There comes a time when all new moms are faced with a choice – leave their old job to stay at home, head back into the same career and sacrifice time with the family, or find an entirely new path. While there are many different opinions on what new moms should and shouldn’t be doing after they have a baby, it’s fair to say that the only opinion that matters regarding this is yours! Whether you’re keen to get back to work to contribute to the household expenses or you’re looking for a way of using your awesome skills, taking up a flexible job on the side could be the right move for you.

There are many great reasons to start working again, especially if you choose a job that helps you to achieve the family lifestyle that you really want. After all, not all jobs mean that you have to work in an office and be away from your family all day, every day. With the internet providing flexibility and potential for remote work, new moms everywhere are increasingly more able to find a job that works with their lifestyles, rather than the other way around.

Flexible working is a great way to improve your finances, reduce your stress levels, and increase the amount of time you get to spend with your child.

So, how do you start finding the right job for you?

Set your goals

Firstly, work out what it is that you want to achieve with your work-from-home (WFH) job. Are you hoping to learn a new skill or put your existing ones to the test and expand your career? Do you miss the interaction with other people? Would you like to help others? Are you looking for a creative role?

New moms with existing skills could further their career by becoming a consultant in their field. Used to work as a waitress? Try your hand at becoming a Restaurant Consultant. Had a previous job in marketing? Set yourself up as a Freelance Account Manager or Marketing Consultant. Anyone with experience in accounting could set themselves up as a freelance Bookkeeper or Accountant.

For those who crave the normality of talking to adults then customer service-based roles, such as Virtual Assistants and Social Media Specialists, could be a great way in which to use your skills.

If you are less worried about dealing with people directly and prefer the written word, then there is plenty of advice online about how to get started as a Freelance Writer or Editor, providing that you have a strong set of core skills to work with.

Those with an eye for photography could become a Photographer specializing in families and newborns (after all, you will already know a potentially huge client base!)

There are also plenty of ways to develop a rewarding career by helping others, like becoming a Life Coach or a Nutritionist.

Start networking

*Networking is a great way to make new connections*

Once you have an idea of where you want to go, it’s time to throw yourself out there and network. Although many great business connections are made through face to face events, there are also plenty of opportunities to meet potential clients online.

Search for parent groups on social media where you can meet other working parents to get their advice, and share potential work opportunities.

Build relationships with your online contacts so that they refer work to you if they happen to find something suitable.

Build your reputation

Now that you’re getting serious about your new career, it’s time to get yourself a new website, some business cards, and update all of your social media accounts so that people can easily find you.

It might sound like overkill, but you just never know where your new WFH jobs could take you. With so many opportunities available both online and in the real world, you may even find that your entrepreneurial side-hustle could vastly increase your odds of becoming rich!

So, take pride in your reputation and make sure that you look as professional as possible on all fronts. Get yourself some simple professional headshots (these can be easily done at home with a smartphone and a bit of creativity) and ensure that all of your profiles are up to date with your information.

Whichever career path you decide to go down, just remember to strive for a work/life balance. After all, if you are spending all of your time working and not with your children, it defeats the object of flexible working.

Good luck with your new ventures!

Flexible Job Ideas For Working From Home