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There are many reasons a mother may want to get a job, whether it be for financial freedom, gaining paid-vacation time, or gaining a sense of financial security. While getting a job may seem straightforward enough, it can be overwhelming for moms to find the right fit for their lifestyle. For instance, if their partner works days, they might want to find a job with night hours to save money on daycare.
Currently, the majority of mothers are in the workforce, as 70% of mothers with children under 18 participate in the labor force. However, some working moms may require flexible positions in order to balance the needs of their children with their professional obligations. Below we have compiled a list of the eight best flexible job examples for mothers.
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) provide basic care and help aid patients with their daily activities. To become a CNA, you must receive the proper training to get certified. This certification will show employers that you are knowledgeable and up to date on caretaking and nursing methods. Other duties of certified nursing assistants include:
Many nursing assistants work in nursing homes or residential care facilities, but they are also seen in hospitals. In 2018, the median salary for CNAs was $28,540, and, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), is expected to grow 9% in the next ten years. There are many reasons to choose a CNA career, including the benefit of working in shifts, full time, or on an hourly basis. Not to mention, CNAs have job security through economic fluctuations as well as an affordable program to get certified.
Customer service representatives help customers solve their shopping problems, process orders, and answer questions. This type of work is excellent for mothers for two reasons:
Most representatives need a high school diploma and are trained on the job, which makes this job ideal for previous stay-at-home mothers. While the median hourly wage for customer service representatives is only $16.23, this job still remains flexible because you can work from home. For instance, Amazon, the world’s largest retailer, wants to employ 3,000 seasonal customer service reps that work from home.
Data entry keyers verify and prepare data before it is printed or entered into data entry devices. Industries that hire these types of workers include:
The annual wage for data entry keyers is $32,170, and many are able to work part-time.
Financial clerks can work for many types of organizations, and typically perform administrative work, keep records, help companies, and carry out transactions. Examples of financial clerks include:
The financial clerk industry is projected to grow 5%, which is on par for most occupations. This means that there is a steady demand for these types of workers. Also, there is no degree requirement and most learn their job duties through on-the-job training, which makes this type of work ideal for mothers that have either had a long work hiatus or don’t have a strong work background. The BLS also states the average salary lands at $39,570, which makes financial clerks one of the highest paying jobs that don’t require a degree.
Graphic designers create visual concepts using computer software. Many designers are employed by publishers, advertisers, and service industries. On a day-to-day basis, graphic designers create labels, illustrations, and entire brand identities. They also collaborate with upper management and clients and use various software and systems to make different kinds of content.
This job is ideal for moms because it is highly customizable. Many graphic designers are freelancers, meaning they work out of their homes and rarely go into offices. You can also work part-time or full-time depending on your needs. According to the BLS, the median salary for a graphic designer in 2018 was $50,370, and the job expectancy is supposed to grow by 2028, albeit slowly — the field of graphic design is competitive. In order to stand out from the competition, you must get a bachelor’s degree in either graphic design or a related field, as well as a portfolio.
Social media specialists communicate and connect with the public through social media on behalf of their clients. Often, a company or a marketing agency will hire a social media specialist to carry out daily tasks. These tasks include:
This job can act as a creative outlet for mothers, especially when it comes to solving customer problems online. To become a social media specialist, you typically need a bachelor’s degree. However, some companies may hire you if you have the necessary experience. The average salary for a social media specialist is $56,770 and job demand is expected to grow as more people and businesses discover the power of social media.
Virtual secretaries and administrative assistants perform all the routine clerical duties that an in-office secretary does — only at home. They organize files, prepare documents, schedule appointments, and support other staff. Since they are remote, the job duties have also expanded to marketing, web design, and bookkeeping.
While some virtual assistants could work for a company, many operate their own virtual assistant business out of their home, and use freelance sites to acquire jobs. This allows flexibility with mothers by letting them choose their own jobs and hours. Virtual assistants are extremely similar to in-office secretaries, and so have similar salaries. As of 2018, the median salary for secretaries and administrative assistants was $38,880.
Mothers who are looking into writing will find that this is one of the most flexible jobs because writers can work anywhere they have access to a computer and the internet. This means moms could either stay home with the kids, or write somewhere else and get away. Writing is a versatile job in that they can choose what they would like to write, including:
Those looking to become a writer can expect to make an average of $62,170 per year, and typically need a bachelor’s degree to obtain work.
Flexibility is a vital concern when choosing a job, but it is not the only consideration to keep in mind. You’ll also want to ensure that the job you take fits your lifestyle. For instance, if you need to be off at 3 p.m. to pick kids off at school, it’s probably not pertinent to get a job that has strict 9-5 hours. If you are unsure which job is right for you, keep the following criteria in mind.
Your career option should be a reflection of your skillset. If you are proficient in math and science, it may not make sense for you to take a job in graphic design. Focusing on your skillset will help ensure you find a job that you are interested in instead of just focusing on the paycheck.
Your life objectives could have a huge role in deciding which type of job to get. Your potential earnings must match your aspirations in life, including:
By choosing the job with the right earning potential, you can reach certain benchmarks in your life faster and more easily.
Down the line, as your children grow up and your schedule becomes less strained, you may want to pivot your focus to a more career-oriented lifestyle. It’s important to determine if your job will allow meaningful advancements for you because it resembles a sense of purpose. For example, in a CNA career, you could look into becoming a licensed vocational nurse or a traveling nurse.
Moms want and obtain jobs for many reasons. By researching the job and ensuring it aligns with your schedule, life objectives, and skill set, you’ll be able to balance a career while still being a parent.
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