A London mother has opened up about the reality of juggling two demanding jobs while still claiming Universal Credit, as she strives to support her family during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
The 'Slashie' Lifestyle: Two Jobs, One Income
Chersty Bitsindou, a 38-year-old from London, describes herself as a 'slashie' – someone who works multiple roles. She splits her time between working as a dental technician and a cleaner, earning up to £29,881 a year. Despite this income, she also receives Universal Credit payments of around £1,754 per month, or £21,049 annually.
The mother-of-three, who has children aged 19, 13, and 8, explained that her previous full-time role as a dental technician became unsustainable. "I loved my job and the fact that fixing dentures let me put a smile back on people’s faces," she said. "But I was struggling with balancing my full-time job... with looking after three young children. It was always a juggle."
Seeking Flexibility for Family Life
The turning point came when her eldest daughter, Amy, suggested she look for flexible work 'on the side'. This led Chersty to adopt her current model of working 14 hours a week as a dental technician while supplementing her income with cleaning work. This structure ensures her benefits payments are not affected, providing a crucial financial boost.
"I’m able to choose whenever I work and can still be there to pick up my kids," Chersty explained. "I work according to my time and enjoy the flexibility. Working in this way has given me so much more flexibility – and enabled me to spend more time with my children."
Navigating the Cost-of-Living Crisis
Chersty's story highlights the pressures facing many families as prices soar. "Like so many others, I’ve really felt the effects of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis," she stated. "I’ve noticed the family food bill going up and up, while energy costs have gone through the roof."
Her decision to maintain a side hustle is driven by a desire to provide a better life for her children. "If you have kids then a side hustle like mine can help you to make extra money to give them a better life," she advises. Her approach offers a stark insight into the lengths to which many parents are going to make ends meet, seeking creative solutions between employment and the benefits system to achieve both financial stability and family time.
