What to do about starting to look for out-of-house work?

Whitney - posted on 07/01/2011

I've got a gf who's a sahm and is a mgr for hallmark.....

Lynn - posted on 06/30/2011

I have had my own home preschool for 15 years. My kids are 9 and 7, and it was great when they were little, so I could stay home with them. It's my career choice, so I still do it, even though they are in school full-time. In this economy, it's a great way to make money without needing any qualifications that you don't already have! You can watch kids all day, half day, or a few days a week, and whatever vacations and paid holidays you choose. I suggest that if this is something you're interested in, run ads on Craig's List (they're free) and local newspapers or bulletin boards. I have a Parent Handbook that I give to every new client, that outlines my policies, paid holidays (all the major ones) and vacation days (four weeks a year), what constitutes a "sick child", hours of operation, late fees, daily fees, what I provide (nap mat, food) and require that they provide (diapers, wipes), and payment due dates (every Monday). Let me know if you want more info. on that kind of thing. I also have an application where they have to commit to certain days per week, and pay even if they're absent for some reason. It's a great job where you don't need a degree or to pay for gas and nice office clothes-ha ha! I get to take my kids to school and be home when they get home, and stay home with them when they're sick, without a boss getting on my case about it. It's the best job ever! I would suggest applying at preschools, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, or other childcare facilities, if you really want to work outside your home. You may make more money doing your own, though, and it's a lot less stressful. I have a large playroom that's in the front of my house, so it's seperate from the rest of the house, and the kids only stay in that room, unless they're eating or doing an art project.

Kelsey - posted on 06/30/2011

Sorry I don't have any good ideas but I would like to know some as well. I would LOVE to get back into the workforce but I think I would have to better some skills or just learn new ones. I always see the jobs to do from home but I can never tell if they are legit or not. I guess the "REAL" job would be better.

Amy - posted on 06/30/2011

Jobs at the school are probably the best bet. Even if it's in the cafeteria or office or library. Or if you want to start part time, some places might offer morning hours. Good luck.

Beautiful - posted on 06/30/2011

I just went this morning and put five applications in. Im trying to get back into what I was doing before which was caregivier work in nursing and assisted living homes. If your able to work a full day like that you shouldnt have any problem finding something in that type of work.

Valerie - posted on 06/30/2011

I am in EXACTLY the same place as you! Let me know if u get any good ideas!

Rachel - posted on 06/30/2011

I'm wondering if you have any training or qualifications at all..I was in the very same situation!..I started by doing a couple of courses at college to gain some confidence first as I had been a stay at home single mum for some time.I then decided to become a carer in the community which allowed me to take some hours while my son was in school.the only other jobs I can think of that might be right for you are working in a school.

Bevely - posted on 06/30/2011

Do you have any formal training? You could most likely apply to be a substitute teacher in your kids school district. Or if you were thinking about going back to school now would be a great time. That is what I did. When my youngest brat started PreK I went back to school for nursing. The class hours worked out perfectly, the kids got on the bus and I left right after for school and I got home a few minutes before the bus dropped them off.

Sapphire - posted on 06/29/2011

Your best bet is to see what positions are available in your school district, and what you are qualified for. Many former SAHM returning to the work force find this transition to be best in order to coincide with the school day. Otherwise, I hate to say that more likely than not in this economy and job market, if you cannot be flexible with your work hours, the position will go to someone else who is flexible with hours. Just for kicks & giggles, I went to my school districts's human resource page to find out what positions are available. They have several teacher aide positions for special needs classrooms, cafeteria workers, custodians, library aide, nurse aide, dispatch for the bus barn. I'm not sure what your credentials are, past experience, computer background, skills, etc. but I have to say that as a teacher, our job is hard without support staff! Good luck!

Klara - posted on 06/28/2011

a job at the school may work well if possible, our has lots of teacher aides, cooks, secretaries, etc. Otherwise, there are different places that are flexible. Not sure where u are from. Maybe you could back back to college? Just a thought.