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23 February 2015

Work Options For Parents



When planning a family it's vital to think about childcare and whether or not you will be taking a break from work to raise your child(ren). For many it's not a feasible option financially so they opt for childminders and nurseries to look after their little ones, but that can be costly which again creates questions about what is best for you. Some parents may not wish to stay at home after maternity leave as they enjoy their careers too much to part with, whereas some mums and dads have an amazing support system of family friends to care for the kids so they don't need to worry as much - every situation is different but deciding to be a working or stay at home parent can be difficult. 

Luckily for me I was able to be a stay at home mum as the children's father could cover the costs of our existing lifestyle. I never wanted to miss out on the first smiles, words and steps (I'm sure no parent does) so leaving my place at a solicitors was the right choice for me. I actually really enjoyed walks with the pram to soft play centres and toddler groups where I built some great friendships over the years, but this obviously isn't for everyone and some may find it a little tedious or not challenging enough. Although, I found my new roll provided a great opportunity to enroll for a psychology degree with Open University to keep my brain stimulated for those afternoon nap times, so that's what I did!

As the children got older and began nursery and school I still wanted flexibility with work so I became self employed as a professional blogger and freelance writer. This means I don't have childcare fees to cover as I can take them to, and pick them up from class and keep them busy during the holidays by working in the evenings. It can be hard at times to juggle things about and still meet deadlines but like everyone else, it's down to personal choice and you do whatever suits you best.




Lizz Akin, has recently released the second edition of her book which may help you to find a way to work for yourself from home if that's what you would like to consider doing. The book is just £4.99 and included in the price is 3 months free email mentoring which would be a great help for any mum (or dad) wishing to begin a business of their own so they can work around their family like I do. It could be the boost you have been looking for.

Her survey discovered that 9 out of 10 children of full time working parents wanted to spend more time with their mothers. I agree somewhat with her video (above) that it's important for children to have mum and dad present, especially at a young age when they are developing so rapidly as those moments can't be captured again, but I also understand that circumstances vary so it's not always possible to be around for sports day, plays and assemblies however much you want to be.

If you do want to have flexible working hours while working at home and you want to change your current working situation the book may be worth a read for you!



Did you return to work after having a child?
Would you like to be a parent that works from home?




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20 comments

  1. For me being a stay at home mum was the only way to go: it was what I had & what I wanted for my child. Luckily we were, like you, in a position where we could do that. Being a work from home mum now my son's at school means I can be there when he needs me.

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  2. being a stay at home working mum was my best decision ever! .. its worked well for our family too :-)

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  3. Being a freelancer was the only option for me. With n o family support susye, I need to be available to pick and drop the boys off and there for holidays and sickness

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  4. Like you I am lucky enough to be a sahm for now, but am considering my options for when Syd starts school in September as I know I will get bored without him - and certainly wont be spending all that extra free time on housework!

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  5. I love, and feel very lucky to be able, to work freelance. I think it's a hard choice for so many people though.

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  6. I always wanted to return to work after having children, I wanted to still have a part of me that wasn't about my children. My current job offers the flexibility of hours so I can drop the children at school and collect them once they have finished too.

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  7. It is such a difficult choice isn't it. I must admit to having been a little reluctant to give up my career (also at a solicitors!) to become a full time Mum and, although it is hard, I wouldn't change it and feel lucky my husband can support us. When all of the children are at school I would love to work from home so that I can be there to do pick ups and school holidays.

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  8. I stayed at home when they were tiny then tried going back to work part-time but the childcare didn't work out so I left. I'm now self-employed as a blogger and journalist and I fit my work around the family. It's difficult for parents to balance everything and everyone's situation is different - i guess each of us has to do what works for us.

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  9. I am a parent that works from home, although my son is now 18. Years ago flexible working wasn't as easy as it is now, I think we are lucky today.

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  10. I found that although employers have to make the offer of flexible working very few actually follow through citing "needs of the business"

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  11. I wish i could be more inspired and think of something really good but it is hard to do something that works

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  12. i think i have a good balance working 2 days a week and being at home the rest of the week.

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  13. I have been a stay at home mum, a student mum and a work from home mum over the years. I hated how much I missed when I went to college full time and I swore I didn't want to miss anything again.

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  14. this is where my daughter is lucky as she works 2 days a week and i look after my grandson for her

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  15. Some good thoughts to consider.

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  16. I went back to work part time! It was a hard decision to make!

    Ashleigh

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  17. it's such a tough and personal decision isn't it! I thought I would be a stay at home mum until W went to school but actually found myself working for myself part time when he was 18m :) x

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  18. I think if mums are able to be flexible then it is great for the children, but I can see how different people make all sorts of choices, I work from home so i'm lucky. x

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  19. Staying at home wasn't really a choice for me. ... I got "signed off" employment after the breakdown. Haven't worked since

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  20. Some great ideas to consider here.

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