Returning to work after having a baby brings its fair share of challenges. From coordinating childcare drop-offs with office hours to catching up on missed training, it can be a tricky transition.
While most of us get back into the swing of things eventually, it’s not uncommon to find the job you had previously enjoyed is no longer compatible with your new family life. One recent survey of working parents found that a third of women changed careers after having a baby, often seeking new roles that offer flexible hours, home working options and a shorter commute.
If you find yourself in a similar position, it can be useful to take some time to think about what you need out of a job and then to research the options that are available. Experts advise identifying what has become problematic about your current role. Consider what elements you enjoy, what experience or skills you would like to gain in a new career, and what ‘must-haves’ you now require. Similarly are you looking for a working pattern that fits around school hours or a workplace that offers ongoing training and support.
“As we pass milestones in life, our priorities and goals can change”
Said a spokesperson for Open Study College, which commissioned the survey. “For some people, having a family is the most important thing to them, and they’re happy to let their careers take a back seat.
For others, the exact opposite is true - they want to consider excelling in their careers, and will let others help more in terms of raising the family. Of course, it is possible to have both, which is why being in the right career or even the right company is really key.”
Once you feel clearer on what you need, it’s time to look at so-called ‘option-building’ where, rather than focussing on one opportunity, you aim for several choices that could work for you. It can be difficult to picture ourselves working in a different field or retraining after years building a career but, it’s important to keep an open mind. Liliane Branca retrained as an electrician after working as a social worker and now tutors other women retraining in the field. She says: “I think it’s essential for women, and men to be honest, to remember that we can do anything.”
The job that’s right for you is as individual as you are, but there are certain fields and certain professions that tick a lot of boxes for mums making a career change post-baby. Here we look at some of the most popular.
1. Self-employment
A person is self-employed if they work for themselves either as a business owner or a freelancer. Offering greater freedom, flexible hours, higher earning potential and the opportunity to work remotely, going self-employed is often a great option for women looking to progress their careers at their own pace.
According to the Office for National Statistics there are five million self-employed people in the UK, with some of the most common self-employed jobs including barrister; financial advisor; web designer, photographer and writer.
If the idea of working for yourself is appealing, do some research into the market or industry as well as assessing your own suitability. Being your own boss can be rewarding but requires creativity, organisation and a lot of self-belief.
2. A role within education
If you’re after a job that fits around school hours, it’s worth considering actually working in a school. While the long days and extracurricular work associated with teaching may not be especially compatible with family life, there are plenty of other term-time only roles.
Look into office work, finance and IT for a start. Those who have experience in leadership roles and have, or are willing to work towards, a relevant degree in a subject such as education, social work or welfare, could apply to become an early years Ofstead inspector. Then there are positions such as educational mental health practitioner, learning mentors, lab technicians and welfare officers.
Private tutoring is another avenue that can offer the opportunity to work flexibly from home while making use of previous experience and skills. Prospects UK advises that ‘You will need to be knowledgeable about your subject and have a business mindset to manage and market your services.” Having DBS clearance can also be useful. Private tutors set their own rates and hours so you could take on as much or as little work as you choose.
3. Technical based roles
Not only is tech one of the fastest-growing fields in the UK, with plentiful job opportunities, but it’s also a field that is actively seeking to recruit more women.
Jobs in this industry are varied and broad-reaching and include roles such as coder, programmer, database manager, cybersecurity specialist, data scientist, games designer and many more. What’s more, a large proportion of these roles can be carried out remotely and flexibly, making them an appealing option for ambitious women looking for greater work-life balance.
While many imagine you would need a degree in a STEM subject and/or previous related experience, the scope of the industry means transferable skills are highly valued. A developer, for example, needs to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dedicated ‘returners’ programmes’ for those who have taken time out of work for any reason aim to help tech employers to attract new talent from other industries, and offer training, mentorship and networking opportunities. Some employers offer paid apprenticeships or on-the-job training too.
Did you change careers after having a baby? Feel free to share your experience, tips or advice for other parents in the comments.
0 Comments