Mother Talkers

How To Find Part-Time Work

by Elisa

Wed May 14, 2008 at 08:22:57 AM PDT

Yet another stay-at-home mom asked Berkeley Parents Network that million dollar question: Where is the part-time work?

While I expected everyone to unilaterally respond with a "join the club" shrug -- and one fellow SAHM did -- there were some great and helpful suggestions:

Yes! Nursing has worked great for me. I have a LVN licence and work 20 hours per week. If you have any interest in health care it is a great way to go. And in high demand.
Mary

Have you thought about substitute teaching? I know many people are scared to do it because of their own childhood memories involving abusing subs. I did it for 3 years, and I found it to be the easiest, most flexible, and least stressful job I've ever done. You only take jobs when you feel like it, and since it's now all done through an automated phone system, you don't even need to talk to a person when you select jobs. You only accept the jobs you want on the days you want. If you market yourself successfully, you become the regular sub for some sweet and easy classrooms. Give it a try - You don't even need to ''quit'' if you don't like it, you simply stop accepting jobs.
anon

I have worked in Human Resources and recruiting for years. I would apply for any jobs that seem interesting to you, even if they are advertised as full time. If they are impressed with you, they might hire you for hours that suit you., or might allow you to work part time from home. Another thought...Craigs list has part time listings, contractual listings, occasional listings etc. which might help you ease back into work slowly. There are lots of firms that hire people for market research work and you usually have a choice of dates and times in which to work. Don't limit yourself....go for what looks good even if if seems that part time might not be an option. Companies will flex for the right candidate...
Recruitment specialist

One dad of teenagers reminded the mother that she already has a "real job;" that perhaps she was looking for other opportunities on top of her current position.

So, my advice (you asked), think about what you want to do for ''other'' work in addition to the ''job'' you already have. Acknowledge that a ''real job'' provides satisfaction in other ways: intellectual challenge, camaraderie, monetary gain... and so does your current job as a mom. Then, attempt to integrate all this into your life. Start your own business, seek job sharing in a progressive company....
~ former corporate geek enjoying life as a carpenter

What other advice would give this mother looking for part-time work options?

  • ::

Tags: Berkeley Parents Network, part-time jobs, part-time work, SAHM, stay-at-home mom (all tags)

Permalink | 15 comments

  • please don't consider (0 / 0)

    being a substitute unless you intend to take it seriously.  There are too many "bad" subs out there who make it just a wasted day for the teacher who has to be absent.  The only safe thing they can offer is for you to show a movie.
    If you're serious follow the suggestion to get to know a school/teacher and become a "regular" sub in the building.  you will be able to pre-arrange enough jobs that you'll never have to take that early morning phone call unless you want to.  Be prepared to add your own personal touch to lessons. Remember you're there to try and implement the teachers plan to the best of your ability, not do what you want or let the kids just have a study hall in lieu of the plans left no matter what the kids say "other" subs do.  Bring something interesting to add to a class in case the lesson takes less time than usual (I used to bring in interesting articles from that days newspaper on the topic of the classes I would cover to read and discuss (high school and middle school).  Don't just sit and read the newspaper, your book, or work on the computer while the kids are working.  Use your position as an adult to get to know the kids,their school, activities to try and contribute to a day that would otherwise be a waste.
    If your looking for a more "permanent" part-time schedule consider being an instructional assistant.  You will make less, they often have less than full time hours, but you will have a consistent schedule.
    Peace.

    "The day is coming when a single carrot, freshly observed, will set off a revolution." Paul Cezanne

    by educonfidential on Wed May 14, 2008 at 09:44:03 AM PDT

  • I work part time (0 / 0)

    The way it worked for me was that I started out freelance (editing) and then was asked to step in while someone was on maternity leave. Then I was asked to stay on at 20 hours a week, which I've now done for 3.5 years. (Note that I am paid hourly and do not receive benefits, so I'm not paid when I don't work).

    Freelancing can be a great way to get your foot in the door for editing or writing work. If are really reliable and make yourself indispensible, opportunities open up.

    Of course, now I'm trying to figure out how to give up the security of my regular job and just freelance!

    by mpg on Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:17:01 AM PDT

    • ditto that (0 / 0)

      I've worked into some regular, hourly jobs after freelancing for orgs. I'm with you that it's a good way to get the foot in the door. But how does that translate for others that aren't in the writing/editing/publishing biz?

      by Rachel on Wed May 14, 2008 at 03:56:18 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • Another area that lends (0 / 0)

        itself well to free lancing is computer work.  My husband does a lot in addition to his regular job.  He started out very small many years ago, and over time, has built up to designing web sites, hosting web sites, and doing a lot of setting up of systems for people.

        by tjb22 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:41:38 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  • pharmacy technician (0 / 0)

    Especially hospitals.  They pay pretty good and are quite flexible. I worked every weekend and holiday while in college.  Plus I had benefits and received n teh job training.  Another avenue is your local county and city governments. They have tons of part time jobs from clerks and admin staff to parks and recreation staff and you often get benefits therem,too.  I woked 32 hours a week and got full benefits at our county.  Our local environmental/history center has part time positions for teachers, guides and staff all of the time.  Governments have to cut back on staffing so they often use tons of part timers.  

    by summer day on Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:41:27 AM PDT

  • It all depends (0 / 0)

    on what your skills are.  I have a library/info science degree.  I've been working up contract business as a researcher, indexer, copyeditor.  Starting your own small business out of your home is always an option and there are a ton of ideas out there, but that can be more than part time when you're starting up.

