Are you a stay-at-home parent considering a career change? Many parents find themselves at a crossroads, wondering how to achieve a healthy work life balance family life with personal aspirations. Whether you've been out of the workforce for a few years or are just looking for a fresh start, finding a new job can be both exciting and challenging.
This blog will guide you through the maze of options available, offering practical advice and tips to help you make an informed decision. From identifying your skills to exploring industries and returning to work that offers flexibility, we've got you covered.
So why wait? Start finding a career that not only pays the bills but also fulfills your career aspirations and benefits your family.
Are you a stay-at-home parent considering a career change? Many parents find themselves at a crossroads, wondering how to achieve a healthy work life balance family life with personal aspirations. Whether you've been out of the workforce for a few years or are just looking for a fresh start, finding a new job can be both exciting and challenging.
This blog will guide you through the maze of options available, offering practical advice and tips to help you make an informed decision. From identifying your skills to exploring industries and returning to work that offers flexibility, we've got you covered.
So why wait? Start finding a career that not only pays the bills but also fulfills your career aspirations and benefits your family.
How Do I Know If a Career Change Is Right For Me?
Making a career change is a significant life decision, especially for stay-at-home moms and dads who have been out of the workforce for a while. It's natural to feel a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and even fear.
According to Forbes, it's time to make a career transition if:
1. You are chronically worn out, exhausted and depleted.
2. Your skills, responsibilities, and tasks are not you at all.
3. You’ve come to the point where your salary no longer makes up for the boredom and emptiness you feel.
4. Despite all the “right” choices you made in your career, the outcome feels very wrong.
5. You have the irrepressible feeling that your talents and abilities could/should be used in a totally different (more creative and impactful) way.
Being a stay-at-home parent can be one of the most difficult jobs, and if your previous career before kids didn't suit you well either, it's definitely time to look toward the future!
You bring a unique set of skills to the table, many of which you've honed while managing a household and taking care of a family. Stay-at-home moms and dads learn many life skills while holding down the fort!
Employers value soft skills like communication, problem-solving, and time management, all of which are second nature to most stay-at-home parents.
With the right preparation, mindset, and support, you can seize the opportunities that come your way.
Does Self-Assessment Matter When Making a Career Change?
Before diving headfirst into job applications and interviews, a good place to start is by assessing yourself.
Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly makes you tick can guide you toward a career that not only pays the bills but also brings you satisfaction and fulfillment.
"Not only does job satisfaction result in more engagement, but it also contributes to improving... productivity" (1)
Understanding yourself is the cornerstone of any successful career change. It helps you identify what you're good at, what you enjoy, and what you value most in a job. This self-knowledge is invaluable when you're exploring new career paths or industries.
So don't look at jobs for stay-at-home moms or dads until you know what type of career would best suit you.
What are the Tools and Methods I Can Use to Make a Self-Evaluation?
There are various tools and methods available to help you assess yourself. Personality tests like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, DiSC, or the StrengthsFinder can provide insights into your character and aptitudes. Consider our UnmudlDISC Communication ToolKit course to assess how you communicate with others and gain insight into what roles might suit your personality the best!
Career counselors and coaches can also offer professional assessments and guidance tailored to your situation.
An extrovert who thrives on debate or negotiations might enjoy sales or recruiting positions
An introvert who enjoys organizing systems might work toward a project management
Someone who enjoys daydreaming and researching about how things work might appreciate a blog or technical writing career.
Those who like to help others might work well in a customer service team position
A hands-on type mechanical person might try an online and on-demand course such asIntroduction to Mechatronics to see where their interests lie for eventually leaving home to work outside the home again.
Similarly, consider your work preferences—do you thrive in a team environment or prefer working independently?
What Skills Do I Need to Return to Work?
Make a list of all the skills you possess. Don't limit yourself to just technical or job-specific skills. Think about the soft skills you've developed as a parent, such as:
Multitasking
Conflict resolution
Emotional intelligence
Analyzing (if you've been on a budget at home, you know!)
These are highly valued in the workplace and can set you apart from other candidates. According to Mindtools,
"While your technical skills may get your foot in the door, your people skills are what open most of the doors to come. Your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, your emotional intelligence, and a whole host of other personal attributes are the soft skills that are crucial for career success."
Is Networking Important? How Do I Meet the Right People
As a stay-at-home mom or dad, you've likely mastered the art of juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities.
Networking can be incredibly beneficial as you transition into a new career. Building a strong professional network can open doors to job opportunities for stay-at-home moms and dads. And meeting people can bring valuable industry insights, and offer emotional support during your career change journey.
Online platforms offer a convenient way to start networking without leaving your home. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for connecting with professionals in your desired field.
Join industry-specific groups, participate in discussions, and don't hesitate to reach out for informational interviews.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook also have various groups and forums where you can engage with like-minded individuals.
Webinars, online courses, and virtual job fairs are additional avenues to explore, offering not just learning opportunities but also a chance to meet and interact with professionals in your area of interest.
While online networking is valuable, don't underestimate the power of in-person connections. Find opportunities to meet people face-to-face.
Check out local community events, industry conferences, and job fairs.
Look for local meetups or workshops related to your desired career.
Parent groups or other community organizations
You never know who might have a helpful contact or valuable advice to share. Balancing your own schedule and family life with networking may seem challenging, but the potential benefits make it well worth the effort.
What Are Some Good Work-From-Home Jobs?
Next, let's check out some potential careers that can work well for stay-at-home moms and dads. We'll also include links toUnmudl courses that can help you get started in new roles.
