How parents can find flexible work opportunities within school hours.
More than ever Australian families are forced to find solutions to balance work and family. The Australian Bureau of Statistics found in a recent study that in Australia there has been an increase of 2.5{be6fbf232b8d5a9fcee03b3fcec5b6e60740d0910a1738f24c5f51d9bd0bb57d} of households where both parents work, and 76{be6fbf232b8d5a9fcee03b3fcec5b6e60740d0910a1738f24c5f51d9bd0bb57d} of families with children under 15 years of age have both parents employed.
In Australia 76{be6fbf232b8d5a9fcee03b3fcec5b6e60740d0910a1738f24c5f51d9bd0bb57d} of families with children under 15 years of age have both parents employed. – Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022
As a parent, finding a job that allows you to balance your work and family life is crucial. With the rising cost of living, many parents need to work to support their families. However, finding a job that fits within the schedule of a busy parent can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many jobs in Australia that offer flexible hours, including those that allow parents to work during school hours.
It’s no longer just about flexible work for Mums. While Mums often assume the role of the primary carer in the household, this is changing in Australia. Jobs that work around the school schedule are becoming very important for all people with children in Australia.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of working within school hours, the top jobs in Australia within school hours, and provide tips on how to find flexible work opportunities for parents. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the types of jobs available to parents and how to find the right job for you.
Benefits of Working Within School Hours
Working within school hours offers many benefits for parents, including:
- Flexible schedule: Working within school hours allows parents to work while their children are at school and be available for their children when they come home.
- Reduced childcare costs: Working during school hours can reduce the need for childcare and save parents money.
- Work-life balance: Working within school hours allows parents to achieve a better work-life balance, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being.
Top jobs in Australia within school hours
There are many jobs in Australia that offer flexible hours and can be done within school hours of 9-3pm. Here are some of the top jobs:
1. Teaching and Tutoring
Teaching and tutoring jobs are an excellent option for parents looking for work within school hours. These jobs allow parents to work during the school day and be home in the evenings and weekends. Teaching and tutoring jobs can include working as a classroom teacher, private tutor, or online tutor.
2. Administration
Many businesses and organisations require administrative support during business hours, making it an excellent job for parents who can work within school hours. Administrative roles can include receptionists, office assistants, and data entry clerks.
3. Healthcare
Many healthcare jobs, such as nursing and healthcare administration, offer flexible hours, including shift work and part-time positions. These jobs can provide a good income and flexibility for parents. Healthcare roles can include nurse jobs, medical receptionist, pharmacist, and general practitioner.
4. Freelance work
Freelance work can be done on a project basis and can offer flexibility for parents who need to work during school hours. Freelance work can include writing, graphic design, web development, and more.
5. Retail and Hospitality
Retail and hospitality jobs often have flexible schedules and can be done during school hours. These jobs can include working as a cashier, server, barista, or sales associate.
Finding flexible work opportunities
It’s common to think that there aren’t many flexible opportunities for parents who want to structure their work commitments around their family responsibilities. Here are some tips to help you access these opportunities.
1. Tailor your job search
On Jora you can filter your search to part-time jobs so you can easily see the opportunities in your location that are advertised as part-time. Jora has a nearly complete view of available part-time jobs in Australia, so for a broader range of opportunities start your search here.
2. Set up alerts
If the job you are looking for isn’t currently available, set up a job alert on Jora for part-time jobs in your field. You will get notified as soon as the opportunity you are looking for is advertised.
3. Request flexibility
Another way to find a flexible working arrangement is to apply for a full-time position, then request flexibility in the working hours. Many organisations are used to accomodating flexible start or finish times, and reduced days in order to access the best most qualified employees for their company.
4. Research family-friendly employers
Look for employers who have family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, and on-site childcare.
Finding a job that allows parents to work within school hours can be challenging, but there are many opportunities available. Teaching and tutoring, administration, healthcare, freelance work, and retail and hospitality are just a few of the top jobs in Australia that offer flexible hours. By utilising job boards, networking, and family-friendly employers, parents can find flexible work opportunities that fit their schedule. Balancing work and family life requires setting boundaries, prioritising, getting organised, asking for help, and taking care of oneself.
FAQs
1. What is the best job for a parent looking for flexible work hours?
- The best job for a parent looking for flexible work hours depends on their skills and experience, but some of the top jobs include teaching and tutoring, administration, healthcare, freelance work, and retail and hospitality.
2. How can I find a job that allows me to work within school hours?
- You can find a job that allows you to work within school hours by utilising job boards, networking, and family-friendly employers.
3. Can I negotiate flexible work arrangements with an employer?
- Yes, you can negotiate flexible work arrangements with an employer, such as part-time work, job sharing, or remote work.
4. How can I balance work and family life?
- You can balance work and family life by setting boundaries, prioritising, getting organised, asking for help, and taking care of oneself.
5. What are the benefits of working within school hours?
- The benefits of working within school hours include a flexible schedule, reduced childcare costs, and a better work-life balance.