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Work

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Original poster

If you have school aged kids and want a part time job - where do you find one?

43 replies

Glassofwine · 20/09/2006 18:19

Following the rather judgemental thread about SAHM's being lazy not getting a job, I though it would be good to find out what options there are. I still have one child at pre-school mornings and one who started school, but only mornings till Christmas, so strictly speaking I don't fit into the catagory. Having said that I'd love a part time job, term time only, within school hours, but really don't thing there are many. What are other people doing?

OP posts:

motherinferior · 20/09/2006 21:35

Morningpaper, I do think a number of the jobs you listed do need childcare. How can you work at the local paper, or be a freelance journalist, without it - unless you really are doing minimal hours?

I have nothing against childcare, as it happens; but I couldn't do my job (I'm a journalist) without it.

Peridot30 · 20/09/2006 21:42

I work p/t in a pub. Work two evening shifts and suits perfectly. Really enjoy it and so sociable.

SueW · 20/09/2006 22:04

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

geekgrrl · 20/09/2006 22:06

I work as a freelance legal translator, translating a variety of German legal docs into English.
It pays very well, is mentally taxing and completely flexible - but I do find it stressful to have these constant tight deadlines looming over me, and I've got to work tonight because I had the pukies yesterday and didn't get enough done.
Overall I guess I am very lucky really, my main gripe is the lack of career progression, but I guess that's the case with most part-time jobs.
At least I manage to pull in some cash whilst tending to my figure at the gym and accompanying the children on the odd school trip.

hulababy · 20/09/2006 22:07

One of the reasons I left teaching (amongst others!) is that is wasn't going to be that school-friendly when it came to my own child. I still needed childcare after school each day I worked, and couldn't have time off in term time to go to school things.

I have a teaching degree and now work in prsion education - get to chose to take my holidays when I want them, and I was able to amend my hours to suit school as well.

morningpaper · 20/09/2006 22:08

mi - I have a friend who has a regular job with a magazine freelancing - i.e. doing a page a month - and this doesn't require childcare

She also works as an editorial assistant at the local paper - this is about 10 hours a week I think

Yes a lot of jobs will require holiday cover, unless you are self-employed, when you might want/need some holiday cover anyway

I saw an ad only today for 'holistic helpers' at a local complimentary therapy project, for £12 an hour to do ad hoc hours (on a bank)

trefusis · 20/09/2006 22:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Sparkler1 · 20/09/2006 22:24

I've just started back to work this week after nearly 8 years of being a SAHM. I'm working as clerical bank staff at my local hospital. It works really well for me. They contact me with work dates and times and I choose whether or not I am available/agreeable to do them. It's very flexible. Also I give them times when I am available to work and if anything suitable comes along they will let me know.
I used to sell children's books for MINI IQ. Again, this was very flexible and I was able to choose as to when I was able to do the parties. It's a great way to earn money but the only thing with this is the fact that the more you put in to it the more money you will earn. You don't get something for nothing. So be prepared to work a lot of hours if you want to earn well.

Original poster

Glassofwine · 21/09/2006 11:08

Sparkler1 - that was an earlier suggestion and I had a look on the net last night. My local hosp website talks abou the bank staff, but only nursing, not admin. How did you go about it, it really appeals to me. I'm in surrey.

OP posts:

Sparkler1 · 21/09/2006 19:38

GlassofWine - you need to contact the recruitment office at the hospital and request an application form for clerical/secretarial bank staff. Fill it in, return and they should contact you to let you know if they are recruiting at present or if they would like you to attend for interview.
I do have experience behind me already though - I used to work at the hospital as a med sec before I had dds nearly 8 years ago, so I definitely had that on my side.
Good luck. x

Original poster

Glassofwine · 21/09/2006 19:50

Thanks I'll look into it, don't have the medical experience, but the more I think about it the more it appeals.

OP posts:

RanToTheHills · 22/09/2006 09:08

as long as you have admin experience, sdn't matter if you don't have medical exp for most jobs. Have hired a temp before and the nature of the job was nothing to do with anything medical but required all the usual medical skills. You'll find that actually quite a few NHS admin jobs are like that. Good luck!

RanToTheHills · 22/09/2006 09:09

well that was clear - as mud, sorry! Meant all the usual ADMIN skills.

flashingnose · 22/09/2006 09:16

IME do not have more than 2 children! Childcare for 3 during the holidays is expensive and I gave up my part time job before the Summer holidays because I would have made a pretty significant loss to work through them. Your hourly rate might be fine during term time but check out how much you'd be left with (if anything) after the holidays.

I'm waiting until my last one's at school now and then I'll try and go back to my pre children job which is less flexible but pays better!

Original poster

Glassofwine · 22/09/2006 14:38

Agree Flashingnose - I have three and it does make it harder especially as DD2 who started school in Sept is only there till 12 untill January. I'm starting to wonder if I should wait till next Sept when all three will be at school for full days. Why is this so hard?

OP posts:

LucyClare · 22/09/2006 14:48

Since joining Mumsnet I have seen so much about women not sure about going back to work, about low self-esteem, pressure to be SAHM conflicting with need to use your education and earn money. My oldest is now eight, and after 4 years of trying to make it work as a part time lawyer under a glass ceiling, I set up my own business and it has been the making of me. I have now set up a networking group and have written a book for women on business ownership. I am interested in finding out more about women and work and have a survey here that I'd love you all to complete. The book website is here

RanToTheHills · 22/09/2006 14:50

um, are you sure you're on the right thread?
businesses need to pay to advertise on MN, people get quite heated if not, and as you know, we're not gullible folk!

LucyClare · 22/09/2006 14:53

I'm not advertising my business at all - just trying to get more answers on my survey, and I didn't realise there was an advertising opportunity so I will look into that. Thanks for the tip.

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