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Wanting to go back to work

brittneygirlbrittneygirl member
in Working Moms
I'm a proud mommy of 2 girls, ages 1 and 2. My husband is a detention officer and works nights, and I recently started a house cleaning business in the mornings and his days off. I always planned to stay at home with my kids, but is feel like I'm so much better at being a mom by be able to go out and work some. But I'm wanting something more stable. I want a job that is flexible that I can work around my kids. I always want to be able to put them first. Any work I do is just extra for our family. Hubby can pay the bills. I don't mind doing online school, I enjoy it! I've been looking into being a Realtor. I love commission work, and it seems like it would be pretty flexible. Does anyone have any good suggestions for me?
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Re: Wanting to go back to work

  • dglvrk2dglvrk2 member
    If your income is extra and not a necessity for your family, really think about doing something you enjoy.

    I used to work in real estate. Based on my experience, the hours realtors worked were sometimes unpredictable. As a realtor, you are working "for" your clients and with brokers with other various demands. Hence, the hours are not necessarily ones you can work around kids' schedules. Definaty talk to several realtors about their hours and other experiences before getting your license.

    Another option for stable and meaningful work -of you don't need the $$- is volunteering.

    I totally understand how you feel about being a better mom when you can pursue other obligations and interests as well.
    Good luck!
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  • thedashthedash member
    I have the same thoughts on the realtor idea. I know when we were buyig a house our realtor was with us every Thursday evening and nearly all day Saturday for weeks. He would often call in the middle of the day about a new listing and we would meet up right after work to see it. I think it would be hard to arrange childcare and you would miss out on a lot of evening and weekend family time. I also expect my realtor to be available by phone during business hours and as the mom of a toddler I know that's not always easy!

    What about a retail job? It's not as professional but may fit what you're looking for. I worked retail during college and grad school and really enjoyed it. You can choose someplace with a discount you would like to have. Lots of stores need part time workers who are available mornings. I would love to work part time at Loft or Gap just for the discount!
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  • Klavanga74Klavanga74 member
    Some good suggestions above.  I have a couple of close Mom friends who are very successful realtors and are looking to get out because the hours have just been too much.  Then I have a couple of friends who have flopped at it because you kind of have to keep a constant (even if small) flow of business and it was hard for them.  

    Retail is definitely low commitment, could be fun, get you a discount and get you out of the house.  I work a home-based business but it actually takes me out of the house a lot.  It's totally on my own hours and the money I make it entirely dependent on what I put into it.  It's a lot of fun as well.  Msg. me if you want to talk about it.  

    Another option is deciding something you really love and getting another education since you mentioned you don't mind doing that.  I did that with personal training.  I love talking with Moms about this kind of thing.  I actually go around to Mom's groups in my area and give a formal presentation on non-traditional work options for Moms.  More than happy to talk more about different options if you'd like.  My two are older (9 and 12) and I have one on the way, so I've been around the block a couple of times!  :)
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  • rmbrjryrmbrjry member
    I agree with the retail option - that's what I did before I went back to work.

    I also agree with picking something you really love, and possibly volunteering - especially if you don't need the money.

    Another option may be to become a consultant for something like Avon. I know it might not seem like a stable option, it can be if you build a customer base. I have a friend who is doing this as a SAHM and she says she loves how flexible it is. And there are about half a zillion different types out there; if makeup isn't your thing I've known people who've done jewelry, housewares, kitchenware, candles, lotion, bags, etc...There are so many options these days.

    A different SAHM friend became certified as a doula to make some extra money. The hours for that one vary, though, so might not work out for you.

    Anyway, good luck!
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  • VORVOR member
    dglvrk2 said:
    Based on my experience, the hours realtors worked were sometimes unpredictable.
    This was what was going through my head as I read the OP.  Real estate isn't flexible - it's unpredictable! 
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  • HelenahhandbasketHelenahhandbasket member

    I would second the retail option-- pick a store that you like to shop at yourself and it will seem less like work.  Bonus is the discount.

     

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  • litzo27litzo27 member
    What about growing your current business? My awesome cleaning lady has a full roster of permanent biweekly or monthly clients. And you can choose which days and times you work. People are always looking for great cleaning teams so once you get some referrals your base would grow.
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