With research showing that just 29% of companies in the UK offer flexible working options, it’s understandable that many employees would be looking for employment outside of traditional organisations.
It’s for this reason that the UK’s gig economy has flourished over recent years, as many candidates seek flexible working options.
However, many of these roles come with a lot of downsides, including inconsistent work and a lack of room for progression, making them undesirable for working parents who are seeking flexibility and job satisfaction.
Many of gig economy jobs also lead you to become, effectively, an outsourced employee, who has all the stresses of a business owner with the responsibilities of a team member. For parents, this can be a challenge, but there are many other ways you can find the balance you need to spend time with your child and keep yourself feeling fulfilled in your career.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the flexible career options that working mums should consider, to help them get back into the job market without sacrificing the time they get to spend with their new child.
Blogger
It might sound like an obvious choice, but becoming a blogger can be a lucrative career choice if done right. It’s not an easy job by any means, but with a little hard work, dedication and SEO knowledge you can create a popular and profitable blog. You can schedule posts to go out at certain times, meaning that you can create your content whenever you’re able to and then post it to go out at the most popular times of day for your readers.
Podcasting
Like blogging, podcasting allows you to use your knowledge and skills to inform others. There are various ways you can make money from podcasts, including getting a sponsor, allowing adverts and even linking the podcast to other services or premium content. With just a little equipment and a sound-proof space, you can create quality audio content that can be consumed on the go, meaning that you’ll reach a wide audience.
Manager Of An Online Store
One great job that allows you to work from home, set your own hours and learn vital business skills is to start your own online store. You could sell items you’ve created yourself, or you could simply offer a selection of products made by a different company. Either option will allow you to work from home and adapt around the needs of your life and, most importantly, your child’s life.
Pilates Instructor
A flexible option in every sense of the word, becoming a Pilates instructor is a great way for you to arrange your own workload and schedule classes to suit your own personal timetable. One of the most recognisable providers is HFE, who offer a range of programmes, including matwork and reformer Pilates courses. Most qualifications will take around 10-12 weeks to complete and graduates can start working as an instructor as soon as they have completed their training.
Whether you are looking to work for yourself or get employment in a health club or dedicated Pilates studio, the options are unlimited. HFE’s comprehensive Pilates training programme is based on the pioneering work of Joseph Pilates’. By the end of the programme, you will have an in-depth knowledge of all the science and practical application of the method. Courses are delivered in a blended fashion, combining a fully supported period of home-study with weekend practical training. Check out their Pilates Courses to find out which course, venue and dates suit you.
Freelance Writer
Should you have the grammatical skills, you could consider a career as a freelance writer. You could become a copywriter and work for companies, or you could provide proofreading services to a variety of clients. You could even consider becoming a ghost writer and writing books on behalf of busy authors. All of these roles will allow you to work around your own schedule and write in the comfort of your own home, in the presence of your beloved child.
Recipe Creator
Gourmets who enjoy cooking and experimenting with new flavours and combinations can sell their recipes online. You could sell them using a blog or writing a cookbook, or you could offer them to an online platform which pays for quality recipes. This strategy will help you if you’re looking to become a name in the food writing market, but it is less lucrative than some of the other career options on this list.
Virtual Office Assistant
To save money on renting and maintaining a physical space, over recent years many companies have embraced the virtual office, where their staff provide their services from home. As such, you could become a virtual office assistant and enjoy the same career progression as a traditional office member, without having to leave your house. This option isn’t as flexible in terms of hours as some of the others on this list, but it does give you the chance to work from home and have your child with you whilst you carry out your role.
Software Developer
For those who want a lucrative technical career that they can do from home, becoming a software developer is a great option. You could work for yourself and create your own software solutions, or you could find a company that allows you to work from flexibly from your home. Either option will give you the chance to work from home and adapt your working hours around your child and their hectic schedule.
Business Consultant
If you had a successful career or led a profitable company prior to becoming a parent, consider putting this experience to good use by becoming a business consultant. Another role that can be undertaken from home, and which can be done flexibly, being a business consultant will allow you to keep yourself up to date with the latest business news and insight. It will also be a great way to launch yourself into a new profitable career that you can enhance after your child has grown up and no longer needs as much care and support.
Parent Coach
If you find that your role as a parent is fulfilling and enjoyable, consider helping others to flourish as parents by becoming a parenting coach. You can offer your services in a flexible capacity, meaning that you can adapt your work around your life as a parent yourself. You’ll also be able to put the knowledge you’ve learned as a parent to good use and enrich your clients’ lives.
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