Job of the Week
What's On 4 Me
Location: UK Wide
Do you want to be your own boss but have never found a business that suits you? This is an exciting opportunity to join the same award winning company that runs the website you're on right now. If you want to combine childcare and family life with running an exciting and profitable business ...
Find out more >>Recent Jobs
The mumandworking Career Agony Aunt
Helen Slingsby is a career coach who set up Career Breakthrough to help people try to figure out what to do with the rest of their working life. Part of her time is spent helping women return to work and helping them combine work and family life. She does this through workshops and one-to one sessions.
Helen is a former business journalist and career changer who took time out to look after her two sons (now 9 and 11) and studied part-time to gain an MSc in Career Management and Counselling at Birkbeck College, London University. She is now also the Mum and Working Career Agony Aunt...and will be happy to answer questions you may have about setting up a business, going back to work after being at home with children or changing career! You can contact Helen via us at contact us
Torn between two options
Hi Helen,
I am an older mum at the age of 47 years and my only child is 4.5 years old. My problem is whether I should stay where I am which is not at all ideal, although easier at the moment for many reasons / or whether I should be bold and brave and go for something new which is very risky as well as I do not know which direction and how to start...
My current job is office based and mainly to do with pricing and data accuracy, in a very large company where roles / rules and regulations / rights / etc are all laid out clearly and openly, generally a good working atmosphere and I have been here for 10 years, the last 4.5 years of this time has been part time, on 3 days a week-basis on regular office hours. The job is extremely pressured in terms of lots of timely demands which is extremely exh austing to complete all within time deadlines but on the other hand there are some travel perks and also the job suits my personality in many ways ie not much human contact, only required to work with numbers and data etc quietly on my own way (within a team) and I am left to deal with the task alone without much interference ( I am not a people person ) and there is a degree of variety. Also I have been for this company for such along time now and it feels secure...But it is a dead end job. No progress from where I am (which is fine for the time being).
On the other hand, I have a degree in chemistry from another country and worked within my original profession for 6 years before coming to the
My ideal job would be some sort of science / research based job but lately I have been wanting to retrain in psychology and working in this field, within a team but, mainly working alone... I mentioned I was not a people person but having said that, I love the insights, the workings of human brain and to me it is very much of a science and the analytical aspect of it, would suit my personality therefore I would give 110% of myself to the job...I would very much love to be in a job where I would be in a position of offering some expertise within educational psychology but it requires full time education ( 3 years or so ) as well as some placement before being registered with the governing body and becoming fully qualified. During this full time study period, I cannot work... however a regular income as well as a secure job is very important to me.
I would love to get into the field of educational psychology / SEN coordinator in a school / or similar psychology / education base d expert position hopefully without initially leaving my safety net (job)...My idea is, firstly to get into the taster course or placement in this field once, and then leave my current job if I think it'll work out... Currently I work on Mon to Weds only, so I have Thu-Fridays to concentrate on such school work.
Would you be able to tell me if and how I can ease myself into that position without risking my whole lifestyle / work / income / and my safety net - through my existing job ?... Or alternative question: are there any fast-track ways into SEN - Coordinator / Educational advisor etc positions by getting into a related paid employment first... and doing the related study as I go along... Financial security is the most important factor in my life at the moment...
I am unable to see my options and going round and round in circles... I do hope you can offer some advice.
Many thanks...
Jul
Dear Jul
It’s great you have so many ideas about your future career and that you have the space with a part-time job to consider them all. It’s about pinning something down now. I’d take both your thoughts: science based role versus Special Educational Needs specialist and weight them up on their own merits first. Which really fires you up? Are there elements of both that you could pursue, what are the emerging themes? Both seem quite different roles requiring varying amounts of retraining.
The SEN co-ordinator role you highlighted, which is outlined via the following link (http://services.bgfl.org/services/parent/senco.htm) seems to require many of the people skills you are not entirely comfortable with. Perhaps it would be advisable to see if you could shadow such a person for the day to really see if it’s for you. Another option would be to offer your services to the local primary school to see if you like working with children and dealing with parents and teachers. There’s nothing like gaining first hand experience to ensure it’s the right choice before leaping into the unknown. Take a look at http://www.inst.org/special-educational-needs-courses for some other course ideas around the SEN role.
