From Social Welfare to Social-Preneur – How to step back into the world of ‘work’

Yvonne Reddin: author and content writer

With childcare costs being anything but realistic and affordable and also from a lone parent’s perspective over the years, I couldn’t justify the amount you have to pay and the juggling involved, so you can work.

It always felt like you were working to pay for the childcare and would be rarely left with any ‘spare’ money.

Yes, the social side to working is important but it is mentally draining running from A to B for school collections, the stress when you see phone calls from schools that the child/children are unwell etc. So, how are you supposed to hold down a full-time/part-time job and really what companies are willing to employ you so you can have this flexibility?

Because of these motives, I studied instead for the reason that there was better flexibility to ensure I was there for school collections etc. Over the years, while at home, I completed a journalism degree and also two Post Grads in learning and teaching and in business, innovation and entrepreneurship.

This helped me build my confidence to look into becoming self-employed and starting my own copy/content writing business. Up until this point, I was on a lone parents social welfare payment to keep my head above water. I decided to drop this allowance and get help with my business idea.

I heard about the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme (BTWEA) and signed up. They directed me to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Southside Partnership where I was assigned to Helena O’Neill, Research, Evaluation & Social Enterprise Project Leader. Helena helped me with my business plan, pricing and the world of business. It took 12 months to get everything in place and ready to go.

There was a lot of paperwork involved but Helena helped me every step of the way. If you can find the right supports and information, this is the right starting point for any business idea.

When I initially approached Helena, my idea was for a course in community centers to support and help other people like me, stuck at home but wanting to learn. This was the year before the pandemic. On Helena’s advice my course title needed to be modified. Covid came and my course became an online interview series talking to individuals in every sector and ideally it was a way for me to network safely and online.

This interview in time, became my first book and also a video series, which is still ongoing today. I pivoted my idea like so many had to do and luckily it all went to plan. My content writing business began in 2020.

Samantha Kelly, Social Media Consultant & Brand Ambassador for the Backing Business community with Virgin Media Business

Samantha Kelly

Similar to my own story, Samantha Kelly is now a Social Media Consultant & Brand Ambassador for the Backing Business community with Virgin Media Business. Samantha was on a carer’s allowance for her daughter and remembers going into her local Intreo office to sign off this allowance. 

She says, “There was a certain feeling of joy when I went into the social welfare office to sign off. I was on carer's allowance for my daughter who has hearing difficulties and I said thank you to the lady behind the desk. The lady looked quite shocked but I told her I was grateful for the help they had given me and told her about my ambition for my business. I had been relying on social welfare for a few years now and it was only because I had decided to start a business that I was able to sign off now.”

Samantha had also researched the BTWEA scheme and began her business from this scheme. She shares, “When I decided to start my first business I went on the Back To Work Enterprise Allowance which decreases each year to get you used to standing on your own two feet. It felt good after all this time to be independent but it was hard work. I wasn’t afraid of hard work at all but childcare had always been a barrier to work especially with my daughter needing extra care and appointments etc.

“I noticed that I would lose certain perks as time went on, especially when it came to doctor’s visits. But I really wanted to feel like a useful member of society and on social welfare I really didn’t feel like I was useful. I didn’t like the stigma attached to being reliant on social welfare and was determined not to be poor anymore.

“I worked really hard, sometimes over 12 hours a day as I work online and I learned as much as possible while the girls were asleep so I could perfect my craft which is social media consultancy and marketing strategy. I followed people who I admired and who had been successful and I became successful myself by following simple steps: Work hard, Grab opportunities, Be kind, Help others, Keep learning and Don’t give up.

When you begin a business, the feeling of isolation and loneliness come back as reminders of being a lone parent. Instead of it becoming a negative factor, Samantha built a new supportive community online. 

She said, “It was a lonely road on social welfare but I learned the value of having a community around me so I implemented the same strategy around my business and created communities of business owners around me too. This has led to opportunities I could never have dreamed of including speaking on stages at events and summits, travelling to speak at international conferences and also appearing on TV.

“I am very driven so I really don’t know how I coped when I was on social welfare but I know I definitely wasn’t happy. I am much more content now knowing that I have achieved everything myself through sheer courage, determination and hard work. I think if you find something you love to do and if people are willing to pay you for it whether it’s a service or product - then turn it into a business.”

My advice is the same, no idea is a bad idea once you ask experts for advice and also seek professional guidance. I listened to everyone. I knew, to learn, you need to listen. By being at home, I was unknowingly picking up project management and cognitive skills including patience, listening, negotiating and many more. Tracy Gunn also believes nothing is wasted from being a stay-at-home parent.

Tracy Gunn, co-founder of Platform55

Tracy Gunn

Tracy Gunn is co-founder of Platform55, a HR platform that transform how companies support modern families, with solutions for Employees, Leaders and HR. Tracy says, “Returning to work after extended leave can be daunting for many people. Initial feelings of excitement can quickly be replaced with doubt and anxiety – which can lead to someone questioning if they’re doing the right thing in going back to work. It’s important to acknowledge that these conflicting emotions are completely normal, and that after a few weeks, things settle down as you find your feet.

Whatever your reason for stepping away from work, remember all the positives that this experience has given you – the skills you’ve learnt or the personal development you’ve undergone. For example, raising a family isn’t easy – and the skills of multi-tasking, negotiation, organisation and remaining calm whilst everything is chaos around you are all skills that are directly transferable into the workplace. So, I’d encourage people to ‘own’ their break from work.

“To build confidence, I’d also recommend surrounding yourself with a strong network. Think about who can support you in different ways e.g. support at home and with childcare; technical support – who can give you a crash course in technology and answer your questions; emotional support – we all need a shoulder to cry on at times; a champion who will boost your confidence and remind you just how fabulous you are and your accountability partner – the person who will nudge you along and make sure you take action rather than just talking about what you need to do.

“And finally, get a grip on guilt. We often hear from returners that they feel guilty about returning to work and the impact this will have on their family. Try to reframe these feelings and look at the positives, like being a role model for your children, or being financially independent.

“Also, work gives us so much more than just financial reward, it can give us a great sense of purpose. It’s okay to say you’re looking forward to going back to work.”

So, don’t be hard on yourself, making a choice to stay at home is a privilege but you can use this time wisely by studying, research and preparing, and then you can re-enter the world of work, as soon as you are ready.