Anonymous
Post 09/25/2015 17:49     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:I'm a nurse. I work nights. I get paid more for working nights, weekends, holidays, etc so I make around $145K. If I worked days I would only make $90K and would have to shell out a ton of money for daycare. I hate being sleepy all the time, but I love being there for my kids during the day. Nursing is a great mom job. Yes, it's blue collar, but when I clock out I'm done! I leave work at work and can focus on my family when I'm home. If I could do it again I would go to school to be a nurse anesthetist before I started having kids so that I could make $245K and have my same schedule.


Another nurse here that made a career change from financial management to nursing at 40. Getting ready to head into my "mom job" shortly---I work Fri night and Sat night 7p-7a. Pretty sweet gig---work 24 hours per week but paid for 30 with full benefits. Makes for a lousy social life but I'm 100% available for kids during the week---and they always have a parent available to them. Not making nearly as much as I did as a financial manager but definitely find the work far more meaningful.
Anonymous
Post 09/25/2015 17:24     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:In another thread, someone mentioned their "mom job" and how happy it made them. What exactly is a mom job and where would I look to find one? I'm currently in a job I hate, with zero time for my kids and husband (not to mention me). I am desperate to make some changes so that I can actually stop shortchanging my kids, but I'm not sure how to go about this. Any thoughts? TIA.


I work 9:30-3pm in a support position for a financial advisor. I do all of his marketing and client outreach as well as general administrative stuff. No two days are the same, and I don't bring my work home with me.

I dropped out of the workforce until my youngest was school age. When I went back to work it was in a different industry, and different compensation level...but the compensation is enough to make it worth my while, that's for sure.

My boss is extremely flexible and understands that I am a mom and that my kids come first - so if there's an emergency or a 9am orthodontist appointment he gets it. In return for his understanding and flexibility he gets an educated, and very dedicated employee that's good at her job.
Anonymous
Post 09/25/2015 10:05     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
I work only from January through April (tax season). Im a tax atty. I have complete freedom to work as much or as little as I want during those months and I work remotely. The trade off is the pay is not as high as when I was working FT all year round. But it's a best of all worlds for me right now.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2015 13:01     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:In another thread, someone mentioned their "mom job" and how happy it made them. What exactly is a mom job and where would I look to find one? I'm currently in a job I hate, with zero time for my kids and husband (not to mention me). I am desperate to make some changes so that I can actually stop shortchanging my kids, but I'm not sure how to go about this. Any thoughts? TIA.


You sound very unhappy. I know I'll get flamed for this, but may be network marketing gig? Don't have to go back to school, investment is pretty minimal and you can do it completely virtually. I know people who have done very well, not everyone obviously, but for some it works.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2015 12:51     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
My "mom job" is still at Big Law, but I work from home 100% of the time, travel 5-6 times/year, and have a lot of flexibility. Unfortunately, it usually means that I work a lot of nights after the kids are in bed so that takes away from quality time on the couch with DH. But I make very good money and keep my skills up in a specialized field.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2015 12:51     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
This isn't much use for the OP, but I got my mom job by having a not mom job and then asking to transition. It also means I'm willing to let some of my peers pass me by in terms of promotions and opportunities, and in return I have good hours and an amount of responsibility that can be handled in 30 hours a week.

It's a trade-off, but I'm not sure I could have asked for this kind of schedule if I had not already put in 7 years at the organization.
Anonymous
Post 09/22/2015 12:38     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
I have what is probably a mom job, though I find that label a bit pejorative. I now work 9:00-5:00 and have about a half hour commute both ways. I do not have to work once I get home or travel and there is good flexibility with sick kids etc., but no telework. Even at that, with spouse's work/travel schedule, I am feeling burnt out on the commute and just on life in general.

I am debating if I should pursue a job that offers similar hours, but offers telework or flex schedule (7-3? 8-4) OR something that is 25-30 hours/week. This is assuming I could find either, but I am no hurry. We could afford either, especially with our DD entering K next year. We've lived below our means for years before kids, so I feel like now I want to work--I enjoy it, I want to be in the workforce--but I need a break.

The vacation point from the part-time poster was interesting--I hadn't thought of that. What else should I consider?

Anonymous
Post 09/21/2015 10:33     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
I WFH PT and make about $55K annually for 20 hours a week. However, I transitioned into this after working a few years FT, and at the time, worked for a very family-friendly CEO. However, I now feel stagnant, and like I have golden handcuffs, because I've been looking for more than a year and have been unable to find another senior level management position that pays this, with retirement contributions and holidays. I don't even need health insurance. It is so frustrating. I'm biding my time until my youngest goes into K (next year) and then I'll be more aggressive in my search. But, I still want to WFH for the flexibility... good luck to me. :/
Anonymous
Post 09/20/2015 08:47     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Gov't job that allows telework.
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 11:53     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
PP nurse here - I sleep on the weekends when DH is home as well as a couple of days a week when I have a sitter. Again, not ideal for me, but I have to keep reminding myself that the kids won't be little forever.
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 10:57     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
I work 10-3 every day with a very short commute. I'm an editor at an organization.
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 09:55     Subject: What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:I'm a nurse. I work nights. I get paid more for working nights, weekends, holidays, etc so I make around $145K. If I worked days I would only make $90K and would have to shell out a ton of money for daycare. I hate being sleepy all the time, but I love being there for my kids during the day. Nursing is a great mom job. Yes, it's blue collar, but when I clock out I'm done! I leave work at work and can focus on my family when I'm home. If I could do it again I would go to school to be a nurse anesthetist before I started having kids so that I could make $245K and have my same schedule.