Pursuing the more technical, science role sounds like it might suit your personality more, and getting there could be quicker as you already have a qualification in the subject. Retraining could be more about upgrading skills and something that might be possible via distance learning , enabling you to go at your own pace. Have a look at : http://www.ase.org.uk/careerstructure.php for more information.
It sounds like you have a fantastic base to explore these options whilst holding down a great part-time job and having time to spend with your child, so no need to panic. Be proud of all you’ve achieved so far.
Good luck
Helen
Too Old to Retrain?
Hi Helen,
I am 41 years of age and have 2 children aged 8 and 10. I have worked in offices for over 20 years and spent 6 years running a business with my ex husband. I have been working in the NHS for the last 2 years and I feel like I have timed out. I would really like to reduce my hours to have more time at home and perhaps do two completely different jobs rather than one for a little variety. I would like to get back into working for myself but have no money for any start up costs. I feel I am too old to completely retrain but cannot bear the thought of spending the next 20 years doing the same thing. Can you offer any advice. Jane
Dear Jane
The key issue that strikes me here is your need for variety. It seems any enthusiasm for your current NHS job has been exhausted and that the six years spent running a business with your ex , were probably the most fulfilling, almost certainly because they were varied and challenging and required much of your undoubtedly broad skills set.
There are many options. Perhaps you could reduce your NHS hours and do voluntary work, for example, or embark on a small business idea that requires little cost at the outset? Not all businesses are heavy on cost and besides, local government grants are available as well as free advice from government sponsored small business advice service, Business Link. (www.businesslink.gov.uk)
One is NEVER too old to retrain. I spoke to someone today from
It is also about identifying what you are passionate about (especially if you would like your own business) as this means you will give it the attention it requires and will be great at selling the idea on to others.
I hope this helps. Best of luck
Helen
Worried about being conned
Hi Helen,
There are many companies offering "party-plan" jobs, how can I decide what is right for me and make sure I don't get ripped off?
I'm afraid there is really only one answer to this - do your homework. Look at the companies credit ratings and talk to people who already work for party planners to build knowledge and understanding. Government-backed business adviser, Business Link, should also be able to help. Find your local office via the website : www.businesslink.org.
No contact with employer and feeling worthless
Hi Helen,
My baby is now nearly 12 months old and I'm nearing the end of my maternity leave. My employer hasn't contacted me once during my maternity leave and wouldn't talk to me about flexible jobs before my baby was born. There is no one doing my job on a part-time basis at the moment and I did suggest how I could do a similar job part-time but they said that they would talk about it nearer the time. I now don't know what to do about returning to work, I feel discarded and worthless and intimidated by their attitude towards me. Should I just resign? I can't face a big battle to gain a part-time role so I don't have to put my baby in childcare 10 hours a day.
Returning to work after having a baby is an anxious time for all women and no more so than in the current climate when demand for jobs is sky high. Lack of communication by your employer appears to be the key generator of worry here, which is a shame as I am sure the deafening silence is more a reflection of its ineptitude than your reputation in the company. Few companies take maternity coaching seriously, although there are some exceptions like Kimberly-Clark and Citi, where women are helped with the transition, are kept in touch with the business and helped with areas such as work life balance.
Fretting about what might happen seems a waste of energy. What might alleviate your worries? Perhaps getting in touch again with the relevant people and proposing a meeting and putting forward your case for part-time work in a business-like, commercially thought out manner would convince the doubters. I was able to return to work part time after my first child having agreed a job share with a colleague, which was by no means usual at the time. It's about knowing your worth and selling yourself hard, if you left, think of the expensive training they would need to pay for to bring someone else up to speed. It's also about being a bit cheeky!
Thinking you are, in your words, 'worthless and discarded'? is understandable but hardly useful. Instead, think of the times you have been at your best and thriving. Dwell on your achievements. You are still the same person.
Under threat of redundancy
Hi Helen,
I saw your page on the mum and working website.
I'm having a challenging time at the moment and could use some advice!
