Last one in school - what now?

[domesticengineer]

My last little one has now started school and so that means I should go back to work but I am struggling with what to look for and what I want to do that will fit in with DC's (DH works long hours so I tend to do school runs etc). My CV looks good but it's like I'm reading someone elses!!

Do you really want to go back to work?

It's just that you put "that means I should go back to work" so made me wonder.

I used to work 2 or 3 evenings a week when my DCs were younger but that sounds as though it wouldn't work for you

Have you thought of Voluntary work?

What was your previous job?

I DO want to go back to work but not in a Power Suit kind of way if that makes sense! Not that there's anything wrong with Power Suits but I just can't imagine me back in one. Yes have thought of Voluntary but feel like I should be contributing after being at home for so long and it would make things easier. The hours are the annoying thing as I have to pick up from school - after school clubs etc would be too costly. I was in an accounts office in finance before.

Hmmm - difficult one then.

If you need something school hours friendly then maybe schools/colleges admin work; I'm sure your accounting background would get you somewhere here.

Universities are often very flexible over their employees hours also I've found.

Boots the Chemist used to do term time working.

Somebody on here has been recommending working for yourself through Usbourne Books.

Would you fancy something medical, such as a Health Care Assistant or Home Carer?

What about using your accounting skills and going into training people?

Or do you have other skills/intersts you could develop eg Music, Dance, Fitness?

This is all a bit random so feel free to ignore!

It was me who was recommending Usborne - it's really flexible because it's your own business and you can work as much or as little as you want. If you're interested drop me an email to [email protected] or check out my website.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Could you be an independent accountant for people? Or for small businesses, who just need a day a month?

Have you looked at the WorkingMums and WomenLikeUs websites? I'm in the same situation, want to work but still have the problem of finding work within term times only. I've just moved house too so am just starting to look but WomenLikeUs were v.helpful, they specialise in flexible jobs and offer lots of support/courses etc.

Have you got an AAT qualification? Could you set up your own business doing accounts for small businesses and organisations?

Would you consider selling chocolate? this is a business that fits in well with term times, but is new enough to offer a challenge. Take a look at www.chocolate-world.co.uk and see if the products might be for you, and if you would like to talk further PM me with a phone number and I'll get in touch.

Have you thought of working as a Bursar or in school finance?

Your accounts experience means that you may be able to teach maths at a tech college? Our local one does basic skills teaching at the local young offender institution. Always looking for instructors, think they are all employed pretty much on a temporary basis so you can pick and choose your hours

DS2 is in his pre-school year so gets 5 mornings of nursery for free.

I'm volunteering in my old field to re-skill, but mostly to get my head around what is realistically possible when DS2 goes to school(how long I need between school drop-off and getting to work etc). I treat it like a real job, but it's a more 'gentle' way of easing myself back into the workplace. I can highly recommend doing it.

Have you head of The Daisy Chain? They give you the opportunity to be your own boss and champion a great cause. www.thedaisychain.org.uk

These all sound great ideas - and yours BlackandGold!! I will have a look at all of the web sites that you've suggested. Think I feel that I'll be pushed timewise with 9 - 3 but have to work so the working for myself or with flexible hours seems like the best idea.

Have fun deciding!

Incidentally, I'm a mechanical engineer when I'm not selling Usborne :)