It's hard enough being a parent. Being a parent and having a job can make life extremely stressful.
More and more parents are looking for ways to be more present for their kids while still enjoying a career they love. No wonder working from home is becoming more popular. According to The Washington Post, having worked from home during 2020, '44 percent of U.S. workers prefer to continue remote work'.
Working from home has many benefits. There are no long commutes, childcare costs can be reduced, and you can fit your work around your family's schedule.
So, if you're thinking you'd like to forge a career that works with, not against, your family commitments, working from home is probably something you should explore.
To make it easier, here is a round-up of some jobs that can easily be done from the comfort of your own home.
Virtual Assistant
Want an office job that doesn't require you to go into an office? Then set up as a VA may be the perfect move. Virtual assistants specialize in providing admin services to clients remotely. These services can vary depending on the strengths and skills of the virtual assistant. Some of the services they may offer can include:
· Bookkeeping
· Social media scheduling
· Appointment scheduling
· Email management
· Data entry
If you set up as a virtual assistant, you can choose to specialize in a particular service. Or you can offer a range of services. You have control of the job and can decide what you do and who you work with.
Proofreader
If you're good with words and a stickler for accuracy, becoming a proofreader may be the ideal work-from-home job. Proofreaders take someone else's written work and check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
The beauty of being a proofreader is you are not required to visit clients. Everything can be done remotely. You can also pick your work hours. So, this may appeal to parents with children at home. You can complete your proofreading projects in the evening when the kids have gone to bed.
Teaching English as a Second Language
The British Council says 1 in 4 people worldwide can speak English, and this demand is growing. This in-demand job may appeal to parents because of its flexible nature. You are able to choose your schedule, and there is no travel involved.
There's no doubt that teaching English is a great job. It's extremely rewarding because you're helping your students understand tricky concepts and meet their goals. You're also having an impact on someone's life by assisting them in developing new skills. Many English teachers stay in touch with ex-students for years, which proves how important the job is.
It's also an opportunity for you to meet people from a variety of different countries and cultures. Learning about other cultures helps you to see life from a different perspective. It's like you're traveling around the world without having to step foot outside your front door.
There are many different TEFL courses where a degree is not a requirement. To find a teaching job, take a look at this website who has a great section on their site.
Graphic Designer
For the creatives out there, you could set up as a graphic designer. Graphic designers communicate messages through visual concepts. There are 4 types of graphic design:
· Packaging design
· Branding and logo design
· Web and mobile design
· Print and layout design
It's best to specialize in one area and market yourself as an expert in that particular aspect of graphic design.
You may think you need lots of technical equipment to be a graphic designer. That's simply not true. Yes, you'll need a computer with some design software, but you won't have loads of outgoings once that initial start-up cost has been paid.
You can chat to clients via Zoom, share concepts and designs via email and still have the time to pick the kids up from school. Plus, you get the chance to get creative and get paid for it.
Online Shop Owner
Why not turn a hobby into a career? If you like knitting, crocheting, drawing, sewing, you can actually start selling your products online. Websites like eBay and Etsy welcome homemade products and gifts, and they have become more and more popular. People prefer to buy more original presents rather than mass-produced high street products. And there is a huge support for small businesses, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
Once you've uploaded an item onto your online shop, all you need to do is wait for people to buy. These items can be made in the evenings or scheduled around nap times, and you can post parcels out during a morning walk. You could even make money while you're asleep as your shop will be open 24 hours a day.
The Benefits of Working from Home
No matter what job you choose, working from home has definite benefits.
· You have a better work-life balance because you can choose your own schedule and work around your own family's needs.
· You save money. There are no more expensive commuter costs, and you won't be tempted to pop out for a coffee and a sandwich at lunchtime.
· You can work with anyone. Technology has allowed us to connect with people all over the world. You can now teach people in Asia English without leaving your house.
There aren't many disadvantages to working from home. For many parents, working from home simply makes life easier. And, no matter what skills you have, you'll be able to find a job that will bring you career satisfaction as well as a more balanced home life.Kindsinthehouse.org is the ultimate parenting resource full of tips and advice to support you on your parenting journey. For more advice on being a working parent try this video on returning to work after maternity leave and this article looking at working from home successfully when you're a parent.
