Becoming a new mom is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life. It’s a period filled with joy, love, and, of course, the occasional sleepless night! But amidst the diaper changes and late-night feedings, many new moms face a significant challenge: balancing their new role as a parent with their career aspirations. This is where flexible jobs come into play, offering a way to work on your own schedule that can harmonize family life with professional growth.
I, too, am a mom to 2 small children and love how working flexibly in my businesses allows me the freedom of time and energy to give to my family.
In the past, moms used to have to compromise between family and career heavily. But today, with the rise of flexible jobs, moms on maternity leave don’t have to make that difficult choice if they don’t want to. They can achieve a better work-life balance. Truly, they can turn their maternity leave into a unique career opportunity, allowing them to continue growing professionally while fully embracing their new role as a mom and working in-house and on their own hours.
Whether you’re a new mom or expecting, this article will provide countless insights and resources to help you navigate this exciting new chapter of your life. So, let’s dive in!
47 Flexible Jobs for New Moms
The old saying, “Only regret what you haven’t done,” is rooted in courage and self-belief. You never know what you are capable of until you try!
Here are 47 flexible jobs ideas for you to brainstorm – think about your skills, time constraints, startup costs, and passions. Some allow you to work remotely; others give you flexible schedules. In all of them, you will be your own boss with the job flexibility that brings. Working independently can be absolutely free. There are many job types out there, ranging from entry-level skill requirements to ones requiring a fast-paced environment.
Take your pick! And be adventurous. You never know what you can achieve until you put your mind to it.
I’ve split the list into the following categories:
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No experience required
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Low start-up costs
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Working alone
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Working with others
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Unusual jobs
No Experience Required:
1. Data Entry Clerk – great if working remotely is your prio
2. Customer Service Representative – must like phone calls though
3. Online Tutor (depending on the subject) – requires you to be on video calls
4. Social Media Manager – use scheduling tools like Later or Metricool
5. E-commerce Seller – websites like Shopify make it easy to start your own store
6. Etsy Seller – everything you need to know can be found here
7. Audiobook narrator – everything you need to know can be found here: How To Make Money On Audible In 2023
8. Podcast Producer
9. YouTube Content Creator – find YouTube’s advice here for getting started.
10. Online Fitness Coach – becoming a personal trainer helps you to help others while also getting back into shape yourself after giving birth. Might require personal trainer certifications to scale
Low Start-Up Costs:
11. Freelance Writer – a job with great freelance opportunities
12. Blogger – get a domain, hosting, and website, then start writing!
13. Graphic Designer – graphic designers are in high demand
14. Web Developer – advertise your services on Upwork or Fiverr
15. SEO Specialist
16. Content Editor – great add-on for social media managers
17. Stock Photographer – upload your photos to iStock or Shutterstock
18. Resume Writer – in high demand as more jobs are posted online
19. Nutrition Consultant
20. E-book Writer – Kindle Direct Publishing is world-famous and super easy!
21. Life Coach
Working Alone:
22. Transcriptionist
23. Translator
24. Online Course Creator – host your course on Teachable
25. Bookkeeper
26. Remote IT Consultant
27. Remote Medical Coder – find jobs on Indeed
28. Virtual Assistant – a job with great freelance opportunities
29. Affiliate Marketer – find the best affiliate marketing programs here
Working with Others:
30. Event Planner – great if you enjoy project management
31. Personal Stylist
32. Virtual Interior Designer – Bark is an excellent platform to find work
33. Remote Sales Representative
34. Remote HR Consultant – use your skill remotely and find hiring companies on flexjobs
35. Remote Project Manager
36. Telehealth Nurse/Provider
37. Dog walker – find clients near you on Rover
Unusual Jobs:
38. Remote Drone Operator – find the FAA Part 107 Drone Licence Test here
39. Online Hypnotherapist
40. Virtual Reality Game Tester – paid to play games? Yes, please! Sign up here
41. Remote Astrologer
42. Online Genealogist
43. Remote Personal Shopper
44. Virtual Tour Guide – Virtual City Tours is worth checking out
45. Remote Feng Shui Consultant
46. Online Mystery Shopper – Secret Shopper is a great place to start!
47. Virtual Reality Property Tours Creator
Remember, the feasibility of these jobs can depend on various factors, such as your skills, interests, and the age of your baby. Some jobs may require specific training or experience, while others can be started with minimal prior knowledge.
Always research thoroughly before starting a new job or business.
What are “flexible jobs”?
1. Flexible Hours: Also known as flextime, this allows employees to vary their arrival and departure times. For example, an employee might work from 7 AM to 3 PM instead of the traditional 9 AM to 5 PM.
2. Remote Work: Often referred to as telecommuting, this allows employees to work from a location other than the traditional office setting, such as from home or a co-working space.
3. Part-Time Work: This involves working fewer hours than a full-time job, typically 40 hours per week.
4. Job Sharing: This is a type of part-time work where two people share the responsibilities of one full-time position.
5. Compressed Work Week: This allows employees to work longer hours on some days to take off other days. For example, an employee might work four 10-hour days and then have a three-day weekend.
6. Freelance Work: Working as an independent contractor for various companies on specific projects or tasks.
The Rise of Flexible Jobs: working flexible hours on your own schedule
The role of a “homemaker” has evolved significantly over the years. Today this term encompasses much more than describing a woman who stays at home to care for the family and the household. It now includes not just stay-at-home moms but also women who balance their family responsibilities with flexible jobs or even full-time careers. Hence the rise of the Mompreneur movement!
