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Who says you have to shelve your career when you’re raising a family? There are plenty of opportunities out there to help busy mums juggle a home and work life. Here’s a selection of family-friendly careers…
Registered childminder
If you’re keen to stay at home and look after your child, but make money in the process, childminding is ideal. You can legally look after up to six children: up to three under-fives and up to three more five- to eight-year-olds. You must register with Ofsted who checks that you and your home are suitable for childcare.
Good for mums because…
- You work from home.
- Your child can stay with you.
Qualifications You must be over 18 and will be required by law to have a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check. A training and first-aid course are required once you start.
Salary Varies from area to area, but from around £10,000 to £18,000 per annum.
Housekeeper/dog walker
You do it in your own home, so why not do it in someone else’s and earn cash in the process? We’re talking cleaning, ironing and other chores, of course! Or, if you’re a dog lover, how about advertising your services as a dog walker?
Good for mums because…
- You can fix your own working hours.
- You can wear whatever you like – forget heels and smart suits!
Qualifications For cleaning and ironing, no qualifications are required. Owning a dog and some canine knowledge is useful for dog-walking.
Salary From around £1 for ironing a shirt to £10-£20 per hour for cleaning. You can expect to earn from £5-£10 per hour for dog walking.
Healthcare assistant
Involves helping healthcare professionals to care for patients, either in hospitals or in patients’ homes. It’s a varied role and often requires supporting nurses’ work, performing simple medical tasks, such as taking blood. Healthcare assistants also take regular observations of patients, such as temperature and blood pressure.
Good for mums because…
- Hours can be flexible.
- Part-time work is available.
Qualifications Although no specific qualifications are needed, you can study for an NVQ in Health or Health and Social Care to take on more responsibilities.
Salary Newly qualified, expect around £13,000 to £16,000. More experienced assistants can earn around £18,000.
Aerobics instructor
If you’re a keen gym-goer or fitness class addict, you may want to consider learning the trade yourself so you can work out and earn a crust at the same time. Officially referred to as an Exercise for Music Instructor or Aerobic Instructor, you will need to take a training course before you can start teaching. Some courses are available through distance learning which often suits mums well.
Good for mums because…
- It’s not a nine-to-five role – hours are flexible and evening work is available.
- It keeps you fit while you work!
Qualifications You have to pass a government-approved course that is recognised within the industry.
Salary Varies, but around £20 to £30 per hour. Rates depend on your popularity as an instructor – judged by how many students you attract!
Social care worker
If caring for other people is your passion, a job working in some area of social care could suit you. Such roles often work well for mums – after all, they just require all the same skills you use, day in, day out, with your own family. Social care jobs involve working with children, the elderly or those with learning or physical disabilities.
Good for mums because…
- Hours are often flexible.
- Part-time posts are commonplace.
Qualifications None required, but most jobs give induction training at the start. A CRB check may be required for some posts.
Salary The average salary nationwide is around £15,950.
Virtual assistant
If ‘organised’ is your middle name when it comes to your home life, then being a virtual assistant or remote PA could be the job for you! You’ll need a phone, laptop, internet access – and ideally a website to set up your own business. You can work for one employer or many, depending on how much time you have. Tasks include typing, book-keeping, arranging meetings – even booking a summer holiday for the boss!
Good for mums because…
- You’ll generally be home-based.
- Hours can fit in around childcare, working in the evening if needs be.
Qualifications GCSE English and maths are essential, as are secretarial- type qualifications. Two years’ office experience is usually required.
Salary You can expect to earn around £20 to £40 an hour.
Teaching assistant
This profession offers a vital role in primary, secondary and special schools. You’ll support the teacher, help with classroom organisation, assist children with their work, and help with admin.
Good for mums because…
- Hours fit in with school opening times.
- It may be possible to find work in the same school as your children.
- Part-time posts are available.
Qualifications Formal qualifications aren’t always required, but previous experience of working with children is beneficial. You’ll need to be confident with maths and English (literacy). NVQs at Levels 2 and 3 are offered by some schools.
Salary Between £12,400 and £13,900, possibly rising to £16,000+ in some areas.
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