When do you sleep?
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 09:37     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:After reading this thread, I feel upset because I don't have my college degree *yet* and am a SINGLE mom.

Best I can do is retail or call center for now....and those jobs I HAVE to be there IN PERSON to do. I am currently working as a PT file clerk; its an awesome company and I can work whenever I want (literally! As long as I show up one day a week to file and "check in" they are ok with it!) BUT they rarely have more than 20 hours of actual work a week for me, so it's tough living off <$300 per week....

*sniff, cry, back to the drawing board and to school I can't compete with you all!*


Tell me more about you. What area do you live in and are you going to school currently? What's your degree area? What hours would you like to work?

I'm an HR person and I sometimes help friends look for jobs, review resumes, etc....


Good Morning to you! OP here-

I am currently working towards an Accounting Degree working in an Accounting Department at an Accounting Firm in Prince William County, VA- so I will (hopefully!) have a job lined up as soon as I graduate (in another 3 semesters)- I am just trying my best to hang in there until then!!!

I appreciate your willingness to help- but I am going with "Plan B" right now and applying to graveyard shift jobs- my mom will watch kiddo while she sleeps so I can take on a night job as well for extra income.

I am thankful that my rent is low due to my BFF and I being roommates (we share a 3 bedroom and our 2 girls (one mine, one hers) share a room) and we turn lights off, save power where we can, and team up on cooking big meals on sundays that will last all week (spaghetti, casseroles, whole roast chickens and potroasts and such) so food is no problem. And I have a running old car- it looks terrible but starts every morning and passes this rough VA inspection- for that I am blessed!

So there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me, I was simply venting- I am just a little frustrated when I see posters flaunting their 6-figure salaries and "DH's who happens to be a GS-2million engineer making 200k and traveling while I spend my days shopping and getting manicures" I see all over this board and they forget about us at the other end of the payscale/single parents like we don't count or are worthless. At least I am working on it and haven't resorted to welfare, not ALL of us are lazy!!!

*whew I feel better now, thanks!*



Hi OP. There are so many more important things in life than a salary. I know making money is important, because we have to live and want to live comfortable lives. What helps me when I'm feeling down about things (I make a great amount of money to be 23 years old but I HATE my job) - I think about the blessings I have. Such as even having a job. There are a lot of people who don't have jobs. Secondly, you seem to have a pretty good support system, at least your BFF. Many people who have all the money in the world are miserable, lonely people. Try to count your blessings, hun. You will make it to where you want to be one day!
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 09:02     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Hi OP!
Hang in there!
I was a single mom for many years (now remarried with kid#2). I also don't have a college degree (I have taken a couple of CC courses over the years- maybe 3). Worked hard at various jobs - started at the bottom- answering phones. Eventually - went from minimum wage to about$30,000 a year, then slowly my income crept up. I always asked questions and did whatever I could to help the organization I was working for. I now work for the Federal Government making approximately $100K (GS-14) - I work from home full time. One piece of advice I will give you- if you have ever seen the movie YES man- be the YES person at whatever company you work for. Make yourself the person that people go to. SMILE. People love being around someone who positive. You have a good attitude and I wish you all the best!!!
Anonymous
Post 09/18/2015 08:46     Subject: Re:What is a "Mom" job and how can I get one?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:After reading this thread, I feel upset because I don't have my college degree *yet* and am a SINGLE mom.

Best I can do is retail or call center for now....and those jobs I HAVE to be there IN PERSON to do. I am currently working as a PT file clerk; its an awesome company and I can work whenever I want (literally! As long as I show up one day a week to file and "check in" they are ok with it!) BUT they rarely have more than 20 hours of actual work a week for me, so it's tough living off <$300 per week....

*sniff, cry, back to the drawing board and to school I can't compete with you all!*


Tell me more about you. What area do you live in and are you going to school currently? What's your degree area? What hours would you like to work?

I'm an HR person and I sometimes help friends look for jobs, review resumes, etc....


Good Morning to you! OP here-

I am currently working towards an Accounting Degree working in an Accounting Department at an Accounting Firm in Prince William County, VA- so I will (hopefully!) have a job lined up as soon as I graduate (in another 3 semesters)- I am just trying my best to hang in there until then!!!

I appreciate your willingness to help- but I am going with "Plan B" right now and applying to graveyard shift jobs- my mom will watch kiddo while she sleeps so I can take on a night job as well for extra income.

I am thankful that my rent is low due to my BFF and I being roommates (we share a 3 bedroom and our 2 girls (one mine, one hers) share a room) and we turn lights off, save power where we can, and team up on cooking big meals on sundays that will last all week (spaghetti, casseroles, whole roast chickens and potroasts and such) so food is no problem. And I have a running old car- it looks terrible but starts every morning and passes this rough VA inspection- for that I am blessed!

So there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me, I was simply venting- I am just a little frustrated when I see posters flaunting their 6-figure salaries and "DH's who happens to be a GS-2million engineer making 200k and traveling while I spend my days shopping and getting manicures" I see all over this board and they forget about us at the other end of the payscale/single parents like we don't count or are worthless. At least I am working on it and haven't resorted to welfare, not ALL of us are lazy!!!

*whew I feel better now, thanks!*