There’s no denying it - being a working mum or dad is hard! You’re forever in limbo, feeling as though you have to choose between your precious little one and your advancing career possibilities. Therefore, it is important you have the right type of job and working environment to suit your particular lifestyle. These ideas are great for those of you out there who want to throw yourself into work, and still have time to hitch up a bike trailer and take your kids for fun adventures on the weekends!
1) Keep It Home-Based
What better way to be there for your little ones than having your career based at home? That way you can change your babies on a changing table in between taking important calls or returning emails. Katya Bowd, CEO of Mumsy & Bub and mother of two, shares her thoughts on this:
“A home-based job is the best option for mothers wanting to go back into the workforce whilst still being able to care for their family. It is the perfect set-up to focus on your business while still having the flexibility to continue being a homemaker. If you are a new mum or a new parent, you too can be fortunate enough to be able to enjoy this "luxury." To help you with that, here are some home-based job ideas for you to choose from.
For computer savvies:
- Blogging
- Freelance Writing
- Freelance Graphic Design
- Online Consignment Shop
Crafting
- Gift Basket-Making Business (For corporate parties, holidays and events, weddings and baby showers, gift baskets can be tailored to suit the taste of anyone; whatever the occasion.)
House Cleaning
- Start within your neighborhood or you can also go ahead and sign up for a listing. You can allocate a few hours within the day (while your partner or any guardian is available to look after your child) to do some house cleaning services. How many and how frequent of course depends on you.
Tutoring Services
- Could be Math, Music, or any subject of your expertise, you can spare a few hours for this kind of part-time job. Aside from the schedule, also indicate whether the study should be done in your place or your client's. You can start small; contact friends and family whom you know have school-aged kids.”
For more great information such at this, find the company on Facebook!
2) Run Your Own Small Business
Running your own small business or setting up a startup is a great way to balance parenting with your career goals. Natalie Moore returned to work after being on maternity leave for 8 months and instantly realized any time spent away from her child had to be on something she loved doing. She has now started two businesses, and you can find her at BeMoore online! She shared the following with us:
“Working in and growing my own small business has been a significant step in finding personal fulfillment, flexibility and balance in life as a mother. It also takes hard work and commitment but the rewards for achievement and work/life integration make it all worthwhile. I have worked in both my own business and a corporate role part time as a working parent. The fulfillment and flexibility that running my own business gives me outweighs the corporate job and it allows me to share my business and passion with my family.”
For more insightful thoughts from Natalie, find her company on Facebook!
If you’re looking for further information and inspiration regarding being a working parent, check out these awesome Aussie mums with careers! Don’t forget, no matter how busy you get it’s important to continually make sure you have ‘me time’ to unwind and feel refreshed. With a good structure to your days and an efficient, realistic plan, being a career parent is totally doable!
