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Original poster

What are the totally flexible jobs? Do they exist?

139 replies

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:43

Since having DC1, I have not worked. But now, with DC1 at school, and DC2 starting in childcare for a couple of days a week, the luxury of being a SAHM is hitting its expiry date, and it’s time for me to start working again.

But here is the conundrum:

  • No family nearby to help with childcare
  • DH works extremely long hours, and often has to go away for the night/week with only a few hours notice. So I need to be entirely flexible/available to do every drop off/pick up/taking to afterschool activities.
  • Hours I could work: (max 3 days a week) 9am-2pm, maybe 1-2 days a week I could do 9-5pm. But ideally a totally flexible job and I could do some extra hours when children asleep / at the weekend.
  • I love love love being a Mum, and don’t want to go down the getting a nanny/au pair route. I love the time I get to spend with my children and want to protect the afterschool time with DC1 for at least 2 days a week and really don’t want DC2 in childcare for more than 3 days a week.
  • Live in London so childcare is expensive so need to be earning more than spending on any additional childcare. Looking for a take home of £1000pcm as a minimum so maybe £25+ p/h.
  • 2:1 from a top university - social sciences degree
  • extremely low self confidence right now due to toxic environment and negative experiences at job pre-DC. Returning to that industry not an option as it was extremely un-family friendly (and I hated it).
  • open to studying for a new qualification if necessary, but ideally I would be able to start earning something sooner rather than later.
  • ideally WFH / very local for most of the time.

What job can I do? I’m at a total loss as to where to start looking. No idea too crazy (although keep it legal please and I have no interest in doing anything X-rated!)

I’d love to hear what flexible jobs others do that fit my criteria and how you got into it.

Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:17

User364837 · 14/10/2024 10:06

Pay for admin roles is very very low.
with social sciences background though keep an eye out to see if you could maybe go in at HEO level or above.
in theory it is flexible with flexi time so you work your hours between 7am and 8pm as you wish but track it (or is it 8am and 7pm, can’t remember 🤔). And if you were part time you could probably swap round days as needed.
wfh is possible although currently they’re asking for 60% of days in the office.
the flexibility obviously depends on the role and the team.
worth checking civil service jobs in case there’s anything nearby ish.

i had a career change into civil service around 40 from something much more stressful and am really enjoying it. Am even managing full time hours around being a single parent of 3 because the flexibility where I am is very good (although they are older so I can wfh when they’re here after school)

Show quote history

That’s great to hear. I’ll definitely look into civil service, I know they are a very flexible employer.

OP posts:
rainfallpurevividcat · 14/10/2024 10:15

How about starting your own business which you can do in school hours?

Qwerty21 · 14/10/2024 10:15

I feel like you're asking for the moon on a string here unfortunately

KimberleyClark · 14/10/2024 10:12

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 14/10/2024 09:51

Part time admin in the civil service?

Virtually impossible to get recruited into a part time admin job in the civil service these days. All job adverts will say “this is a full time role but applications to work part time will be considered according to business need” because they have to say that but if someone else is willing to work full time they are far more likely to get the job.

PissedOffNeighbour22 · 14/10/2024 10:11

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 14/10/2024 09:51

Part time admin in the civil service?

OP, you won't get £25 an hour for doing admin in the civil service. Also there are minimum requirements to attend the office so you'd need to factor in travel time.

The department I work for requires your contract to be 3 days minimum for part time workers (used to be 2 many years ago). I'd expect that's the same for most departments.

I know someone who works 4hrs a day in a GP surgery so she can work around school hours easily. I don't think it's particularly flexible though. No idea what she earns.

Crazyeight · 14/10/2024 10:08

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:05

You’re right. I hadn’t looked at it that way. I suppose for pride I would like to see a positive balance in my bank account at the end of each month but that’s a long term wish not short term, and pension contributions are really important!!!

Show quote history

You have separate bank accounts? Then DH has to pay you a wrap around childcare fee to you and also a fair portion of the outsourced childcare. Don't think of it as anything less.

whydididothatagain · 14/10/2024 10:07

Is there an equivalent role / something related to your previous industry that you could do within the civil service? If you have experience you'll go in at a higher grade than if you apply for a generic admin role. Salaries tend to be lower than private sector but very good for flexibility, pension, flexi time etc.