    There are some agencies out there for part-time and from-home work: 10 til 2 just got some publicity last week, ClicknWorkand VirtualAssistant are a couple of others I was directed to as legit companies, though I haven't used them.

    There are professional associations for most lines of freelance work - it's worth googling your profession or would-be profession and the word 'freelance' and seeing what comes up, it can be surprising.

    by sarac on Wed May 14, 2008 at 12:56:54 PM PDT

  • i have two jobs (0 / 0)

    i bring my kids w/ me to-

    i drive a school bus, and i work in the nursery at a church

    in the past i have worked in the nursery at a few gyms, and as a nanny and as a babysitter- all jobs i brought my child or children w/ me to do

    here in connecticut, just outside nyc you can earn decent money, depending on where you work

    i'm scared to death to have anyone watch my kids until they're old enough to tell me what's going on, so these jobs are good for me.

    the downside is i never, ever get a break.  

    by thankgodforairamerica on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:37:05 PM PDT

    • Church work is a great option! (0 / 0)

      They're often hiring nursery workers, secretaries, cleaning people, etc.  For those who have a back ground in  music, they can often find positions playing organ, piano, etc.  

      by tjb22 on Wed May 14, 2008 at 04:39:11 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • It's been for me (0 / 0)

        Although I can't bring my kids when I play and sing.  There's no way I could control them.  T

        The boys came to a children's choir rehearsal and were so bad when they were 18 mos and 3.  They were practically swimming in the baptismal font.  The choir moms were aghast and not very helpful except for this one, bless her heart, who came and took over and got them playing with her little ones.  She had 5 of her own and wasn't phased by much.  Then she even went on to say that she had girls in between all of her boys and she always thinks it's harder managing consecutive boy siblings without girls in between from watching her inlaws do it.  I know this got pretty far off topic but I think so fondly of this woman after that experience.  

        by music teacher on Wed May 14, 2008 at 10:18:28 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    • one of the women (0 / 0)

      who works at the creche at my gym has a 9-month-old daughter who comes with her. Like you, she doesn't have any breaks, but she has the comfort of having her daughter with her and having a job.

      by Rachel on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:30:17 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • ah, the federal government. (0 / 0)

    My agency has instituted part time positions.  My boss has not yet embraced this option, which is sad.  Honestly, right now is not the best time for me to go part time.  I literally just applied for a promotion on Monday.  I only started 11 months ago, so I feel like I should put in more time.  But when is the best time to go part time?  I'm struggling with the idea of when to "fit it" in my career.  It really appeals when the kids  are in school, or even high school, but will I be in the right place then to take a break?

    God knows, part time would work REALLY well for me.  Exhibit A:  my house is a mess, and I am literally too tired to clean it up.  The thought of getting up to put in a load of laundry makes me want to weep.  But yesterday, when I was home with DD?  I totally got the kitchen spic and span.  It looked good, and it FELT good.  If I could spend two days a week at home, I would have a much nicer home.

    by tessajp on Wed May 14, 2008 at 05:35:19 PM PDT

    • patent office (0 / 0)

      My sister is a patent examiner at the Patent Office; they're really doing some cool stuff with distance working arrangements and they've moved to quarterly systems. IE, you have to accomplish a certain number of tasks each quarter; so long as you reach your quota by the end of the quota, the office doesn't care how or when it happens. People come in early and leave early, come in late and leave late, work from home, etc., etc. So long as it gets done, they're cool.

      by Rachel on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:34:36 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • Oh, yes. (0 / 0)

        The patent examiners have a very sweet arrangement--an old coworker's husband worked as one.  He could pull marathon work days, get his quota done, and take the rest of the week off.  and do it all from home.  

        It is a lovely embrace of the "as long as the work gets done" philosophy.  I hate timecard watchers, so I think this is just great.  I'm jealous.  ;>

        by tessajp on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:39:44 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        • I know! (0 / 0)

          my sister is trying to get on to their "hotelling" program, which is their newest long-distance arrangement. So long as she reports into one of their hubs at regular, if long, intervals, she can totally work from home. She's planning to go back to grad school, and if she can get into this program she can go to grad school and drop to part-time work with the patent office. Get a masters degree without forced penury? My god - it sounds awesome.

          by Rachel on Wed May 14, 2008 at 06:57:53 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

Permalink | 15 comments