How to Find a Career That Fits Around Family Life (Plus 7 Great Options)
Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Lori Pace
Finding the perfect balance between your professional ambitions and family life might seem like an elusive goal, but it’s definitely achievable with the right strategy. By identifying your values and prioritizing flexibility, you can attain that ideal balance between career and family growth.
Let’s dive into practical ways to uncover a career path that enables you to grow professionally without compromising your family commitments. Plus, we’ll offer 7 great career options.
5 Steps to Finding a Career That Fits Around Family Life
Before you start looking for a career option that fits around family life, you’ll need to know how to get one of these jobs first. Follow these five steps to find a great career as a single mom.
1. Prioritize your Family Values
Firstly, consider what matters most to you and your family. For example, do you value quality time, flexibility, or financial stability? Do they offer you a great work-life balance? Identifying these priorities can help you determine the type of career that will complement them well.
A career that offers flexible hours or remote working options could be the best option for you, as it may allow you to spend more time with your loved ones while still working full-time.
2. Assess your Skills and Passions
Next, take inventory of your talents, skills, and passions. Think about the tasks you enjoy doing and those that provide a sense of fulfillment in both your professional and personal life. This assessment will allow you to identify potential job options that align with these preferences.
3. Research Family-Friendly Industries
Now that you have an idea of what type of work best suits your lifestyle and interests, research industries are known for supporting employees’ work-life balance. Fields such as healthcare, education, non-profit organizations, and technology often offer flexible arrangements.
However, it’s important to take a harder look at roles that don’t traditionally offer flexibility. For example, there are plenty of nursing roles for busy moms, like a school or telehealth nurse, that don’t require the same long working hours or intense stress as an emergency nurse does.
4. Network Within Desired Fields
As part of researching suitable industries for your lifestyle choices, don’t neglect networking with professionals in those areas. Reach out to acquaintances who have experience working in environments where they can balance career responsibilities alongside family commitments.
They could be valuable sources of advice on policies in their respective companies and on specific roles that fit well around family life. They may also be able to get you a job!
5. Be Prepared for Compromise
Lastly, remember that no job is perfect. There will always be some level of compromise involved when trying to balance work with home life commitments successfully. Dedicate some thought to finding a comfortable balance where the compromises are more than worth the benefits.
7 Great Career Options for Moms Focused on Family
There are so many great career options to choose from. And thanks to the internet, you have more choices than you used to. Here are 7 awesome career options for super-busy moms.
1. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is an excellent option for those seeking a flexible schedule that can adapt to their family’s needs. As a freelancer, you have control over your workload and can set your hours based on your availability. Plus, you’re sure to find a niche that suits your interests.
2. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide remote administrative support to businesses and entrepreneurs in areas such as data entry, social media management, or scheduling appointments. This role offers the flexibility to create a schedule around your family life while working from your home.
3. Telehealth Services
The healthcare industry presents various opportunities for individuals looking for work-life balance, including telehealth services. Providers such as therapists or nurses can offer telehealth services and consultations through video calls or virtual platforms right from home.
4. Graphic Design
If you have an eye for aesthetics and experience with design software, graphic design could be an ideal career choice for your hectic and busy family life. You may offer freelance services or work remotely with agencies or companies that prioritize work-life balance.
5. Teaching and Tutoring
Online teaching and tutoring jobs are on the rise, making this a convenient career path for those who want flexibility and enjoy educating others. Working in either one-to-one sessions or group settings allows you to accommodate personal commitments without sacrificing professionalism.
6. Social Media Management
Having expertise in social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Pinterest opens doors to working as a social media manager. If you have a computer, you can work on a freelance basis or remotely with organizations catering specifically to flexible working hours.
7. Online Store Owner
One of the most popular entrepreneurial pursuits today is owning an online store using platforms like Etsy or Shopify for selling handmade products, vintage items, or digital designs. As an online store owner, you can maintain a flexible schedule and work around your family life.
In Conclusion…
Remember that finding a fulfilling career while prioritizing your family’s needs is within your reach. In fact, there are so many incredible options to choose from! With determination and careful consideration, you can balance your personal and professional goals effectively.
