min and I know it is definetly not me.... not a long term plan at all!!! But Im also pretty certain I wont take full 39 weeks maternity even if I do my only options really will be part time due to limited experience therefore a low paid job equaling no point in working as it will all go on childcare costs.... again waitressing an option ... hopefully somewhere where I can make a bit in tips alone!!

I studied criminology with Law at university and after pondering about joining the police force for about 2 years I decided against it!! main reasons being the shift work and not being very family friendly!!

I have also been a special constable for the past 2 years so I know exactly what police officers do on a day to day basis!!! Its very exciting but also very very frustrating!!

Then I decided primary school teaching.... all along thinking of the future and having a family (BTW LO wasnt planned to have happened so soon lol)

So I applied for uni to start Sept 08... to do my PGCE to become a teacher!! Whilst applying ... God decided it was also my time to conceive a new life!!
So application is now on hold with the prospect of me going to uni sept 09!! Comfortable at the thought of time with LO, help with childcare costs and various other grants you receive from the government when training to be a teacher!!!

However.... I had to go to the police station a week ago (to send a fax to passport office as I was a countersignature for my friends passport) and the buzz excitement and everything else came back to me!!!

And now.... im so unsure!!
I absolutely adore learning.... and criminology and law fascinates me.... yet on the other hand i can just imagine myself teaching others and showing off my creative side!!

My goal in life is to have a job I love.... I believe "Find a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life!!"..... and Im going to be honest to retire on a very comfortable wage indeed... in my eyes about £35,000 a year!! After all i didnt go through all that education etc to not use it!!!

I know its pretty pointless me fretting about this now as I cant do anything for a while anyway but I just wish I knew a clear cut choice in my head!! University really isnt good at the careers advice... in fact i had none at all!!!

I really never picture myself being a pregnant waitress put it that way.... no disrespect to anyone who enjoys it etc but Im so career minded... I saw myself with a steady job... good maternity pay etc!! However I do not resent my LO as I know I still have these options as I am only 22 and can still use my degree to good use!!!

Sorry about the super long thread.... but does anyone know of any careers that may suit me... in the criminal world... (not probation or prison service)!! After being a copper you tend to want to bang the wronguns up rather than try an help them!!! If that makes sense!!!

Argh.... Im so confused!!!

rae05

There was a job offer here a few weeks ago (that I didn't apply to, stupid me) prepping kids who come from abusive homes to go to court and testify against the abusive parent. Something like that may be interesting, if you work through the government/courts?


I'm doing Sociology with a focus in Criminology too. I have no idea what I'm going to do yet.

leedsforever

Do you get much career adivce at your uni??

Ema

Hi kerry when your working you can qualify for working tax credit or at least the child care element.....so you get help with childcare costs while your working as long as its over 16 hours XXX

leedsforever

ar really.... I get so confused with all these benefits malarky!!
So I get that regardless of what my OH is on?!? I really hate the idea of having no money..... love the thought of being a mother but the money situation is not good

greenkat

I'm going into my 3rd year at uni but I can already see how they give you practically no careers advice which is so rubbish! I have no idea what I can do after.

My mum's a childminder - I know there's no law or criminology involved but you could maybe do something in childcare for a year and see if you enjoy working with kids? It might be you hate it and you can decide against teaching.

I did a student associate thing recently as I thought I might like to become a teacher. Basically I went into a high school to observe and help in the classroom. - I DO NOT want to teach in a high school. It was definately a learning experience.

leedsforever

I was planning on doing some work experience on a primary school whilst on maternity and obviously after I have found my feet!! your right though it may not be what I like!!!

Just working out the finances its so scary !!!

greenkat

I know the feeling - I can't even think about finances at the moment! Not a clue where to start.

Ema

http://www.taxcredits.inlandrevenue....axCredits.aspx

Go to here it and fill in the do i qualify bit....Not sure about working tax think you gotta be under 15,000 combined ( i dont quailfy) but the childcare elements you might and the child tax XXX

leedsforever

yeah ive done the child tax credit on entitled.co.uk.... £21 a week!!

My OH is £20,000 alone which limits it!!!
Once I start my PGCE (if thats what i do lol) you get more help with childcare and stuff!!!

I just wish I was rich.... lol!!