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Graduate jobs that fit in with pick-up time...Holy Grail?

6 replies

AnnaWulf · 25/01/2011 08:05

OK, I know I'm looking for the Holy Grail here but bear with me...

I currently work in higher education but the extensive evening work is just not compatible with having small children.

I really need to do something where I can leave at about 3/4 pm.

I am a graduate (social science/education) with lots of postgrad qualifications, especially in research methods. I am also a qualified teacher but I really don't want to do that again!

I am good at report-writing; analytical; reasonably numerate; good communication skills; extremely organised and efficient.

I am not a great fan of office work but I accept that I might not have much choice. I realise that my current salary might not be met and that's OK.

Any ideas? I just cannot find something 3 days a week that might suit.

9Don't want much, do i? ) Grin

I know I sound ungrateful and I am very lucky to have my job. I don't hate it but the marking and evening work is just too difficult to manage.

Any ideas welcome. I am starting with a clean piece of paper here.

Thanks.

OP posts:
AnnaWulf · 25/01/2011 08:05

Haha, typing not one of my skills. :)

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marialuisa · 25/01/2011 08:40

Have you tried moving into University admin? It's pretty easy to go p/t and a junior manager role would match post-doc lecturer pay scale. That said extra hours are still the norm...Departmental roles tend to be more fleible than central ones.

fluffles · 25/01/2011 08:42

you want 3 days a week AND early finishes? that's a tall order.

people at my work tend to have one or the other - 3 days till 6pm, or five days finishing at 3pm.

how many hours a week can you work?

AnnaWulf · 25/01/2011 08:52

Marialuisa- university admin is a good idea, actually-thanks.

fluffles- sorry, should have made it clear that I start at 7 am (often earlier- DH does drop-offs). Would be happy to do that in any other job.

So in total I sill work 8/9 hour days, no lunch break, plus 2 evenings a week until 9. So two days a week of the three are 7 am until 9. :(

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FourArms · 27/01/2011 16:15

I work for an independent work based learning provider. I do have a history in this industry which helped, but I think we've got a nice compromise. I do 20 hours per week, so drop off and pick up from school, plus I get Fridays off work. They get a cheaper very well qualified and experienced member of staff.

AnnaWulf · 08/02/2011 10:07

Just to update...

My claim for voluntary redundancy has been turned down. I've been offerred a teaching job which in lots of wasy I don't want but it will fit in with pick-ups. Less money, though ( a lot less).

My current employer want to give me some study leave to finish my PhD but going back there to teach afterwards will be a nightmare (less staff, more students, more teaching, more evening teaching).

Arrrgh, what to do? If I go for the teaching job my research career is finished. Doubt if I would finish my PhD.

Just don't know what to do.

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