I am currently under consultation for redundancy. I work for a large TV channel in the marketing department, where I've worked for the past 4.5 years. For the last 7 months I've been working part-time (three days per week) since returning from maternity leave. My little girl is now 18 months.
I can either stay and apply for my own job, or take redundancy (which will be a fairly good package considering how long I've been there). As I'm sure you can understand, this has thrown up some questions about my future. Should I seek alternative employment or career direction?
I have almost nine years experience in consumer and trade marketing within a fast-paced commercial industry. I feel I could utilise this experience by setting myself up as a marketing consultant and approach small businesses that do not have their own marketing depts. I could essentially work from home say 1/2 days a week and this could fit in with my daughter's current childcare arrangements. I just need some guidance about how I go about this and PR myself out there!
I've had some other ideas too:
Primary School teacher, I have a degree and English GCSE but got a D in Maths, would this stop me?
Teaching English as a foreign language - I could do a part time course and do private tuition once qualified?
Life coach - how easy is it to train for this? Do you know any reputable courses? How long does it take?
I still feel that I need to keep my toe in the water having worked for the last nine years or more. Even if I have another child I'd always like to work part time ideally.
It would be great to know your thoughts and perhaps have a chat over the phone. What is the cost of your time per hour?
Kind Regards
Laura
Dear Laura
You are in the fortunate position of having a number of options - something many people don't have in this current climate, but equally you must have done an excellent job to be in this position.
Let's address some of these options: staying where you are. When you consider this option, what really happens internally - does your heart leap with excitement, do you feel comfort and warmth, does it relax you, or do you feel same old, same old, this could turn out to be a velvet coffin. Honesty to self is the best policy here. Draw up a SWOT analysis outlining the strengths weaknesses, threats and opportunities to both this and the option of redundancy. What positive outcomes emerge from both, weigh them up. Run them by a partner or friend.
You strike me as an energetic, go-getting type who may feel released and freed by redundancy, the (albeit short-term) financial cushion it provides and the ensuing push it would trigger to set up in business or to try something new.
Ultimately, only you can work out if the timing is right.
You have given the future outside corporate life some deep thought. Before leaping: break down what you like doing and do well, like doing and would like to do better, as well as the things you do well and don't like doing (often very revelatory), plus the things you don't like doing and don't do well ( so don't bother doing them!).
This should provide some clues for the future. For example, are training and explaining key skills or yours, or do you like the idea of teaching because of the hours and holidays. Teaching kids has to be a passion. As for your other thoughts, namely teaching English as a foreign language and life coaching, suck it and see. Career expert Hermina Ibarra suggests that before a person radically switches career direction they should test the water first. Talk to people who do these jobs and ask if you can shadow them to see if they are for you.
As for setting up as a marketing consultant, the key here is to use your network and already established business contacts to help provide potential clients. Be focused in your offer and make sure you can pitch you idea simply and quickly to potential clients. In this climate an SME might leap at the chance to use someone as experienced as you one day a week. But remember (and this is a lesson I have learned) make sure that no matter how brilliant your idea is, it follows the MAN formula. Is there money in it, does someone have the authority to pay you, and are you meeting a need?
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Helen
Wedding Shop?
Dear Helen,
Myself and my friend are both mums and are interested in starting up a wedding shop selling wedding dresses, and items associated with weddings i.e. favour boxes, invitations etc. We came up with this idea as I have been planning my own wedding and have found that in our area we do not have a wide range of bridal shops and places that stock additional wedding items, so I have had to shop alot on the internet which being a mum is hard to find the time to do.
Please would you be able to advise us on where to start, how to obtain funding etc.
Kind Regards
Joanna and Carolyn
Dear Joanna and Carolyn
Your idea has great promise, particularly as you are offering a one stop shop for getting married.
It sounds as if you have already done quite a bit of research into the viability of your wedding idea which is great, however, I would suggest you went into even more detail before taking it much further. Is there demand in your area? How about doing a straw poll among office workers nearby to see if your service is something they would be interested in using. They are more likely to be getting married than the mums pushing buggies. That way you have piece of mind and concrete evidence to put in your business plan when you approach the bank manager.
