My story is slightly opposite. It wasn't until I was laid off and home with my son more that I really began to get concerned and initiated the evaluation process. He started preschool a few months ago. While he was in childcare part time until he started school, I volunteered with a non-profit. It has led to a few event planning gigs and the organization has given me a stipend on a couple occasions. If I pursued it, the connections I have made would definitely lead to more event planning or consultant work for some board members. I like that I get to pick and choose what I do and when I do it. I also recently started *gasp* direct sales. It's consumable goods, organic & gluten free and sign up was very inexpensive. I figure, worst case, if it sucks and I never make money, I get some yummy products for my pantry. Best case, I get to coordinate some freezer meal workshops, make a bit of scratch and possibly meet some new friends.

Good luck OP! Depending on your career field, consulting might be an option.

Anonymous wrote:This topic comes up every so often, and the answers are usually depressing -- either one spouse decided to leave the workforce, or one spouse has a lot of flexibility because he/she has a long, good track record at current job and so gets flexibility in return.

Why is that depressing? For some people, the ability to have a SAHP is not feasible. But everyone can develop a long, good track record. Whether or not they will get flexibility in return is probably job dependent but good people who work for years at a company have to be compensated to stay in some form or another. Once you hit that salary band ceiling, if a company wants to retain you, they have to become creative. Flexibility is an easy creative solution. And if you've been at a company for years, chances are you didn't stay there that long because it was a crappy job or a crappy company. There had to be some benefit to staying. So the employer wants to retain a good employee and the employee wants to continue with a good employer---flexible work arrangements can make that possible.

I just don't understand why an employee would expect such a benefit at the start of their career with a company. It's along the lines of the 6-8 weeks of PTO. You don't get that much time off when you join a company. It's a benefit that is earned over time.

This topic comes up every so often, and the answers are usually depressing -- either one spouse decided to leave the workforce, or one spouse has a lot of flexibility because he/she has a long, good track record at current job and so gets flexibility in return.

I dream of a break, meaning a flexible job that allows you to drive to all the appointments and meetings, and be able to bring some much needed cash home. Our needs are severe, and I just do not see it happening for a while. Good luck to everyone that is looking.

Hi I work part-time at where I used to work before quitting after receiving the diagnosis. They were willing to make a part-time position for me, because of my good past performance and also my boss is just a nice guy. I work at a local university in the area -- it's great because staff schedules are flexible during semester breaks which line up nicely to K-12 school year breaks.
I think literally all my income goes to childcare (my husband's salary covers other expenses) but I think it's worth it -- because it keeps me employable. Tomorrow, if my husband lost his job, I feel confident about my ability to get a full-time job. In fact, I think that switch might be necessary regardless once my son hits puberty and needs someone larger and stronger than me to help him through his day. I also kinda enjoy work, it's like my "break."

Anonymous wrote:Hi, PP here about going into web and graphic design. I started taking online distance courses through NOVA, i think the website is ed2go.com. I learned Illustrator and Photoshop. Then an opportunity opened with my company and they let me have a go. It's been about three years since and I've learned so much. I'm currently learning about WordPress, that is a skill that is in demand.

op here wow I did not know that I am an expert in wordpress did not know it was in high demand thanks for the tip I will look into ed2go.com

Hi, PP here about going into web and graphic design. I started taking online distance courses through NOVA, i think the website is ed2go.com. I learned Illustrator and Photoshop. Then an opportunity opened with my company and they let me have a go. It's been about three years since and I've learned so much. I'm currently learning about WordPress, that is a skill that is in demand.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was in finance but worked crazy long hours. I left the field and went into web and graphic design, it offered the flexibility I needed to work but also take care of my autistic son. Basically was starting over again and I've been slowly building up my salary.

any tips on getting started in this field ? thanks

In the same boat and I'd like to know, too. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:I was in finance but worked crazy long hours. I left the field and went into web and graphic design, it offered the flexibility I needed to work but also take care of my autistic son. Basically was starting over again and I've been slowly building up my salary.

any tips on getting started in this field ? thanks

op here thanks I am web savvy maybe I will go into web and graphic design or look for part time work thanks for the responses I really appreciate it

I was in finance but worked crazy long hours. I left the field and went into web and graphic design, it offered the flexibility I needed to work but also take care of my autistic son. Basically was starting over again and I've been slowly building up my salary.

I quit my job and my husband works crazy hours - we scaled back our budget significantly.

I left Big4 consulting firm and joined a smaller company. They do offer a certain flexibility but yes, my salary is less. However, here no one rolls their eyes if I have to go to an IEP meeting.

I work for a small specialty financial company. I worked there on and off for the past 10 yrs so they are extremely flexible with me being out of the office or working from home. The pay is also lower than if I worked elsewhere or was constantly present in the office.

I ask because I am looking to return to work but with the challenges of caring for my child with ASD I worry about flexibility
thanks