Hi Mamas, you are always so helpful, I thought I'd put this out there, because I'm having a hard time with this, and it's scaring me a bit. I find myself, at 43, with a 4-yr-old, and feeling that I need to start getting serious about being sure that I'm able to support us if the need arises. I was an elementary school teacher for just a few years before the birth of my daughter, but I really do not want to have to return to the classroom, as it is a job that requires giving up an enormous amount of personal time if you want to do it right. I have thought about going to a trade school, but am not really sure for what. I did some editing at one point in my life, and I think I'd enjoy that, but I don't have a ton of experience in this area. I have also considered tutoring. Any ideas? I'd really appreciate any input you can give me.
Thanks for all your advice. You really helped me to think things through. I decided that the logical thing is to stay in education, and I am going to pursue a masters degree online.
Hi JF
I would love to talk to you about an opportunity that is geared toward education and I work from home and I LOVE it!
I am available to talk today at 4:30 or tomorrow at 10 am. If either of those times don't work for you send some times that will.
L. ###-###-####
Look into technical writing. I made the transition from teaching to technical writer, and it has been very flexible and lucrative for me. You have the opportunity to do everything from contract work, working for smaller start up places to working for large corporations with great benefits! Many entry-level tech writer jobs only want you to have a writing or teaching background and they'll teach you the way around software you'll use such as RoboHelp.
I would definitely consider doing some freelance writing or editing as that is something you can do while your daughter is in school or at night while she sleeps. Tutoring is also a great suggestion. Both ideas are very flexible, however the freelancing will probably generate more income. I might take a Writing class to brush up on your skills.
What about working for yourself? I've been running a home-based business for the past 4 years and it has been everything I could have wanted. I've been able to be home with my now 3 year old since her birth, it gives me complete flexibility, time freedom, unlimited income potential, and I really feel like I have a purpose in life. I love to help people and this business gives me ample opportunity to help people in so many ways. It has truly been a blessing for my family. If you are interested or want more info about what I do, email me at ____@____.com or private message me. I wish you the best in your search! A.
If you don't have to work full time, then consider working when your daughter is in school. If you like education and want to be in a school, you might want to consider being a literacy aide. While the pay isn't as good, the hours are.
Some of the online schools and home school networks also have teachers. That's more one-on-one work.
If you look at tutoring, be clear on the hours. Most tutors work after school and on weekends. And, that's your time with your daughter.
If you want to look at a new career, ask yourself, what you love and design a career around it. There are so many new careers that have emerged since your daughter was borne.
One of the new fields is personal growth coaching. It requires some training and it is affordable. Most coaches come from education or the corporate world. They use their skills to help others transition from one field to another or one career (being a mom is a career) to another.
Since my last post didn't post, I will try again.
I highly recommend the book "Aftershock", by David Weidemer. (I got it at Amazon.) This will tell you everything you need to know to prepare yourself for next coming 5 years.
Stay in the public education sector. Do not go into the private sector. Those kinds of jobs are drying up as more and more people are loosing jobs and are unable to afford private tutoring.
Good luck,
Gail
I have something that might help you out! I have an amazing home based business that would allow you to stay home with your kids, and get paid daily! I would love to send you more information if you'd like. We are not one of those companies that doesn’t give you much information up front, we don't like the 'secrets'!! We give you tons of information up front so that you can make the best choice for you and your family! If you want to learn more just send me your personal e-mail address. I hope to hear from you soon, this has been a blessing in my life! Please feel free to call me as well!
Take care,
T. D.
____@____.com
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I always thought that being a teacher was the best job for a parent. My husband also works for the school board in our city. I'm happy he does because it's always been so convient for us. Everytime the schools are closed for holidays, bad weather, spring break, or winter break (which is a week at a time) he is home with the kids. He is home all summer. I still have to work during those times so if he had a job anywhere else we would be out of luck and paying for childcare.
With that being said I would stick with the teaching unless you can find employment that would give you 3 months off during the summer and an additional 2 weeks or more off during the school year. Plus, you will have extra health benefits.
I think self-employment could be a good option too after you are established but it still would take you a while (using lots of personal time to get something going)
I would go back to teaching. You could work while your child is in school. Or you could work part-time in a halfday program for preschoolers. It all sounds alot better that working 8 or 9 hours everyday all year and hoping to fit vacation in somewhere as must full-time employees do.
I have much respect for teachers because the job is not easy.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Hi my name is S. and I am going to school to be in Elementary Teacher, however after the birth of my son I have changed my tune. With only two classes left I have descided to change my mind. I just started doing Passion Parties and I love it!!!! Check out my website, I would love to give you more info.. www.sarahzayas.yourpassionconsultant.com.
Hello JF-
I'm a parent coach and over the recent past while meeting with other women business owners, I met a great women who helps people returning to the work force look at their skills in a different way so and helps them look at different career fields.
Her name is Sally Rhys and here is a link to her website:
http://www.coachingforperspective.com
I hope this helps. She may be able to help you find another career field to meet your needs.
Good Luck
R. Magby
I too am a teacher that is now a stay at home mommy. For now, this works fine for us, but I know that in the future I'll probably have to go back to work and I don't want to go back into the classroom either. A few thoughts I've had were to maybe work at a preschool, or possibly having one out of my home, as their is less demands on your time and planning as it would be part time. Tutoring was a great idea that you had that I thought about too, there are so many kids out there that could use a little help and a former teacher would be a great tutor.
Good luck to you!
In the Portland, OR area the community colleges have a course that is geared towards helping students find out their aptitude and interests with the idea of selecting a second career. I considered taking this course when I retired.
Once you've chosen an area of interest, I suggest shadowing someone in that field to see if it might be a good fit.
How about teaching at a Kumon, Sylvan Learning Center, etc.
I was an elementary school teacher at one point in my life (for 3 years) and only left b/c I did not make enough to support myself. This was years ago. Now that I have kids (1 and 2 years old), I was thinking that teaching would be a decent career once you got yourself established. I know at least 10 teachers personally (including 2 of my sisters) that have kids like you and they love it and they all make it work with their kids. I hear you say that it takes so much personal time, but I think that you'll find this with any other career path you choose. (I'm talking about career paths where you are making decent consistent money, not these one-off network marketing things, that are, well, fun, but the money is inconsistent). Not to sway you either way; I'm just suggesting you take a good hard look at it b4 you throw away a perfectly good career for something less satisfying.
I ended up going back to school (chemistry of all things) and now I make decent money in the medical device industry and I am currently supporting my husband and 2 children. I am not suggesting you do this--it was a long, hard, path which required tons of my personal time to do. Anything else you have to go back to school for will take a lot of personal time to do right. There aren't any shortcuts. Tutoring is a great idea for part-time work, as is teaching fitness classes (aerobics, yoga, etc), and these "party"-type gigs (pampered chef). I also teach yoga on the side-certification relatively easy to get--but would never be able to support myself or family on the meager wages. I have also done editing on the side, too, but again, the jobs were sporadic and again, the money was inconsistent. Email me if you need to chat.
what about teaching at one of the those kumon type places.. part time.. fews students..
I would look into the medical field.. lots of openings.. and there is always aneed-- radiation tech, ultrasound tech.. etc.. I think they are about 1 -2 year programs..
Please check these two websites. makeadifference/dvd
and nussentials.com/bjdudley. It is a 2 to 5 year plan with a wonderful redisual plan. Also a another great site is brilliant compensation both are well worth your time. If you are interested please e-mail me ____@____.com