Once you are convinced there is a market then do more research. Check locally and further field for the competition, targeting large towns and cities and the places you visited for your wedding to see how they do it - and how you could do it better. What is missing from most wedding shops? Could you offer a wedding planning service also and ensure this seasonal sector is made steadier by offering year-round help to hard-pressed brides to be? It is important to ensure that a business has a number of income streams, such as your own idea of selling invitations, so that fallow periods can be compensated for. Perhaps you could offer a dry cleaning service afterwards as I for one, never got round to making sure my dress was in tip top condition before it was moth balled for ever!
Once sure about your offer then write your business plan. There are many templates available on line, and the Business Link version is one of the best (www.businesslink.gov.uk). This process will focus your mind further about the business and make you more credible when visiting the bank manager/investor for a loan. In the process of writing your business plan, I imagine you will need to locate potential shop premises and investigate rent rates etc, not to mention wholesalers and suppliers of all your stock. By now you should have a good idea of how much money you need to borrow. Then it is a question of dressing smartly and going to ask for it, being professional and having rehearsed answers to every possible question you think the bank manager will ask you.
In summary the key is research, know your audience and be sure you understand their needs and there is a demand for your services.
Good Luck!
Helen
Setting up a Cake Business?
Dear Helen,
I'm thinking about starting my own cake making business. It's something I've done for my kids birthdays and discovered its something I love doing and I'm not too bad at it. The thing is I just don't know where to start with it all. I want the job to be something I can fit in around the kids (Ages 9,7 and 16 months), mostly its something I enjoy and it would be nice to make some extra money. I'm not sure what food and Health and Safety applies to home and what I require. Whether I should advertise locally first and see where that goes or whether I should try a local market or car boot or fete etc? Any ideas would be very much appreciated.
Regards
Emma
Dear Emma
Your cake making idea sounds excellent, particularly if it ticks all the boxes of being flexible, creative, fun, and proving some financial independence. There are a number of suggestions I would make.
- Suss out the competition first. Ring some other novelty cake businesses ( masquerade as a customer if you have to) and ask them about how they do it, what they charge and who their customers are. This way you'll get a sense of the market.
- Write a business plan (excellent template on the business link website : www.businesslink.org) so you know where you are going and what you want to achieve.
- Think about what your product would be and its unique selling point. Could you specialise in making organic or gluten free cakes for example. Ingredients may be more expensive but it may set you above the others.
- Think about who you want to sell to: this will determine where your marketing efforts are placed. If you plan to remain fairly local then try advertising in local magazines, putting up posters in nurseries, schools and play centres for example. Don't be afraid to advertise from the start ( how else will you get customers!). Get you local printer to help you design an ad or a poster if you are not creative or have a go yourself. Don't spend too much money on image but look the part.
- Think laterally: could you offer your catering skills in another guise to generate income. How about "pat a cake parties" for young children and cooking parties for when they are more the age of your eldest two. It's a good idea to have a portfolio of activities and not rely solely on cake making as by creating another revenue stream another world opens up - think of all those parents, and potential customers, you would meet at the parties.
- Also it's worth mentioning that the Government is keen to get children cooking more as they no longer learn it at school. So why not contact some local schools and see if they would like your services.
I think they key here, Emma, is to be creative and think creatively. It's hard work but developing a range of products and services , centred around the same idea, should help.
All the best
Helen
Existing qualifications for a new business
Dear Helen,
I am a 29 years old with a 1 year old son. I am a qualified Nursery Nurse and Teacher. I have been back to work since September on a part time basis working Thursdays and Fridays. I am qualified to work with Infants up to Year 6 however I am happy with the little ones. I am very unhappy at work and would love to be able to do something that would allow me to work from home or something that could involve my Son. My only problem is the money otherwise I would give up work completely!
I would love to set up my own business and have a few ideas but I have NO idea where to start or if it will be viable! I have picked ideas that I feel use my skills as a teacher and a nursery nurse but need help in where to go with these ideas.
I would really appreciate if you could give me some advice.
