Anyone want to help me choose a new career??

[BebeBelge]

Hi Everyone!

I was wondering of anyone had any ideas about what jobs I could do at this point in my life? I have 3 dc (6, 4 & 2). 4yo is at nursery in the mornings and will start school in August and the 2yo will start afternoon nursery in August giving me more free time and I would love to start bringing in some money even if it's not much.

I have not worked since the eldest was born, partly from choice and partly because we have moved countries a lot and in at least one of them, i could not work for visa reasons. I have tried to keep myself busy and have taught English on the side and run a playgroup and am now volunteering in the school library once a week when the youngest is at playgroup. My background is Recruitment/HR but I am not formally qualified other than the most basic certificates. My degree was languages/history etc.

I think I will probably need to retrain but may have to save up for a while to be able to afford this. I was thinking of something like book-keeping as you can do it by distance learning and afterwards I could be self-employed and try and fit work in around school. Are there any other jobs you could suggest which would have a similar distance-learning route and self-employed option at the end of it? I will happily consider anything!

Many thanks!

I've no idea but I will be watching this thread. I was on track for teaching having been an unqualified teacher for a private company in charge of their education programme from 4yrs through to postgrad students. Loved the variety at the time, but slightly put off by the teachers threads on here.

Hi there, I was in a similar boat.

My best advice is to go to your nearest Careers Service. I did think before I went it would be like the old days where you may get a prospectus or some basic info.

However, I booked an appt and went . It's free.

They do have a lot of resources, including different tests you can take, also local links if you wanted to try and see a career by doing some work experience.

Also, with your little ones you could be eligible for more nursery fees, grants and otherwise. These are not means tested and it did not matter that you have a degree (yes, some loans are excluded as you are a graduate).

So, this all may open up more career paths for you.

I came away really impressed with my visit (and I am hard to please ). I had an hour 1:1 with an advisor. I did not know what I wanted to do next, but I found it helpful.

Anyhow, here are some links you may find helpful

Careers Service

Advance Learning Loans

Childcare Grant

Gosh I think you would have lots of options with regards to what you do with a HR/recruitment background as those are both people businesses (I work in HR too!). It depends on what you want to do and how many hours you have to do it. I would perhaps sit down and think about your goals, your working style (do you like to work alone, by around people, be part of a team etc), what your strengths are and then you can consider different career options against this. There is loads of free learning on the internet and good thought provoking blogs so worth having a bit of a look around.

I personally run my own business and am looking for new people to join so if you are interested in considering that drop me a note and I can share details with you

It is hard - after being faced with going back to work at a far lower level I decided to set up on my own. I looked at many, and tried a few, direct selling companies before settling on a lovely clothes company. I'm happy to give you my opinions, if you you want to message me, but certainly don't spend lots of money getting set up!

I make enough to pay my ds school fees and work when I want. Direct Selling isn't for everyone but can suit mums who enjoy getting out and meeting new people.

Good luck, I feel your pain!