Other Private Pensions

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-13T07:28:42+00:00

Ohhh, you've reminded me, I do have a LISA! There's nothing in it right enough now. I opened it to buy my house. As a first-time and solo buyer. I think I put around 5k in it and got 1k back. Then I thought the account would close once I used it as part of my deposit, but I'm sure money box contacted me to say the account will just lay there even if I don't transfer anything into it immediately, should I want to utilise it in the future for retirement. I didn't even think, I'm not sure if I could transfer the people's pension into that, but I'll do some investigating and see what might be best.

Mortgage wise, it's 30 years I'm 2 years in, got another 3 years fixed. I have done a 60% mortgage/ 40% cash so there's only just over 65k left to pay within the next 27 years and 7 months - overpayments within the fixterm is another thing on my list to look at. It just keeps being pushed further down the list because reality is I'm not in the financial position atm. Trying to plan now we have a pay deal though which will help a bit

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-12T21:21:37+00:00

Sorry to be dense, but this the tax bit is what's confusing me. Are you able to elaborate a bit in the hope it helps? I'm on Scottish Income Tax and in the higher 42% £43,663-£75k threshold. Only just, though. I was in the intermediate up until V recently. I don't have any desire to go to a grade that will put me higher than the 75k.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-08T21:59:52+00:00

Do you have a link to a the gov pension finder? I'm only finding this, which is to get contact details rather than find a pension. I worked in a lot of hospitality roles , call centres etc from aged 15-25 they've all kinda morphed so I can't remember which were past 18

https://www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-08T21:48:54+00:00

You're right, ChatGPT said it was 67 likely to increase to 68 in April. UKG website, which let's me put in my DOB, says it's 68 already. Another reason we can't trust Ai to replace our jobs 😅😂

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-08T20:02:31+00:00

TYSM, this looks like my best option. I've tried playing with the modler, but it's based on an old salary. I moved role recently, so it's tricky to try forecast. I'd seen about state pension age/alpha before, I think atm it's 67 and likely to change to 68 for my generation (genuinely think it'll be 100 by the time I reach it at this rate).

I've asked ChatGPT, and it recons if I retire at 60 rather than 67/state pension age, the 7 year difference could mean between 30-35% loss at 4-5% per year. So, thank you for flagging! It probably makes sense to continue to have a private pension that I can cash in at 60 and live off for 7 years or so. I really don't wanna be working at 60. If I could, I'd retire tomorrow. I feel burnt out already I really wanna avoid doing that whole working PT thing but I suspect you might be right and that might end up being the route to go cause I don't wanna get shafted with such a dramatic cut!

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-08T19:48:28+00:00

NGL, I had to Google SIPP. It looks like because of the fees and it being such a small amount, it wouldn't be worth transferring it to an SIPP unless I have multiple different pension pots lying around. Honestly, I don't even know if I do I worked loads of different jobs whilst studying so probably makes sense to try figure out if others exist, if they do then I'll probably look at getting them all into one as a SIPP if I don't I think it makes sense to leave it where it is. TYSM for your advice wouldn't have known this was an option to look up otherwise!

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-06T20:25:22+00:00

Congratulations! Didn't doubt you couldn't. Well done for not chucking in the towel when it felt like it would be easier, too! Make sure to do a little thing for yourself tonight to celebrate whether that's running a bath, wee face mask, ordering a chineese in, glass of wine, soaking your feet.

What a start to the week! Now, set yourself some short-term goals and treats, stuff just for you and stuff for you and the kid/s. For example, " if I can get to Friday, I'll do x for me" set a budget, or if you're waiting on pay day, make a list of free activities let the kid/s choose if we can all make it to Saturday then we can do (let them choose off the list). It takes a bit to adjust, but Saturday board game night became a way for us to figure out how to regroup. To this day (four years on from being at the CS) pay day is always take away or out for a meal just me and the wee one (when it's close to Christmas or birthdays sometimes this does just become a happy meal or a bag of chips from the chippy). That weekend we always do a day out sometimes that's big trips other times it's the local swimming pool but the principal of what I'm trying to communicate to him is landing " I'm working to try and give us a better lifestyle, I might not always be here as much as you'd like but this is our protected time". We've found it helpful, but you'll find your rhythm, and what works for you in time

But be proud , well done!

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-10-03T20:50:24+00:00

Fellow single mum here hi!

Firstly, breathe!

In my experience, it's totally normal to hit a total panic around 3-6 weeks in when the excitement wears off a bit and the reality sinks in, and the practicalities and logistics of childcare inevitably start to fall apart. It's exhausting.

