No matter where you are in the world today, finding the right job as a working parent is no easy task as it be such a struggle juggling a family and a professional career. Several research suggests that many highly qualified women leave their careers and opt to start their own business due to family commitments. Most women would consider their childcare responsibilities before changing roles or applying for a new job or promotion. Several characteristics make a job desirable for working mothers, but one key consideration apart from salary is flexibility and where the motherhood penalty is limited. The ability to work part-time during school hours, take time off to watch over a sick child, or even work from home makes for a good work-life balance. With a new employer, it can be difficult to begin a conversation about flexible jobs, however, if you are looking for a job where the employer embraces flexible working as part of their culture, most IT jobs (software developer, analyst, tester) in organizations such as large corporations and start-ups usually support working from home as they would likely have the infrastructure setup in place to allow it.
Here are some jobs which are now recognized globally that make it easier for mum to balance life and work:
#1 Virtual Assistant
The shift in the modern workplace set forth by the ever-advancing technology and changing requirements of companies and small businesses has led to the rise of Virtual Assistants. A virtual assistant is a self-employed person who works online and provides a variety of support services to individuals and organizations who are in need of additional workforce without the extra overhead. Tasks can include pretty much anything such as performing various administrative duties, social media management, answering emails, scheduling meetings, making travel arrangements for brands, entrepreneurs and executives. The role requires having excellent organizational and time management skills which would be skills most mums would readily have. Pay is usually negotiable based on contracted hours.
Top Tip: Email as many personal brands as possible to ask if they require a virtual assistant, you would usually find their email on the contact page on their website. Sign up to jobsites such as peopleperhour, upwork, freelancer and fiverr.
#2 Content Creator
A content creator is a person who creates original content for usage mostly on online platforms and most especially to digital media to provide valuable information to a target audience. They can create blog posts, landing pages or other online content, a podcast creator, YouTube video maker, writing ads, or offline content such as flyers or brochures. These roles can offer flexible schedules, and parents can often perform their tasks from home. Content creators can work for a company or on a freelance basis. A degree in English, communications, journalism, or a similar field can help you stand out. To find a web writing/research job that fits your skills and interests, research industries with which you have experience.
Top Tip: Contact companies particularly those with which you have personal connections to see if they need someone to help create online content for them. Sign up to job sites such as peopleperhour, upwork, freelancer and fiverr.
#3 Public Relations Officer
A PR specialist promotes their clients to the public via a number of marketing and media strategies and usually work with many kinds of organizations, including media, healthcare institutions, educational services, and government agencies. Because many PR specialists work on a contract basis, parents can create their own schedules and choose to take on as many or as few clients as they want. There are no specific educational requirements for a PR specialist; however, most candidates have bachelor’s degrees in public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing. Many people also complete internships at PR firms.
Top Tip: Look for a PR job in an industry with which you are familiar and have some contacts.
#4 Ridesharing or Delivery Driver
Services like Uber and lyft have created flexible employment opportunities for drivers. Parents can sign on to provide rides or deliveries around the schedule of their children and parenting partners. Evenings and weekends are often times with peak demand for drivers. As a basic requirement, drivers must have a full driving license and access to a car in reasonable good condition.
Top Tip: Amazon and Royal Mail (Uk) are always on the hunt for delivery drivers.
#5 Web Developer
Web developers are low stack programmers who specialize in creating web-based applications. This skill is in particularly high demand due to the number of applications on smartphones and other electronic devices. While web developers can work for large corporations, government agencies, or startups, many work from home. As a freelance web developer, a parent would be able to select their projects and create their own schedule. Although deadlines are generally dictated by clients, stay-at-home moms can set their own work schedules. There are no formal education requirements for becoming a web developer. However, you will need to be familiar with programming and graphic design. Many colleges and adult education offer courses or certifications in skills like JavaScript, HTML, and php.
Top Tip: Coursera and Udemy have become a popular option for parents who don’t have the time or money to take classroom based courses.
#6 Fitness instructor
If you already enjoy working out during your spare time, you could consider becoming a fitness instructor. Staying in shape while helping others lose weight is a fast-growing career. You can offer group online fitness courses or teach private lessons in a specialized area such as Pilate, yoga or zumba at a local gym based on your schedule. Flexible schedule and good pay potential make this an attractive job for motivated moms. If you become an instructor at a gym or studio, you may be able to swap classes to help each other colleagues tend to unexpected commitments.
Top Tip: Visit your local gym to find out what their specific requirements are to become a fitness coach.
#7 Educational Tutor
Private tutoring for 11+, common entrance exams, private school entrance tests and higher education exams are in very high demand. Whether you do it locally or remotely, tutoring can be a great way to earn make some money. The average rate for a private tutor session in the UK for example is between £30 and £42 per hour. You could decide to charge a slightly lower rate for online tutoring or a package of sessions. Whether you choose to work independently or through an agency e.g Kumon, remember to cover the overhead costs of running a private tuition service when setting your rates.
Top Tip: Ask to tutor the children of your local school mums and friends.
If you are wondering how to make money so you can stay at home with the kids, I hope this list gives you some ideas and inspire you to find a job that works for you and your family. What work from home jobs you are currently doing or looking to do?
Kind Regards,
Folakemi Sebiotimo
Founder, Notjustamum & Peacockscanfly
