complete idiots guide to working from home.......

[poppyseed]

Ok, where do I start?

I'm an ex-teacher (BSc Human Biology & PGCE secondary science) having hung up my whiteboard markers in Dec 1998 to go and have babies . Job done ( x 2) and now I need to start thinking about working again as our son starts school in September and I can't milk it staying at home any longer .

Ideally I'd like to work part-time from home so that I can be flexible around children/school holidays/OH and of course Harry . The thing is I haven't got a clue as to what I could do or where to start......... Can anyone give me any ideas or a starting place at least please? Loads of people have said...'set your own business up'.....excellent idea......but doing what? .

Please tell me I'm not the only one who is totally clueless at this time in their lives..............

can't you do private tutoring?

Hmmmm, used to do that! Most of it isn't in school time though and so it encroaches into family time - I really need something that is 9.30 until 2.30 ish

have you looked at usborne books at all? you can sell to/through schools. let me know if i can help at all [email protected]

I'd love to start my own business but haven't a clue doing what - you're not alone! Whenever I hear of anyone else doing it I always think "Oh thats a great idea why didn't I think of that"!? Sadly I have come to realise its because I lack imagination...!?

I think that my problem is that I don't know what grown ups do for a living . I know what a police officer, teacher, doctor, travel agent does, but I haven't a clue about the other jobs in between......
I think that I have just fallen off the end of the production line.....school...university....job....children.....change of life....now what? I lack the imagination too and direction in which to start looking .

have you seen www.mumandworking.co.uk lots of ideas on there.

think you probably have to go back to basics - what do you enjoy? what are you good at? then is there a gap for any of those things?

hth, gemma

hi Poppyseed, I was in the reverse position a couple of years ago, trying to get off the 9-5 + paid childcare once my kids were in full time education. I started by thinking of hobbies that could make money - for me that was sewing an cooking - and then researched ideas in that area (school dinner lady etc) and did some evening classes to see whether I could hack it! I ended up with a business making curtains and so far have managed to make it work 5 hours a day and not working in school hols.

If you don't fancy running your own business, with your CV you would be a shoo-in for school admin roles - some of them are p/t. They are poorly paid but broadly tailor with kids hols which is perfect.

I have an advert on The jobs section titled "working from home selling childrens books"

Feel free to take a look

Ther eis lots of info on the ad

Have you got money to buy into a franchise? As a teacher, there are loads of different franchises you could buy - music classes, baby signing, sports, drama etc. Obviously none of those have anything to do with your specialist areas but might be an option. You can hold classes in times that suit you.

Alternatively think about something that uses your skills, and come up with a concept for after school classes that bring science/bio alive for kids - maybe even for little kids to start teaching them about the human body - something educational, something fun. Just brain farting here but there is a massive market for kids classes of all descriptions

"have you seen www.mumandworking.co.uk lots of ideas on there."

Thanks very much for this link - never seen or heard of it before and it has given me a starting point..........a very interesting one too

I have decided to do artwork for children's rooms! I am in the early stages of planning it, and hope to expand and paint old furniture for kids rooms. I ahve always been artistic, I was working full time before. Yes Iwill miss the income from my previous job, but at least I am doing what I enjoy, and can work around my family instead of missing out on them growing up.

Unfortunately I haven't got an artistic bone in my body!! I envy you .

I'm not wanting to earn a huge amount - just need to feel like I'm contributing really. We've done without my salary for the last 8 years so anything will be a bonus I suppose! I'm lucky enough to have no pressures from OH as he'll support me whatever.

It's lovely that your OH is supportive. My hubby has been great, I have been off sick since my DS was born in 2005, dodgy pelvis!!! He has been such a rock, especially when I couldn't walk!

Maybe one of the direct sales companies would work - Usbourne has already been mentioned and I do Mini-Iq - the focus is about educational products (books mainly) that are great fun.

there are quite a few teachers who are associates and it seems to work well.

Or even the non-child related ones - Virgin vie etc... but these may be more evening work

you can earn good money at these but the real bonus is the flexibility plus it's great to have something 'busness like' to think about,

Linda

I was also a biology teacher - but will probably aim to go back part time once the youngest is at school. Have you thought about exam marking? I mark A level papers in June - v hectic but keeps my brain working. I know you are looking for something a bit more long term, but might be worth looking at. SATs need marking in May as well so that's two months work sorted! Good luck with whatever you decide.

Ooh yes that's a point, Colander - can you give me a guide as to where you look for the job adverts.....TES? or contact QCA direct?