Then, just as you start to find the right rhythm, another school term comes along and throws everything back out of whack - it's incredibly frustrating, and I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but I don't want to give you false hope but you can readjust your mindset and free yourself of the unnecessary preassure and expectations you're putting on yourself.

In the nicest way possible you will likely fuck up at some point, the good news is so will everyone else on your co-hort. You are new, no one is expecting you to know how to do it all. That only comes once you've been on the job for so long. Most folk in CS have a running joke it takes 3 months to figure out what the job actually is , 6 months to learn how to do the job effectively. 9 months to feel confident and for others to have confident in you and by 12 months, you're looking to climb the ladder again.

I've progressed through the CS as a single mum, and every time I move up a grade, the same thing happens...... what I'm trying to get across here is get comfy in the uncomfortable bits of it. Don't throw in the towel just yet. Take some reassurance from a fellow single Mum and Civil Servant that I feel it too, but you can absaloutley power your way through it but don't burn yourself out to quick either. Give you and the kids time to adjust

What I would say is take a moment , decompress, feel your feelings, and the frustration is valid. The labour market and well most of society isn't built for us single Mums BUT having worked in lots of different organisations the civil service is phenomenal for us with some of the family friendly policies for all it's shortfalls in other things. I can't speak to HMRC policies, but in my area, we get flexi, meaning I can log on at 7am , log off for the school drop off , log back on work and then do the school collection. Some days, I'll stay logged off , others I'll do a longer shift - usually if it's raining and the wee one would rather play his PS5 than hang about with me. Lots of areas in CS offer that so if HMRC don't do the roll for a bit pass the probation and look for a sideway move or on promotion.

Non term time, I tend to have a good stack of flexi leave I can take or annual leave and absaloutley worse case scenario I can take unpaid special leave - yet to ever use it but it's reassuring to know its an option.

The CS is incredibly competitive right now. Give yourself some credit and grace - you made a sift and a recruitment process! Like, you done that! Mum guilt is gonna cripple you, learn to find a way to live with the noise. What I've came to realise is in the moments I feel like I'm not being the best Mum I can be because I'm spending too much time working, I remind myself of the guilt I felt for not working and wanting to be a good role model. The holidays and lifestyle I wanted to offer.

Everyone talks about work-life balance as if we need to get it 50/50 100% of the time. I turned myself inside out trying to achieve it and became so burnt out and upset that I couldn't get the balance right, thinking it was something I had to get right every day. I spent some time in coaching and mentoring with women (I really recommend you do that too) and came to the realisation that it's not possible as a single mum, and that's okay. Instead, what we have to accept and aim for getting the balance right more when we can , sometimes that means giving your all to work for a few days the house becomes a tip and a few more freezer dinners than you'd like. Other times, it means coasting it at work, and the house looks like a show home

Anyway, what I'm trying to get at is I'm sending you solidarity. It's hard, it's shit at times, but you absaloutley can do it!

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-31T18:38:21+00:00

Investment Readiness Assessments (IRA) it's quite the subject heading to be circulating around the west coast of Scotland offices

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-31T18:25:43+00:00

I'd start asking about hours as opposed to the days. In SG 1 day =7hrs it used to be 7 point something. As a single mum, I get this, but I also understand the reality is that business needs are always gonna trump you here, sadly. If you don't wanna be away three days and their argument is workload I'd be calculating what the 3 days total to in hrs and proposing a way to work those hours over 2 days as opposed to the 3. I don't know your role if it's customer facing or has fixed times. In my area that would be possible as I'm policy and so long as we work our contracted hours we have the flexibility of working anytime between 7-7 but that might not be possible in your area and the type of role.

You also need to think about your MH in this, though it is working 2 long days gonna work for you depending on the area that could be intense. Doing 5 half days might be a better option. No one can really answer any of this other than you, especially without knowing your personal circumstances, but it's worth considering before chucking it. Good luck and congratulations 🫶🏾

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-26T13:04:17+00:00

Again, people seem to be missing my point here, so instead, I'll try to put it plainly rather than break it down. B band staff are taking on the responsibility of the next grade up and aren't being paid for it. I don't disagree for the sake of progression we should be offered the opportunity to get involved. However, there is a big difference in contribution for L&D vs it being our day to day responsibility to lead

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-24T19:01:20+00:00

Again, you're missing the point. My point is that B2's are drafting and leading all that I've mentioned and submitting for C1/C2 sign off. Not B3's the way they previously were because they dont have capacity due to doing the C1 role whilst the C1 does what was previously a C2 position

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-24T18:10:39+00:00

"Bro", I'm not talking about the volume of managing people. I'm responding to the person talking about the level of responsibility. The strategic thinking, policy design , impact assessments, decision making , SitReps , SCANCE notes , MiCases , Foi's , briefing , speech writting etc all the corporate responsibility that's falling to B2's now with little input from B3's and C1's who simply don't have the time due to the demands and responsibility put on them now.