1. Content Creator
Median Salary: $49,912
If you have a strategic mindset, a role in content marketing could be your calling. Work on branding and promoting products or services through video or writing. This role is often remote with the flexibility you need as a stay-at-home mom or dad.
You probably focus on keeping your family healthy; why not extend that care to others? As a remote health coach, you can guide others while also keeping track of your very own health journey.
If you enjoy connecting people with opportunities, consider a role in recruitment. Assist HR teams in reviewing resumes, conducting background checks, and facilitating interviews. This role is perfect for a stay-at-home parent.
You're already a teacher at home, so why not make it official? Jobs for moms or dads that allow online teaching or even online tutoring can be a rewarding way to use your instructional skills on a flexible schedule.
If you have a creative streak, graphic design can be a fulfilling and flexible career option. From designing logos to creating web layouts and social media images, express your artistic side.
If you're already active on social media, why not turn it into a career? Manage a company's online presence, create content, and engage with the community, all from your home.
Love planning trips? As a virtual travel consultant, you'll help clients with their travel arrangements. This role often comes with the perk of travel credits, benefiting your entire family.
8. Customer Support Agent
Median Salary: $37,907
Customer service roles are abundant and often remote. If you're good at problem-solving and have excellent communication skills, companies like this could be a great fit for you.
If you're organized and good at multitasking, consider becoming a virtual assistant. You'll handle tasks like email management, scheduling, and research.
If you're good with numbers, an accounting role could be ideal. Maintain financial records, process transactions, and provide clerical support for business owners.
11. Technical Writer
Median Salary: $48,732
Use your writing skills to contribute to blogs, websites, or social media platforms. Whether you focus on parenting topics or other subjects, writing offers a flexible way to earn income from home.
Data entry roles offer flexibility and can be done during off-hours. If you have good typing skills and attention to detail, this could be a suitable role for you.
As a Project Manager, oversee various projects to completion, all while enjoying a flexible job. Enjoy a remote job with lucrative income and the opportunity to work on diverse projects, making each day a unique challenge.
If you have a passion for baking and a knack for creating delicious treats, why not turn it into a business? Depending on permits, you can sell your baked goods right from home or through local markets.
Many stay-at-home moms and dads stay busy with kids, but baking can be great way to help you stay home. The best part? You get to set your own hours and be your own boss.
If cooking is more your style, a home-based catering business could be the perfect fit. Whether it's events or specialized meal services, you can use your culinary skills to create a variety of dishes. Just make sure to check local regulations.
User experience and user interface design are crucial elements in the digital world. Work on improving the usability and visual appeal of websites, apps, or software products, collaborating with a remote team.
As a software developer, create applications, troubleshoot issues, and work with other developers. Many companies offer remote positions, allowing you to stay at home.
Stay-at-home moms or dads can collect, analyze, and interpret complex data sets to help organizations make informed decisions. Day-to-day tasks include building predictive models, developing algorithms, and creating data visualizations. The field of data science is continually evolving, offering a dynamic and ever-changing work environment.
If you're well-versed in blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, consider a career as a Bitcoin developer. You'll work on developing new protocols or improving existing ones. Given the nature of the work, this job is often remote, offering you the flexibility to work from anywhere.
Platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Poshmark allow you to sell used clothing right from your home. Take it up a notch by modeling the clothes and creating engaging descriptions for each piece. This not only lets you enjoy shopping in thrift stores but also provides a unique experience for buyers.
As far as the best stay-at-home jobs for moms and dads go, this one rules them all with the flexible schedule and fun factor.
If you're crafty and enjoy making things, why not sell your creations on Etsy? From handmade jewelry to custom furniture, the possibilities are endless. You'll need to manage your online store, handle customer service, and ship products, all of which can be done mostly from home.
If you have an eye for detail, proofreading can be an excellent work-from-home job. Your tasks will include checking for grammatical errors, ensuring consistency, and verifying facts.
By exploring these home-based career options, you're not just earning an income; you're also pursuing something that aligns with your skills and passions. Whether it's baking, coding, or crafting, there's a world of opportunities waiting for you right at your doorstep.
Where Can Stay-at-Home Moms and Dads Find Flexible Jobs?
Finding a job that offers the flexibility to balance work and family life is a top priority for many stay-at-home parents looking to re-enter the workforce or change careers. Fortunately, there are many online jobs and several platforms and resources designed to help you find such opportunities.
FlexJobs: One of the most reputable sites for finding flexible work is FlexJobs. This platform specializes in listing remote, part-time, and freelance jobs across various industries.
Upwork: Upwork is another excellent platform, especially for those interested in freelance writing or short-term projects. From writing and graphic design to software development and marketing, Upwork allows you to set your own rates.
Fiverr: Best for freelancers looking for short-term gigs and projects, Fiver covers a wide array of services, from graphic design and writing to digital marketing and programming. Stay-at-home parents who want to work on a project-by-project basis find flexible jobs and diverse work opportunities.
Unmudl Helps You Create Opportunities
At Unmudl, our networked college and hiring businesses platform simplifies your educational journey. We offer a hassle-free experience with no testing, entrance exams, or application fees.
Our platform provides access to online and on-demand courses or in-person classes and campus facilities. And many Unmudl courses feature financial funding opportunities.
Whether you're aiming for a degree, certification, or license, the courses you take can count for credit toward a college degree or continuing education credits (CEUs) for professional licenses and certifications.
With Unmudl, creating opportunities for your future has never been easier. Get in touch at 512-669-5624 orContact Us Online to find out more about how we can help you ease into your career change.
We're ready toUnmudl the steps to finding your next career!
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