Are you a parent preparing to return to work after taking time out to raise your family? This transition can be both exciting and daunting, as you seek a role that fits your new life while providing the flexibility you need. Fortunately, there are numerous jobs for parents returning to work that can accommodate your family commitments while allowing you to re-enter the workforce confidently.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of 10 jobs that are particularly well-suited for parents returning to work. Whether you’re looking for a role that allows you to work from home, or one that aligns with your child’s school hours, there’s something here for everyone.
Top 10 Jobs for Parents Returning to Work
Here’s our list of the 10 best jobs for parents who are returning to work. If anything stands out, we highly recommend doing some further research and then applying for jobs on our jobs board!
1. Customer Service Representative
If you’re concerned about balancing work and family time, a role as a customer service representative could be the perfect fit. This job often offers flexible hours, enabling you to work around your family’s schedule. Many customer service roles are now remote, meaning you can work from the comfort of your home, making it easier to manage childcare and other responsibilities.
For more information on finding flexible customer service roles, explore these remote job opportunities with no experience.
2. Delivery Driver
As a delivery driver, you have the flexibility to choose your hours, making it an excellent option for parents. Peak delivery times often fall during evenings and weekends, which may align with times when your partner is available to care for your children. With the rise of online shopping, the demand for delivery drivers continues to grow, providing job security and a steady income.
If you’re interested in self-employed delivery driver opportunities, check out these driving jobs.
3. School Bus Driver
Working as a school bus driver can be ideal for parents with school-aged children. You’ll have the same school holidays and hours as your kids, which allows you to spend more time with your family. Additionally, the job leaves you with time during the day to run errands, care for younger children, or even take on another part-time role if needed.
4. Teaching Assistant
Becoming a teaching assistant is another fantastic option for parents returning to work. This role allows you to work within school hours, ensuring you’re home when your children are. Teaching assistants play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students, and the job doesn’t typically require prior experience, making it accessible for those re-entering the workforce.
Explore teaching assistant jobs with no experience required.
5. Web Developer
The role of a web developer offers significant flexibility, especially if you choose to work as a freelancer. As businesses increasingly move online, the demand for web developers has skyrocketed, providing both job security and high earning potential. This career is particularly appealing for parents who want to work from home or set their own hours.
To learn more about becoming a web developer, discover current web developer opportunities.
6. Childminder
If you’re returning to work but worried about finding childcare, becoming a childminder could be the perfect solution. As a childminder, you’ll be able to look after your own children while earning money caring for other people’s kids. This role is highly flexible and allows you to work from home, making it ideal for parents who need to juggle work and family life.
7. Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant (VA) role offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to work from home full-time or part-time. As a VA, you can assist businesses with tasks like scheduling, email management, and data entry, all while staying close to your family. This job is perfect for parents returning to work who need to maintain a strong work-life balance.
8. Private Tutor
Private tutoring is an excellent career choice if you’re passionate about helping others achieve their academic goals. Tutors have the flexibility to set their own schedules and rates, making it easier to find a work-life balance that suits your family’s needs. The demand for tutors, especially in core subjects like maths and English, remains high, providing a stable income.
9. Blogger
Blogging offers a unique opportunity to transform your interests and experiences into a source of income. As a blogger, you can write about topics you’re passionate about, whether that’s parenting, travel, food, or any other niche. Successful blogs can generate revenue through advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing, giving you the flexibility to work from home and set your own hours.
View freelance writing jobs UK.
10. Health and Fitness Coach
If you’ve developed a passion for health and fitness during your time at home, becoming a health and fitness coach could be the ideal job for you. This role allows you to help others improve their health while staying active yourself. Health and fitness coaching can be done on a flexible schedule, and many coaches work part-time or freelance.
Re-entering the Workforce: Tips for Parents
Returning to work after a break can feel overwhelming, but with a few key strategies, you can make a smooth transition back to employment.
- Update Your CV and LinkedIn
Refresh your CV with any skills gained during your break, such as time management or organisational abilities. Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and start networking to discover new job opportunities.
- Consider Upskilling
If your industry has evolved, consider taking a course or earning a certification to boost your skills and confidence. Refreshing your skills can make you more competitive in the job market.
- Start with Part-Time or Freelance Work
Easing back into work with part-time or freelance roles can help you balance your career and family life while gaining valuable experience.
- Prepare for Interviews
Practice answering questions about your career break and focus on the skills you’ve developed during that time. Be honest and highlight your readiness to return to work.
- Build a Support Network
Connect with other parents returning to work for advice and support. A strong network can offer encouragement and practical tips as you transition back to work.
👉 For more detailed guidance, explore our re-entry tips
Jobs for Parents Returning to Work: It’s All About Balance
Returning to work as a parent requires careful planning and consideration of your family’s needs. The jobs listed above offer the flexibility and opportunities you need to make a successful transition back to work.
Whether you choose a part-time role, work from home, or align your job with your children’s school hours, there are plenty of options available for parents returning to work.
Check out the Refreshing a Career jobs board for all the latest opportunities for parents returning to work.
Our Parenthood Support Hub is packed with information on going back to work, including tips on updating your CV, preparing for interviews, a single parent’s guide to retraining and much more.
Have a question? Feel free to get in touch with our team. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest news and opportunities from Refreshing a Career.