Many thanks
Emily
Dear Emily
I am sorry to hear you are currently unhappy in your job. Is this because you miss your son, or because the workplace is making you unhappy? It's a shame if your job is putting you off something you have previously enjoyed. Have a word with your manager and if that doesn't work consider moving jobs. Have you thought about being a child minder to meet the needs of being with your son and working from home? You sound more than qualified. You could run children's parties or offer holiday cover, private tuition.
Your training will hold you in great stead once your little boy is older and at school as you will have the flexibility and holidays that many of us non teachers crave, so patience and recognising that your son is still very young might help you get through these tricky early years.
Take a look at my response to Linda who is also looking to set up in business. There is a lot of support available for women through Government-funded Prowess (www.prowess.org.uk), The Prince's Trust (18 - 30 year olds: www.princes-trust.org.uk ), as well as your local Business Link office. Give your local council a call too, to see what they offer in terms of courses etc.
Wishing you all the best
Helen
Getting new skills...
Hi Helen,
I saw your article on the Mum and Working website and wondered if you had any advice for me.
I am currently a stay-at-home mum of 2 girls, my eldest is 4yrs old and and my youngest is 2yrs old. My youngest daughter will be starting nursery in September and I will have to get employment then.
After leaving school, way back in 1990, I completed a secretarial and computer studies course. However, after leaving college I didn't really use the new skills I learn't and as there was little job opportunity I ended up doing menial jobs; flower picking, cleaning, and some general office work. None of which has either helped with my confidence or helped me learn any skills that I could take to a different role. (As even the office work was in an extremely dated office).
I live in Cornwall and I gave up full-time employment when I had my first child as I wanted to be at home with her. My husband is in the forces, on a good wage, so I was lucky enough to have that priviledge. That was back in 2002. I have not worked for the past 5yrs and going back to work seems quite daunting. It's not the work part I worry about. It's the fact that I'm not qualified to do anything or have the correct experience that people are looking for. I could go back to a cleaning job, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, but I've done that and since I've had my two girls I would love to either re-train or get a job where I could learn new skills and possibly do something that would be 'worthwhile'.
Do you have any advice for me or can guide me to the right people to talk to - if there is anyone. I'm 33yrs old now and wish I'd been more mature when I was younger and focused on this.
Like most mums I would love to find the right balance, be able to do the school runs, etc... That's one reason why I've spent alot of time looking into different areas where I could work from home. But I haven't actually come across anything that suits me. Party planning and the likes doesn't interest me.
Anyway, thanks for reading this email.
Kind Regards
Michelle
Dear Michelle
It sounds like once your youngest goes to nursery the time could be right for you to do something for yourself and have the job you have always wished for. I am not totally clear of your qualifications but if you would like to remain in secretarial work (but for a more interesting company this time!) then I would suggest doing a refresher course. Your local college or newspaper will have details of these and attendance would bring you up to speed with the latest developments, provide some job contacts as well as boost confidence.
If you don't have to rush back to work for the money may I suggest you make a list of the areas that interest you and ask yourself why, so you are clear about what is driving you. A visit to a career counsellor/coach might also help you work out what suits your personality and interests. Then take yourself off to the library and look up the ideas in a book called Occupations, and find out more about what is required. Similarly, there are a number of websites (www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u or www.learndirect-advice.co.uk) You could try to research your options. Don't be put off by not having the right qualifications, make a note of what is required and see if you can start studying part time to gain them.
If flexibility if what you are looking for then a couple of suggestions: Look up the Best Employers List on the internet as see if any of these companies are near you in Cornwall as they tend to offer good hours for women. Don't discount working for the council or local government either, as they are typically more family friendly than others.
Just remember, it is never too late. You can do it - even if it involves a bit of studying. You sound like an articulate, switched on person so go for it!
Wishing you all the best
Helen
Do I go back to work?
Dear Helen,
I am a 33 yr old, who has a 11 months old boy. I was working for a company for one yr then fall pregnant with my first child. I agreed with my manager to take six months maternity, but as soon as I had my son I decided to take a yr instead as i found it difficult to find suitable child care.
I was due to return to work in feb,but my boss decided not to take me back due to the company not making much of a profit ( as I was told by my boss). I have being working in fashion for three years as an account manager/merchandiser, I also have a degree in marketing and law.
