Returning to work after having children is an important decision and it’s completely normal to feel anxious or under confident about your next move. If it’s been a while since you were last in the workforce, it could be a good idea to find a part-time role to ease yourself in. Being a parent is a big enough job in itself, so you should also consider a position that allows you to have a great work-life balance, with family-friendly hours.
Teaching Assistant
Being a Teaching Assistant is a fantastic choice for parents as they already have child-related experience! Most positions are always within school hours, so you can get home from school when your child does. Plenty of Teaching Assistant positions are available on a part-time basis, meaning you will only be required in school a certain number of days a week. The salary of a Teaching Assistant depends on the school and area it’s in, but you can expect to earn between 13,000 to over 18,000 a year if you are in a full-time position. There are lots of teaching assistant jobs listed on EduStaff out there that suit a range of skills and subject knowledge.
Tutor
The private tuition industry is said to be worth around 6bn, and is still growing. There are no official accreditation one must have in order to be a tutor, however it is recommended that you have a degree in the subject you are teaching, or a relevant and recognized equivalent. It’s also a good idea to get a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to give parents and students assurance. Tutoring is a great way to choose the hours you want to work, and you are free to set your own rates, with the standard hourly rate usually sitting between 25 and 35.
Library Assistant
This is a fantastic job for highly organized individuals who work well as part of a team. Like a Teaching Assistant, Library Assistant roles can be available on a part-time basis, or even a term-time basis. Typical entry requirements for Library Assistant positions are at least five A-C GCSEs including English. Different types of libraries may require further qualifications, such as a particular language or certain set of IT skills. Obviously if you have a knowledge of the Dewey Decimal Classification you will be at an advantage, but most places will give you training. Working as a Library Assistant in a public library or educational institution can earn you around 16,000 to 19,000 a year, whilst a position in a commercial information service has a salary of 18,000 to 21,000 or more.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for parents getting back into work. Like tuition, it allows you to work flexible hours, whilst utilizing your subject knowledge. There are a range of online platforms that allow freelance writers to bid for work, which is a great way to build your portfolio and earn some money. If you want to write for magazines and newspapers, prepare to be knocked back a few times, but it’s important to always be persistent.