Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 14:13     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
Anonymous wrote:OP, it's really hard to give meaningful advice not knowing your field, experience, etc. But just to counter some of the people who say it can't be done, I'm working as a freelancer, doing my old job (mostly editing, some conference planning work). I choose my hours and can do most of what I do from home. I think the #1 thing you need to do is ask about part-time/telework options within your company. If they don't even know this option is on the table, they won't think of offering it to you. Speak up about the things you want/value. It just might happen that your company (or a company in a similar field) is looking for what you have to offer on the terms you can offer them. Anyway, don't just assume. I know a lot of women in the same boat as you! (and I!)


Do you mind if I ask how you find work? This is exactly my field (editing and conf planning), I have 10+ years of experience and a CMP, and would love to go freelance/part time. But I have no idea even where to start looking. I am already part time but have actually had to increase my hours and face time this year due to management pressure, so I can't cut back further with my current employer.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 14:13     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
I basically mommy-tracked myself when I had my daughter because I knew I'd need a work-life balance. I have an 8:30-4:30 job that has once-a-week teleworking and the ability to take days or partial days off for kid-related stuff like recitals, soccer practice, volunteering in my kid's classroom, etc.

Many professional jobs have some flex potential. In my case, I'm in finance. There are certain times of year when I have to be 100% on - I can leave on time but I have to get back online after my kid is asleep. But there are other times between busy periods when I can take all the time off I need.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 13:02     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
Why are you making assumptions about your work life/home life balance before you get to the point where you have to?
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 12:54     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
OP- I applied to a full-time job opening in my field that sought a person with less experience than I had. I applied, and in the cover letter, highlighted my experience, how it would be beneficial to the company, and proposed a part time schedule. I got it. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 12:12     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school

Many government agency let federal employee work from home as many as 2 to 3 days per weeks which is very good for someone who has school age kids.


But you are not suppose to be watching your kids while you are working.





Yes, obviously, but assuming your kids go to public school or another school near your home, it is easier to drop off and pick up children after school/aftercare if you are at your house working vs. commuting an hour each way.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 11:43     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
Anonymous wrote:I work 25-30 hrs with a very flexible schedule. I am able to volunteer at my son's class once a week and attend the majority of special school events. We also do plenty of play dates and extracurricular activities.

I work in finance and earn less than half what I used to working 50-60 hrs per week. I earn about 70% of my FT base salary and my bonus is about 20% of what I used to earn.

I could never work the hours I used to work. I would never see my kids. Fortunately DH earns enough to support us financially.


Total annual compensation with bonus is $120-150k right now. I used to earn 300-400k.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 11:42     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
I work 25-30 hrs with a very flexible schedule. I am able to volunteer at my son's class once a week and attend the majority of special school events. We also do plenty of play dates and extracurricular activities.

I work in finance and earn less than half what I used to working 50-60 hrs per week. I earn about 70% of my FT base salary and my bonus is about 20% of what I used to earn.

I could never work the hours I used to work. I would never see my kids. Fortunately DH earns enough to support us financially.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 11:11     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
Work part time in a non-chain pharmacy.

Teach adjunct at a community college or online.

Try to teach science at a private school.

Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 11:05     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
OP, as you can tell - very few actual career ideas.

Good luck.
Anonymous
Post 10/28/2014 11:00     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Unless you have a job that has built-in flexibility, it really is a question of making choices.

In most companies, depending on the nature of the job, such flexibility is not feasible. At that point you have to choose between working full time or being a SAHM. In both instances there is obviously an adverse financial impact.

Don't mean to be unsympathetic but that is the reality.



+1. This is something that needs to be thought through BEFORE you embark on your career. Sadly most people earning their BA/BS are not focusing on this. In today's market place some flexible jobs that I can think of are: univ. Professor, teacher, CPA in private practice, IT person either working with an overseas team or as a consultant, nurse. But I can't think of any professional, flexible job that you can just walk into with no experience in the field.


There are so many things teenagers should be considering when choosing a career path, and unfortunately these kind of discussions don't happen. It's all "we need more girls in math/science careers!" but unless you teach what job in those fields are flexible?? Ten years later you realize you want a family and are screwed.
Anonymous
Post 10/27/2014 22:31     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
OP here, thanks to you all for your helpful thoughts. I'm sorry for omitting my field, initially I didn't think that was useful. I currently work in the pharmaceutical industry and the flexibility where I am isn't the greatest.
Anonymous
Post 10/27/2014 19:20     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
OP, it's really hard to give meaningful advice not knowing your field, experience, etc. But just to counter some of the people who say it can't be done, I'm working as a freelancer, doing my old job (mostly editing, some conference planning work). I choose my hours and can do most of what I do from home. I think the #1 thing you need to do is ask about part-time/telework options within your company. If they don't even know this option is on the table, they won't think of offering it to you. Speak up about the things you want/value. It just might happen that your company (or a company in a similar field) is looking for what you have to offer on the terms you can offer them. Anyway, don't just assume. I know a lot of women in the same boat as you! (and I!)
Anonymous
Post 10/27/2014 19:11     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
I work 80% which doesn't necessarily mean just 4 days a week but usually guarantees me at least one day at pick up each week (my kids are in elementary school). For me that one day a week makes a world of difference. Do you have any flexibility in your schedule?
Anonymous
Post 10/27/2014 17:43     Subject: Flexible job to balance child school
What is your M.S.? Teach public school, adjunct community college. If I knew your field could offer better suggestions....think of transferable skills.

Anonymous
Post 10/27/2014 17:41     Subject: Re:Flexible job to balance child school
Anonymous wrote:Many government agency let federal employee work from home as many as 2 to 3 days per weeks which is very good for someone who has school age kids.


But you are not suppose to be watching your kids while you are working.