I'm not sure whether I want to return to work, as I feel that I want to earn more money, doing part-time work will not enable me to achieve the salary bracket I wish to attain. I also would like to start up my own business but not sure what area to go in. I enjoy fashion and have a creative mind. but sometimes I feel a little bit lost as I don't know what to do!
I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice.
Many Thanks
Linda
Dear Linda
Thank you for your query. You appear to be in a bit of a quandary at the moment, which is not surprising given young age of your child and the fact you have been told you will not be needed by your former employer. I wonder how you feel about not returning to the fashion business job - are you upset you cannot continue with the company, or are you relieved they no longer require your services as really what you would like to do is spend some time with your young son?
Having a one year old is enormously rewarding and the thought of going back to work may be more of a wrench than you are admitting to yourself. The fact you found childcare so hard to find and therefore extended maternity leave could be an indicator. You also say you don't want to work part-time as the salary won't be commensurate with your previous salary, possibly another indication your heart isn't quite set on working at the moment.
On the other hand you may be angry at your situation, having invested a year with your previous employer only to be told upon your return from maternity leave there is no job for you. I don't know as you haven't said, but it would be worth trying to ascertain your true feelings to working and being a mother at this stage as it will provide a framework for the future.
If you decide to take some time out then don't feel guilty about it, use it as a time to take stock, look after your child, make new friends etc. Having children provides us with the unique opportunity to review our options.
If you would like to return to work full time and use your experience and qualifications, then I would recommend you find the best childcare you can possibly afford as this will put your mind at rest and enable you to work confidently. I am convinced good, consistent childcare lies at the root of female working success.
As for setting up in business, this is a great way of remaining flexible at work and in the home. However, if you are aiming for a money spinning venture then it will mean long hard hours of graft. It's a good idea to do something you know about - in your case fashion and merchandising and marketing. Take your time to spot a gap in the market, chat to your contacts and thoroughly research your idea. Then I would suggest a visit to your local Business Link (www.businesslink.gov.uk ) office for some helpful and free advice about where to take your idea. If it is possible, relax about your situation, and things will come to you!
Wishing you all the best
Helen
Re-training and finding new confidence
Dear Helen
I am a 36 year old stay at home mum and my daughter will be starting school next September. I have long held a dream of being able to work for myself and over a (very) long period of time I have decided to persue a career within the alternative health sector.
My problem is that I have had no previous experience in this field and whilst I know I can do the relevant training, I just don't think I will have the confidence to market myself. I think I'm quite shy and the thought of having to 'rah rah rah' myself gives me sleepless nights! I don't want to be ringing people up to try and talk them into being a client - I just want to provide the service. Trouble is, if I think like that I wont have any clients, but I know I'm absolutely rubbish at sales - it just makes me feel so uncomfortable.
However, the thought of going to work back in an office (in my previous life I worked in insurance as a customer service coach and then a customer complaints manager) fills me with dread. If I did that, I know I would have 'sold out' and given up on my dream.
I have a wonderful and supportive husband, a gorgeous little girl but I still have a need for professional fulfilment - I feel as though I have never really reached my potential as I've always taken the easy option. Being shy has held me back in the past and stopped me from pushing for what I want and I've ended up with a lot of resentment and unhappiness festering under the surface.
I've already started putting obstacles in my way such as, 'we're moving house next year and so can't afford the training', 'I don't want to spend time away from my daughter', 'it's not a good time', 'I wont have the confidence to market my new skill', 'I'm too old' etc etc.
Please could you give me some advice to help me give myself a kick? It's funny, as I'm writing this I feel really cross with myself - I feel as if I don't do it now, I never will. I really will be eternally grateful to you for any help you can give me!
Best Wishes and many thanks in advance.
Kim
Dear Kim
Many thanks for your question. I appreciate you feel low on self-confidence at the moment but you should give yourself a pat on the back for exploring the options and coming up with a new career idea. Many of my clients would give anything to know what they want to do in the future. Also the idea of having a career in alternative medicine shows your instinct is bang on. You only need to look at the mumandworking website this month to see what a booming, and increasingly respected, sector you would be entering.
