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.

[robertwarden]

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,COC MOD APK 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.

Rejections hit hard when you’re already exhausted and stretched thin, but they really aren’t a measure of your capability or work ethic. A lot of sectors are brutal right now, especially for people trying to pivot without being able to afford a pay cut or unpaid “entry” phase.

[Doncepre25]

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’m in early childhood too and the pay just doesn’t match the responsibility or experience, especially if you’re single and covering everything yourself. Kinder hours are great, but the VECTEA award is honestly rough.

For what it’s worth, you do have transferable skills, even if employers don’t spell it out. Behaviour management, documentation, working with families, time management, compliance, teamwork — those things matter outside ECEC too. I’ve seen educators move into school support roles, council/community services, disability support, admin or training roles after reframing their experience.

It’s draining constantly hustling just to get by, and the cost of living makes it feel even heavier. You’re not failing — the system is. Sending you a lot of understanding, and I hope something better opens up for you soon.

[sedapow8]

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 what abigail says.

The VECTEA award wages are genuinely inadequate, especially without a secondary income. You have more transferable skills than you realise — behaviour management, documentation, compliance, family liaison, and team coordination are all valued in disability support, school support roles, community services, and RTO/training environments. Worth reframing your resume around those specifically rather than listing childcare duties. The market is tough, but the rejections likely reflect that framing, not your capability.

[lvlDev]

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. level devil - not a troll game

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.

You’re clearly doing superhero-level multitasking.

[sedapow8]

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 dotwordle 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.

Kinder wages are tough, especially with rising costs. I'm Douglas in Pakistan, but the struggle is universal in our field.

Have you looked into upskilling? Online courses (many free/low-cost) could help pivot to admin or training roles while staying in ECEC. Also, check if your center offers paid professional development - some do.

Side hustles are smart. Could you monetize your experience? Tutoring, creating resources for teachers, or even freelance writing about ECEC might leverage your expertise better than random gigs.

Hang in there. The system undervalues us, but your skills matter.

[Sevarica]

I understand you, it’s really a difficult situation, especially when you have a lot of experience, but it seems to be tied to one area. I worked in elementary school and also faced a similar feeling - as if you are doing important work, but financially it is almost not felt.

But honestly, you are slightly underestimating your skills. Working with children is not only about care, it is about communication, patience, organization, conflict resolution, planning - all of this is very valued outside of kindergarten. It’s just that sometimes it is difficult to sell it correctly on your resume.

Maybe you should try something related - for example, administrative work in education, online tutoring or even working with customers. And yes, rejections are very exhausting, but this does not mean that you are not suitable, sometimes it is just a matter of time.

Hang in there, you are definitely not alone with such experience and these thoughts. And most importantly - you are already doing more than many, just to stay afloat.

[Lorina]

It’s absolutely valid to feel worn down by the cost of living pressures. If you love the work but the pay is the barrier, exploring adjacent roles where your skills are valued might be the bridge. And sometimes, just hearing that others are in the same boat helps—it’s not a personal failing; it’s a systemic issue.

A few thoughts that might help:

Transferable skills: Don’t underestimate what you’ve built in early childhood. Skills like communication, compliance knowledge, mentoring, and resource design are highly valued in roles like training, community services, education support, and even corporate compliance or HR. Sometimes it’s about reframing your experience in the language of those industries.

Upskilling pathways: Short courses in areas like project management, training & assessment (Cert IV TAFE), or community development can open doors without requiring a full career change.

Sector advocacy: Some educators have moved into union or advocacy roles, where their lived experience is a strength.

Financial strategies: A few people I know have managed by mixing kinder with OOSH or vacation care shifts, since those services often pay slightly differently and can supplement income without burning you out.

Hang in there, and keep reaching out in spaces like this. Sharing strategies and solidarity makes the load a little lighter.

,
Lorina