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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:
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

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.

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:54

Windflower92 · 14/10/2024 09:52

I do evenings, so 6pm-11pm sometimes, but some parents do 9am-2pm as well. You can change it for school holidays etc. so it doesn't have to be the same hours all year round.

That’s really helpful. Thank you.

OP posts:
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:53

UprootedSunflower · 14/10/2024 09:50

I am that flexible BUT it’s a zero hour contract. No sick pay, no guaranteed hours etc

What industry is this? No guaranteed hours would be difficult with having to prearrange childcare

OP posts:
HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:52

RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 09:50

Plenty of flexible jobs but not at £25 an hour …
There were local cafes and food vans recruiting recently for school type hours to get the lunch trade but it was minimum wage.

I know, but with paying for childcare at £12-17 per hour, after taxes, pension etc, I reckon less than £25 per hour will make it not financially viable

OP posts:
Windflower92 · 14/10/2024 09:52

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:49

Thanks, I assumed that shift work wouldn’t be that flexible so it’s good to know that it’s worth looking into. What length are your shifts?

I do evenings, so 6pm-11pm sometimes, but some parents do 9am-2pm as well. You can change it for school holidays etc. so it doesn't have to be the same hours all year round.

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 14/10/2024 09:51

Part time admin in the civil service?

MyStylish40s · 14/10/2024 09:50

I have a friend who WFH in customer care, as far as I know mainly responding to emails. She does all school drop offs and collections.

No idea what the pay is like though

UprootedSunflower · 14/10/2024 09:50

I am that flexible BUT it’s a zero hour contract. No sick pay, no guaranteed hours etc

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:50

Nina1013 · 14/10/2024 09:47

I have this flexibility with accountancy and bookkeepers can do similar.

Ok interesting, that could work. Did you do ACCA or similar? Do you work for an accounting firm or self employed?

OP posts:
RubyRooRed · 14/10/2024 09:50

Plenty of flexible jobs but not at £25 an hour …
There were local cafes and food vans recruiting recently for school type hours to get the lunch trade but it was minimum wage.

HolyGrailSeeker · 14/10/2024 09:49

Windflower92 · 14/10/2024 09:46

Other than allowing you to cancel a shift last minute which it sort of sounds like you need, I work at mcdonalds for this kind of flexibility. You can have any sort of hours you like and can change availability all the time and pick up extra shifts, try to give your shifts away. Can study for extra qualifications/work your way up with them as well! Not work from home though obviously!

Thanks, I assumed that shift work wouldn’t be that flexible so it’s good to know that it’s worth looking into. What length are your shifts?

OP posts:
Nina1013 · 14/10/2024 09:47

I have this flexibility with accountancy and bookkeepers can do similar.

Windflower92 · 14/10/2024 09:46

Other than allowing you to cancel a shift last minute which it sort of sounds like you need, I work at mcdonalds for this kind of flexibility. You can have any sort of hours you like and can change availability all the time and pick up extra shifts, try to give your shifts away. Can study for extra qualifications/work your way up with them as well! Not work from home though obviously!

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