What are the totally flexible jobs? Do they exist?

[HolyGrailSeeker]

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!

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!

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

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?

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.

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

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

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

Part time admin in the civil service?

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.

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

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

That’s really helpful. Thank you.

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.

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

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

Good idea, thanks

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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