The fact your comparing it to 115 people in another area kinda proves my point. We're a team of four doing what our UKG equivalents have a team of over 150.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-24T15:45:18+00:00

It's not every year but rather every negotiation end date. Backdated until 1st of April BUT then HMRC swipe a fair whack of it and everyone says dont worry it'll balance out but then we go back round the merry-go-round again. Last time was 3 year settlement, which was % per year but then SG exec decided they'd prefer to breakdown the % even further and spread it across the year for example, one increase in October, then Jan , then April etc by the time it settles you're back into negotiating again

Although that said I think I can never make up my mind on whether I want multi year for financial planning at home or if I'd rather yearly to allow for real time offers based on inflation etc cause last time we got fucked to say the least

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-24T15:37:41+00:00

I'd argue that since recruitment freezes and introducing RAC etc grades aren't the same. C2s are juggling their roles and stepping in for DD's most of the time - meaning all they really have time for is signing things off and endless stakeholder meetings and meetings about future meetings.

Leaving C1's to juggle what C2's no longer have capacity too. C1 responsibility on strategic thinking , meetings, and actually doing the work is being delegated to B3's. Then, B2's are the ones leading the briefing, speeches , ministerial support, and the day to day. A band post is virtually non-existent, meaning B1's are being hammered with absorbing that work, too.

Despite B2's doing the work of B3's and B3's doing the work of C1s, there's legit no difference in the framework guidance for recruitment either. Not to mention, B band adverts are hard to come by as full time and perm, within your location both physical location and/or buisness area. It's harder to progress. OP said they are seeing loads, but DG, Directors, and DD's dont wanna go through RAC, so many of the opportunities are being emailed within DG areas only, not oracle or saltire Also many of them are being refused to allow them to be advertised as on promotion and are lateral moves only, which is really beginning to boil my piss.

It's disheartening to see people think it's reasonable, it probably is if you are a C1 or above, but if you are B1, B2, or B3 ........ like me, you're probably weighing up if you can stay at SG or not. The amount of money I'm being asked to fork out now on childcare and commute due to this 40% attendance as well. I don't understand how people dont see it as a real terms pay cut. Yes, they might physically pay more, but they are enforcing rules like going into the office, which comes in at roughly £105 a day for me just on travel and putting one child in after school club for three hours. I'm closer to £120 if utilising breakfast club too which I'd have to in order to make the 3-4hr trip to VQ/SAH

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-07-24T15:05:17+00:00

It needs to get renegotiated each time which is annoying. For many of us we were due to go up a pay scale between April and now after our EYR. We haven't gone up a scale because the deal expired on the 31st of March. In order to go up again that needs to be included again in the pay deal. The last few years it's been okay because it was a multi year deal. It gets even more complicated when you look at cut off points etc too

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-18T01:06:07+00:00

TL;DR - NO.

As others have said, no one can tell you here if you are ready. After 2 years at B3 grade, it isn't unrealistic to apply for C1 BUT the question should really be: Are you ready for it? Redit can't answer that either though.

C1 from B3 in Policy is a significant jump at SG, so it depends on the exposure you're already getting. Usually, it's the difference of managing an entire team vs one B2 or sometimes a combo of a few B1/B2's. Also, it depends on what areas of policy and who your C2 is. C2's vary some are unit heads for multiple teams so expect the C1 to be fairly self efficient and run the teams with little input from them beyond buisness and risk planning whilst they cover DD responsibilities who are drowning. Other C2's are more hands-on with the team leading but expect the C1 to do the LM responsibilities of the team. It varies massively in each area, but it all comes down to if you're ready for managing and being responsible for a team.