PennywisePoundFoolish · 14/10/2024 10:06

I work 10pm -6am, the standard shift is 9-7 but they struggle to keep night staff

User364837 · 14/10/2024 10:06

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:56

Good idea, thanks

Show quote history

Pay for admin roles is very very low.
with social sciences background though keep an eye out to see if you could maybe go in at HEO level or above.
in theory it is flexible with flexi time so you work your hours between 7am and 8pm as you wish but track it (or is it 8am and 7pm, can’t remember 🤔). And if you were part time you could probably swap round days as needed.
wfh is possible although currently they’re asking for 60% of days in the office.
the flexibility obviously depends on the role and the team.
worth checking civil service jobs in case there’s anything nearby ish.

i had a career change into civil service around 40 from something much more stressful and am really enjoying it. Am even managing full time hours around being a single parent of 3 because the flexibility where I am is very good (although they are older so I can wfh when they’re here after school)

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:05

SuffolkBargeWoman · 14/10/2024 10:00

Don't discount working and earning the same, or even less, than your childcare outgoings.
You're not a one parent family, your contribution is allowing your DH to work. You getting back in to work benefits the whole family over time, whether you are breaking even this year or next year isn't the point.
Working means it'll be easier to find other/more work when both children are at school, ensures your pension contributions are being made and sets and example to your children.

You’re right. I hadn’t looked at it that way. I suppose for pride I would like to see a positive balance in my bank account at the end of each month but that’s a long term wish not short term, and pension contributions are really important!!!

OP posts:
ChannelyourinnerElsa · 14/10/2024 10:04

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:01

He has late finishes and is at the mercy of the trains. Often not home before 9pm

Show quote history

So?

my husband and I have opposing work hours. He works an 11pm-7am shift.

Crazyeight · 14/10/2024 10:04

What was your work before? Is there a way to pivot it? Become an external consultant in that field? Become a trainer in that field?

It sounds like you want project based work where people will schedule calls around your timetable. But be prepared to have to do the wrap around shift. I.e. up at 4am and working again at 11pm to make up for the school runs and after school time with DC

PennywisePoundFoolish · 14/10/2024 10:03

Worth looking at the Work From Home hub that have a Facebook page - I've seen seasonal work from home customer care type jobs that might suit and give you a foot back in.

I work nights in a supermarket, I do 4 on 10 off. Obviously with your DH away at last moment may not be suitable, but now's a good time for seasonal vacancies

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:03

RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 10:01

Can you do two night shifts a week in a supermarket ?

Potentially, but not necessarily the same 2 nights each week so would have see how flexible they are

OP posts:
RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 10:03

Or do very early shifts , some supermarket shifts are 5am-9am to do internet shopping picking etc ? Then you are home before your DH leaves for backshift

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:02

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 14/10/2024 09:54

For that level of flexibility it's unlikely you'll walk into something off the street so to speak. As a general rule though you probably want to look for something where you're measured on output rather than input.

That’s what I’m afraid of. I feel like that level of flexibility is generally only given to people with a proven track record / long time at the company

OP posts:
RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 10:01

Can you do two night shifts a week in a supermarket ?

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 10:01

RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 09:58

Can you work evenings and weekends when your DH is off ? If he gets home at 6 you go out and work 7-11?

He has late finishes and is at the mercy of the trains. Often not home before 9pm

OP posts:
SuffolkBargeWoman · 14/10/2024 10:00

Don't discount working and earning the same, or even less, than your childcare outgoings.
You're not a one parent family, your contribution is allowing your DH to work. You getting back in to work benefits the whole family over time, whether you are breaking even this year or next year isn't the point.
Working means it'll be easier to find other/more work when both children are at school, ensures your pension contributions are being made and sets and example to your children.

RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 09:59

If you work opposite shifts to your husband you don’t need any childcare

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:59

MyStylish40s · 14/10/2024 09:54

Don’t forget that you do need emergency childcare for when your dc will inevitably get sick, especially during winter

I know…it’s so difficult isn’t it…my mum can travel up in an absolute emergency situation, just not close enough for regular childcare.

OP posts:
RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 09:58

Can you work evenings and weekends when your DH is off ? If he gets home at 6 you go out and work 7-11?

Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:57

BumblebeeBum · 14/10/2024 09:54

Start your own business. I did for precisely these reasons (except I am a single Mum so no DH).

I have thought about this. But a bit lost as to where to start with a business idea! What is it you do? (if you’re happy to share)

OP posts:
Original poster
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:56

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 14/10/2024 09:51

Part time admin in the civil service?

Good idea, thanks

OP posts:
BumblebeeBum · 14/10/2024 09:54

Start your own business. I did for precisely these reasons (except I am a single Mum so no DH).

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