If the news and recent statistics are anything to go by, if you’re a mum looking for work that gives you the flexibility you need to work around childcare, you’ll have a hard time convincing your employers or finding an new job.
The truth is, when it comes to it employers think that there are a few more “risks” associated with employing a mother (taking time off to care for a sick child, having to take time off during school holidays, requests for flexible working, sex discrimination claims when things go wrong etc etc) that they don’t necessarily feel are associated with male employees.
I recently spoke to a mum who has just had her second child and is finding it hard to juggle a full-time job, but can’t afford to reduce her hours or leave because her family need every penny her salary brings in. It’s not uncommon and these days with the cost of living rising many families who could afford to live on one income can no longer sustain themselves, so many others are looking for ways to make money…or return to the dreaded “W” word – work!
If that sounds like your situation, don’t fret – there is always a solution out there that can either help or alleviate some of the pressure.
1. Do some extra work from home
Many mums incorrectly think that working from home means they have to set up themselves as a business that has huge overheads and therefore start-up costs that they can’t afford. It is true in some cases, but you can also start small.
Everyone has a skill – I’m a firm believer that everyone has at least one good business idea in them, but many just don’t know it. If you have something that you are good at, are passionate about, which there is a demand for (i.e. people are willing to pay for), you could start to generate some income from home and gradually build it into a business. We’ve seen hundreds of mothers do that on www.motherswhowork.co.uk, starting with £20, £50 or £100. You know how you stretch the household budget to buy food, keep the children in decent clothes, keep petrol in the car…you can apply that same principle to your home business when you start out.
2. Direct selling
If you turn your nose up at the thought of doing things like Kleeneze , Avon and other direct selling opportunities then you really are missing out. If you need money and are struggling, stop complaining and do something about it. They opportunities are great if you work and just want some extra money to pay for Christmas, or to clear debts. The best part is that you can choose your own hours, and the start-up costs are from £0 up, so you choose the opportunity that suits you best.
3. Start freelancing
Like working from home, freelancing can often be carried out from your home in the time you have spare. This is particularly good for those who have a qualification or years of experience in a particular field – don’t just put all that on a shelf to collect dust, you worked for it, now let it work for you!
Join websites that can help you find work like our basic premium package, or visit www.gumtree.co.uk and start looking for people who are looking for the skills you have.