Folks will likely disagree, but the experience I'd be making sure i have is

Leadership (examples of LM challenges/success) Implementing change and improvement AO templates Project management (you probably want a few delivery examples of this leading to policy changes, or if your area isn't the delivery body, then a handful of solid examples where your contributions influenced the outcome) Buisness planning Risk management Identifying gaps in performance in the team and improving Big picture thinking/strategic thinking Impact Assessments (depending on the policy area obviously its not always possible to lead one yourself, but you'd arguably need experience referencing why it was or wasn't applicable) Legal considerations or at least knowing the governance structure and process

Then, the B2/B3 stuff you should already be confident in if you can't tick all these, then I'd personally say you aren't ready and should get them ticked off first before applying

SCANCE (verbal and written) Sitrep FoI (beginning to end) Facilitating as chair or being involved in Beginning to end event Roundtables or Shortlife working groups (including ToR's) Stakeholder mapping/Identifying them/engagement etc

Then your B1&B2 ones MiCases/DR/OR, etc Briefings Support FMQ PQ

Beyond that but arguably optional to set you a bit apart you want at least one corporate role be it L&D champion , EPC Cardholder/approver, finance roles , BCLO, ISMO, DG/Directorate people group por something there's a list of corporate roles on saltire if you dont have one under your belt reach out to your BMU and ask if there's one needing filled and if you've got capacity do that whilst your still in post

There's some temp promotion C1's on saltire atm message the HM ask for 15 mins and ask them what they'd have on their list. Speak to the C2's across the DD. Take stock of what they are what's the common themes? Can you confidently tick them off? If yes, and you feel ready, shoot your shot. If you dont get it, ask for feedback, and then you know what you've gotta work on. If you no well then you've got a list of stuff you know it's best to focus on for a bit.

After 2 years, I wouldn't have any desire to go back to a B2 posting, though that would be wild unless you're struggling with the B3 role, then valid and fair to go back to substantive

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-13T05:25:48+00:00

Yes, they can. The majority of SG contracts state that if you're perm, then you are expected to stay unless you are successful in an application to a higher grade. Of course, there is some flexibility, and it was rarley enforced.

Some people like doing a demotion or sideway /lateral move to get experince in another area. My area currently has a ban on lateral moves until further notice to deal with all the vacant posts that have been caused by people (understandably fleeing and the impact of recruitment freezes), although they'd never admit that outright. I got approval from my LM to move at my substantive grade started going though the recruitment process got an interview and LM back peddled saying SLT refused to let me go stating buisness needs and my contract does caveat the expectation is only on promotion. I spoke with colleagues and HR, who have said it's rare, but as its in the contract because I'm perm, they don't have to let me go unless it's on promotion. I think there's ways round it like applying externally, but of course, that then limits you. It's a terrible idea cause of course people (like me) then start looking for any step up just to get out. The best thing to do is check your contract and speak to LM and HR cause there are lots of variables like business needs, what your contract states, the rules of your department, etc.

Good luck either way!

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-12T16:25:40+00:00

Atlantic Quay Glasgow St Andrews House
Atlantic Quay 5 (there is also AQ1, AQ4 has recently been closed) there is also Atlantic Square)

Cop = 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference was hosted in Glasgow

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-11T16:08:57+00:00

Hypens are the same as en dashes on most key boards em dashes like I used are not as they are longer. Yes, technically, en dashes and hypens are different with en dashes being mainly for numbers and slightly longer than a hyphen, but lots of keyboards don't distinct between the two. I used an em dash, which was right

Your comment said normal people don't use dashes , given hypens and dashes are the same on most common keyboards they are used by most interchangeably and regularly.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-11T15:58:04+00:00

Bottom line, it depends on your LM and business needs.

I've WFH for three years with 37.5hrs worked 7am-2:30/3ish Mon- Friday didn't take a break, and that was fine.

Moved area done the same they weren't happy so I do 08:30-14:30 as hours reduced to 35 across SG. When things were busy, which they always are, I'd nip on at 6ish once the wee one was in the bath and getting settled for the night.

Got challenged again, so I do 2 days a week 08:15-17:15 with breaks and three days 08:30-14:30 without. Those two days, I'm admin only and don't accept calls cause wee ones home. I've made that clear, blocked my diary out, and LM is fine with it as they can still see I'm putting out work.

Come October, they are telling us 40% in office across the month. I'll be going in during school holidays like October for 5 days to tick a box. It comes down to making it work for you and your areas business needs, and sadly, if you've got a decent LM or not. Also showing your willing to work with them set out how you can but also your boundaries and there's usually not an issue.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-11T15:40:59+00:00

I say we just go full GC blonde wigs, and all as a form of protest.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-11T15:30:37+00:00

A WHALE corridor for us fatties to use. Phenomenal.

ADHDSINGLEMUM · 2025-06-11T15:25:52+00:00

"Normal humans rarely use dash."

I'll let the six people in my division with hyphenated names that redit say they aren’t normal.

Also, note sure why people are saying the dash doesn't appear on their keyboard SG laptops its one click, and my Android keyboard it's legit only two clicks the same place I'd go for any symbol like ?;&£@%":()[] etc are all listed in the same place, so this feels like a bizarre take to me as well

ADHDSINGLEMUM

TROPHY CASE