Many parents dream of a job where they work within school hours, but it can be a bit of a nightmare to find that perfect position. If this is you, here are a number of job options and business ideas which can be successfully managed during school hours.
Jobs that can be done during school hours
Jobs in education are obviously first-prize in terms of working school hours, plus there’s the added benefit of school holidays. An education assistant, support worker, catering assistant in a school canteen, kitchen hand and childminder are all jobs that can be fitted into school hours.
You could also consider casual work in retail or hospitality where you structure your shifts around the school hours.
Working in a call centre is another good opportunity and many call centres are happy for their representatives to work from home.
Dog walking is another possibility – especially given that Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with nearly 50% of households owning a dog!
If you’re into mind and body health and love Pilates, you could consider training as a Pilates instructor and taking classes at times that suit your family’s schedule.
And then of course, there’s always a need for people to deliver newspapers, catalogues, real estate flyers and other types of promotional materials. It’s flexible work which you can do during the hours that suit you.
But if you’re after a longer-term commitment that still offers the flexibility of working hours that suit your school-going family – something you’re in control of and where you call the shots – then starting a small business of your own might be the answer.
Business ideas that allow you to work school hours
According to the Australian Banking Association, 98% of the 2.6 million businesses in Australia are small and medium enterprises.
What’s more, micro businesses account for the largest proportion of all Australian businesses and when you consider that 60% of these employ no staff, there are clearly plenty of different options and opportunities for one-person enterprises. Like yourself.
Work-from-home businesses or those which provide a service to clients at their premises (for example, an interior designer or landscape architect) are ideal for parents looking to work flexible hours. Many Australians have also discovered that working as ride-share drivers (eg with Uber or Ola) provides freedom and flexibility and they can choose when and where they work.
Cleaning business. There’s always a demand for cleaning services, both domestic and commercial. Setting up your own cleaning business as a sole trader can be rewarding – and you can structure the hours to suit you. Start-up costs don’t have to be excessive and once you’ve established yourself and built up a clientele, your profit margins can be high.
Investing in high-quality cleaning equipment and cleaning supplies is a must and as with any new business, you will need to allocate time and resources into marketing and brand-building. Starting small is always a good strategy, so you probably want to focus on domestic cleaning first. You could offer/promote your services on your neighbourhood Facebook group and aim for powerful word-of-mouth referrals. Cleaning contractors, both domestic and commercial, are currently in high demand and are financially rewarding.
Work-from-home business ideas
Playing to your strengths and drawing on your past experience is always a good foundation for starting your own business, but there are also plenty of opportunities to start a business to fill a gap in the market.
Examples include:
Freelance copywriting. Be it blogs, web pages, opinion pieces, marketing collateral, newsletters or marketing emails, today’s businesses have an insatiable thirst for quality content. If you’ve got a way with words and can work to a brief, setting yourself up as a freelance copywriter or blogger could be an ideal opportunity to work hours that suit you.
Transcriptionist. If you’re a speedy typist with an eye for detail, you could consider setting yourself up as a work-from-home transcriptionist. This can be a great career choice for people wanting flexible working hours and there’s always a demand for specialised typing from companies and individuals in the legal and medical fields.
Social media manager. In today’s digitally-driven world, a strong social media presence is imperative for any business or brand wanting to engage with customers and attract new followers. If you’re a stay-at-home parent with a creative flair and a good understanding of the workings of the digital world, you could establish yourself up as a freelance social media manager.
Virtual assistant. If you have previous experience as a secretary, PA or office manager, you could put your business administration skills to good use as a freelance virtual assistant. Setting up a business from home and working as a VA is a great way to structure your day around school hours.
A last word on working from home & working flexible hours
There are plenty of opportunities out there for parents to work flexible hours around school times. It may not be easy in the beginning – but with a little grit, determination, courage and resourcefulness – you may just discover the perfect path that gives you the flexibility and fulfilment that you’re after. If you are based in Perth, Western Australia and need advice on commercial or industrial cleaning equipment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Commercial Cleaning Equipment.
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If you’re searching for a more comprehensive tool to help you manage your finances, we recommend checking out the MUM CFOs Money Masterclass course. This course offers a wealth of knowledge from financial professionals in various fields, including financial planning, credit repair, mortgages, accounting, investments, insurance and estate planning. By learning from their expertise, you will gain the tools and strategies necessary to achieve your financial goals. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your financial literacy and take control of your finances!
