Last updated on January 22, 2024 by Lori Pace
Finding the perfect balance between career ambitions and family life may seem like an elusive goal, but it’s definitely achievable with the right strategies. By identifying your values and prioritizing flexibility, you can achieve the ideal balance between career and family growth.
Let’s dive into practical ways to explore a career path that allows you to grow professionally without compromising family commitments. Additionally, we’ll offer 7 great career options.
5 steps to find a career that fits your family life
Before you start looking for family-friendly career options, you need to know how to get one of these jobs. Follow these five steps to find a great career as a single mom.
1. Prioritize your family values
First, consider what is most important to you and your family. For example, do you value quality time, flexibility, or financial stability? Can they provide you with a good work-life balance? Identifying these priorities can help you identify the type of career that would complement them well.
A career that offers flexible hours or remote work options may be the best choice for you, as it allows you to spend more time with your loved ones while working full-time.
2. Assess your skills and passions
Next, take inventory of your talents, skills, and passions. Think about the tasks you enjoy doing and those that bring a sense of fulfillment to your professional and personal life. This assessment will allow you to identify potential job options that match these preferences.
3. Research family-friendly industries
Now that you know what type of job best suits your lifestyle and interests, research industries are known for supporting their employees’ work-life balance. Fields such as healthcare, education, nonprofits, and technology often offer flexible arrangements.
However, it is important to look more closely at roles that do not traditionally offer flexibility. For example, there are many nursing roles for busy moms, such as school nurses or telehealth nurses, that don’t require the long hours or intense stress of an emergency nurse nurse.
4. Build a network in the desired field
As part of researching industries that fit your lifestyle choices, don’t neglect networking with professionals in these fields. Reach out to acquaintances who have work experience that allows them to balance professional responsibilities and family commitments.
They can provide valuable advice on their respective company’s policies and on specific roles suitable for family life. They might even be able to find you a job!
5. Be prepared to compromise
Finally, remember that no job is perfect. When trying to successfully balance work and home life commitments, there is always some degree of compromise involved. Take the time to find a comfortable balance where the compromises outweigh the benefits.
7 Great Career Options for Family-Focused Moms
There are many great career options available. Thanks to the internet, you have more options than ever before. Here are 7 great career options for super busy moms.
1. Freewriting
Freelance writing is a great option for those looking for a flexible schedule to accommodate their family’s needs. As a freelancer, you have control over your workload and can set working hours around your own availability. Plus, you’re sure to find a niche that suits your interests.
2. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide remote management support to businesses and entrepreneurs in areas such as data entry, social media management, or scheduling appointments. This role allows you the flexibility to build your schedule around family life while working from home.
3. Telemedicine services
The healthcare industry offers a variety of opportunities for individuals seeking work-life balance, including telemedicine services. Providers such as therapists or nurses can provide telehealth services and consultations from home via video calls or virtual platforms.
4. Graphic design
If you have an eye for aesthetics and experience designing software, graphic design may be the ideal career choice for your busy family life. You can offer freelance services or work remotely with an agency or company that prioritizes work-life balance.
5. Teaching guidance
Online teaching and tutoring jobs are on the rise, making this a convenient career path for those who want flexibility and enjoy educating others. Working in one-on-one sessions or in a group setting allows you to fit in personal commitments without sacrificing professionalism.
6. Social media management
Having expertise in social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Pinterest opens the door to working as a social media manager. If you have a computer, you can work as a freelancer or remotely with an organization that specializes in flexible working hours.
7. Online store owner
One of the most popular entrepreneurial pursuits today is owning an online store, using platforms like Etsy or Shopify to sell handmade products, vintage items, or digital designs. As an online store owner, you can maintain a flexible schedule and work around your family life.
In summary…
Remember, you can find a fulfilling career while prioritizing your family’s needs. In fact, there are so many incredible options to choose from! Through determination and careful consideration, you can effectively balance your personal and professional goals.