The concept of a traditional 9-to-5 job is becoming increasingly outdated in the modern workforce. In our global 24/7 world, there is no longer a need to stick to rigid ‘office hours.’ Instead, the flexible job concept allows employees to work in a way that fits their lifestyles and families.
Even better, there are plenty of flexible remote jobs for moms that require no prior experience. This means that even if you’re transitioning from a completely different field or returning to work after a long break, there are work-from-home jobs with no experience necessary that you can dive into.
For example, this article explores a myriad of ways that women can make money by selling virtual and physical services and products. There are so many opportunities out there – you need to explore what best fits your lifestyle and skill set! Oh, and your baby’s schedule, of course!
Why Consider Exploring A Flexible Job?
Flexible jobs offer numerous benefits, including:
Work-life balance: Balance your work commitments with your family responsibilities. This is particularly important for new moms, who often need to juggle their work schedules with feeding times, nap times, and doctor’s appointments.
Reduced commute time: With flexible remote jobs for moms, you can eliminate the commute. This saves time, reduces stress, and gives you more time to spend with your family.
Increased productivity: Studies have shown that employees are often more productive when they can work when and where they choose.
Turning Maternity Leave into a Career Opportunity
Maternity leave is a special time for new moms to bond with their newborns. However, it can also be a time of reflection and planning for the future. With the rise of flexible jobs, maternity leave can be seen as a break from work and a unique opportunity to explore new career paths.
The Opportunity of Maternity Leave
Here are a few ways you can use this time to your advantage:
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Skill Development: Use this time to learn or enhance new skills. There are numerous online courses and resources available that can help you prepare for a flexible job. Learn more about the business world – this article has a section of book suggestions to support budding entrepreneurs in acquiring business terminology and communication skills.
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Career Exploration: Consider different career paths that might be more compatible with your new role as a mom. There are plenty of flexible remote jobs for moms that offer various opportunities in various industries.
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Networking: Connect with other moms who successfully balance their careers and family life. They can provide valuable advice and potential job opportunities. You never know who you might meet!
How to get started
Transitioning to a flexible job during maternity leave may seem daunting, especially with a new baby. Try to approach this new chapter with positivity … and a plan!
Identify Your Interests and Skills:
This will help guide your job search. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? Is there a passion you have suppressed for a few years that you now want to explore? Brainstorm on a piece of paper all of your strengths and a vision of how you want your day-to-day life to be.
Research and Apply for Jobs:
Look for flexible remote jobs for moms that align with your interests and skills. Have a look at the list above or browse numerous job boards and websites dedicated to remote and flexible jobs, such as Fiverr or Upwork. Don’t be deterred by jobs that state they require experience. Many companies are willing to train the right candidate, so look for ‘work-from-home jobs with no experience needed’ if you fancy trying something different.
Prepare Your Workspace:
Set up a comfortable and efficient workspace at home. This will help you stay focused and productive when you start your new job. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate! Consider how you will blend your work with caring for your baby – a quiet corner with an internet connection, a laptop, and a comfortable chair doubling as a breastfeeding chair may be all you need to get started.
Plan Your Schedule:
In the first few weeks postpartum, there is very little routine as your baby bottle feeds or breastfeeds on demand! Consider pumping if you know you will need longer blocks of time so your partner can help with feeds.
Seek Support:
Don’t hesitate to seek support from your partner, family, or friends. They can help take care of your baby while you’re working or provide emotional support as you navigate your new role.
For further practical tips, check out this post: How to Work from Home with a Baby: 2023’s Guide to Juggling Diapers and Deadlines
Conclusion
Becoming a new mom is a life-changing experience filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning opportunities. As you navigate this new chapter, remember that you don’t have to choose between your career and your family. You can enjoy the best of both worlds with flexible jobs, particularly remote jobs for moms.
Whether you’re a homemaker looking to contribute financially to your family or a professional seeking a better work-life balance, flexible jobs offer a viable solution. And with numerous work-from-home jobs without experience, you can start a new career path even if you’re transitioning from a completely different field.
So, as you enjoy your maternity leave, consider it not just as a break from work but as a unique opportunity to explore new career possibilities. With the right mindset and resources, you can turn this precious time into a stepping stone toward a fulfilling and flexible career.
Final Thoughts To Find A Great Work-Life Balance
I remember only too clearly the realization that I would have to try and juggle my shiftwork as a paramedic with my husband’s shift work while caring for our new baby! Luckily we discussed this fast-approaching conundrum while I was still in early pregnancy, so we were able to take stock of our financial situation and make plans.
I started an Etsy shop selling handmade jewelry, which was great fun and a bit of a learning curve, but I got the taste for entrepreneurship. I continued to work part-time in my ‘day job,’ but when our second baby arrived (they are only 16 months apart!), it was time to rethink our schedules. I investigated the types of flexible jobs that would be suited to me and tried a few!
Now, I work for myself on 3 businesses and have never looked back. I am always available for my family and never miss any milestones – having flexible jobs and my income stream is incredibly freeing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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About the Author
Katie, a Psychology BSc graduate, breastfeeding counselor, paramedic, and entrepreneur, balances her roles as a mother of two and a wife. Her passion lies in empowering women through breastfeeding education. She shares insights on pregnancy, postpartum, emergency care, parenting, health, and successful entrepreneurship as a stay-at-home mom. Her blog, From Bump To Bubble, offers valuable parenting advice, product recommendations, and resources to ensure family health and safety.
