How are you all managing financially on kinder wages??

[helana4]

Hi! I’m currently working at a sessional kinder after working in childcare for over 10 years. I find the work in kinder better and so are the hours but the pay is shocking under the Vectea award. I’m single and don’t have a husband or partner or government support to supplement my income like a lot of other staff have.

I already currently work casually in childcare to supplement my income, but find that it still isn’t enough. I even do several side hustles regularly to bring in extra income.

During 2021 and covid, I tried applying for other jobs outside the Early Childhood field, but only got rejection emails. Problem is I don’t have any transferable skills to work elsewhere and just want some advice from anyone in the same situation? As it is getting to be a depressing situation especially with the cost of living not getting any better.

[Lorina]

Hi!

Yes, the cost of living is so high! I can understand why you work multiple jobs to make ends meet. Honestly, working in the childcare industry, you have to do it for the passion rather than the money. You may have to look outside the industry to make more money...

,
Lorina

[AlecZiemann]

Hi! I’m currently working at a sessional kinder after working in childcare for over 10 years. I find the work in kinder better and so are the hours but the pay is shocking under the Vectea award. I’m single and don’t have a husband or partner or government support to supplement my income like a lot of other staff have.

I already currently work casually in childcare to supplement my income, but find that it still isn’t enough. I even do several side hustles regularly to bring in extra income.

During 2021 and covid, I tried applying for other jobs outside the Early Childhood field, but only got rejection emails. Problem is I don’t have any transferable skills to work elsewhere and just want some advice from anyone in the same situation? As it is getting to be a depressing situation especially with the cost of living not getting any better.

I think that in addition to the job you consider your passion, you should also find a job that suits the needs of society, because then the salary will be high and suitable for your remuneration.

[AlecZiemann]

Hi! I’m currently working at a sessional kinder after working in childcare for over 10 years. I find the work in kinder better and so are the hours but the pay is shocking under the Vectea award. I’m single and don’t have a husband or partner or government support to supplement my income like a lot of other staff have.

I already currently work casually in childcare to supplement my income, but find that it still isn’t enough. I even do several side hustles regularly to bring in extra income.

During 2021 and covid, I tried applying for other jobs outside the Early Childhood field, but only got rejection emails. Problem is I don’t have any transferable skills to work elsewhere and just want some advice from anyone in the same situation? As it is getting to be a depressing situation especially with the cost of Geometry Dashliving not getting any better.

I think that in addition to the job you consider your passion, you should also find a job that suits the needs of society, because then the salary will be high and suitable for your remuneration.

I think it would be much better to get your feedback.

[katebrownell86]

Hey, I totally hear you—it's such a tough spot to be in, especially when you're working so hard and still struggling to make ends meet. Kinder work is rewarding but the pay under VECTEA really doesn't reflect the effort or experience we bring, especially without a second income or support. You're definitely not alone—so many of us in early childhood are feeling the squeeze, juggling extra jobs and still barely getting by. Don’t be too hard on yourself about the job rejections; it’s not about your worth or work ethic, it's just a brutal market. Maybe there are more transferable skills than you think—like communication, organization, behavior management—but I know it's hard to see that from inside the bubble.