There appear to be two issues holding you back. One: shyness or lack of confidence leading to the creation of obstacles to stand in the way of progress and two: your fear of selling. Both of which are linked.
Let's deal with lack of confidence that is causing you to put up obstacles. It is not unusual for individuals to do this, especially if they have had time out of the workforce. Take a look at my article on confidence on this website to find some hints on overcoming lack of self esteem. However, ask yourself who is benefiting from this mindset? Rather than thinking the worst and killing a great idea before it has a chance, why not channel the energy positively into investigating a course that would be ideal for you, your pocket and your future. Getting on a course would be the biggest boost and many are distance learning, which would address the house move issue.
On fear of selling: generally having one's own business, which you have intimated you would like to do, does imply a certain amount of selling, but this depends on your definition. You will need to find clients, obviously, but there are a number of ways that don't constitute the hard sell you fear such as : word of mouth ( using your network of friends and family etc), having a website with good links; leafleting ( more anonymous), and advertising, in local magazines and directories, for example.
Also, why not consider the alternatives to having your own business, (although I appreciate the flexibility this offers). Many GPs and consultants nowadays recommend alternative therapies to their patients and are considerably less sniffy about them than they were ten years ago. Why not approach local surgeries and hospitals when you are qualified and offer your services, or look for jobs in health magazines where you could be attached to a clinic or a health farm, for example. Perhaps you could be self employed some days and work for others the rest of the week.The mix and interaction with other people would probably also boost your confidence.
I do hope this helps. Good luck with everything.
Helen
Setting up an online business
Dear Helen
I am writing to ask for some help, as I am not sure where to start. I am a full time mum to twin girls who are 8, and my baby girl who is 3. I have recently give up part time work, and as much as I love my kids, need to work. I feel it would be more practical to work at home, as I have my girls week on week off, as mY ex and I have a very friendly arrangement.
I am looking to earn money, in the long run, but am willing to work hard to succeed. I am a very keen reader, and always have a book in my hand. I will read anything with interest. I am a good listener, and good communicator. I like to problem solve where needed, and am very task and goal orientated. I am neat and tidy in presentation and my surroundings. I am organised and a good timekeeper. At present I am studying part time. I am studying OCB english language and literature, and OCB creative writing. I am thoroughly enjoying them . I would be very grateful for any help or ideas.
Thank you
Andrea
Dear Andrea
Many thanks for your query. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you are not sure where to start, because it looks to me like you have some strong long term ambitions, born out of your part-time studies and love of reading and creative writing, whilst at the same time you need to work for money/sanity in the short to medium term.
Let's deal with the short/medium term first. You appear to be looking for work that ensures you are around for your children, presumably that means you are available to drop them off and pick them up from school. The notion of working from home is a good one in principle although I would caution you don't narrow all your options into doing just this as it can be quite limiting. The options for working from home include setting up in business which involves coming up with an idea to kick off with! For inspiration, think laterally about what you do, who and what you know and enjoy. You said you are very organised etc, could you set yourself up as a Girl Friday for example? I know someone who does just this, working freelance as a part-time PA, and making money from it! I am afraid I don't know what you did before kids so I'm a bit in the dark here. Go to www.prowess.org.uk for Government help in setting up a business.
For ideas about working from home, have a look at the 'work without set hours' section of Mum and Working. There are a variety of options involving everything from selling books, to jewellery to gardening equipment!
Part-time work out of the home will need to be flexible so it's also worth checking your local authority for jobs as they offer flexi-time. You could also investigate all the businesses in your area (to cut down on travelling time) and mail shot them with your CV, or alternatively phone up and offer your services. Create a job for yourself! One client of mine placed an advert in the local paper saying:"Wanted: Employment" and she got a job straight away. A bit of cheek and drive goes a long way.
As for the long term, it strikes me Andrea, you might want to retrain or gain extra qualifications (although I can't be sure not having your details). Contact Learn Direct www.learndirect.co.uk for details of courses and keep on with the studying because it will certainly broaden your options in the future. I hope this is helpful and good luck.
Best Regards
Helen
For more information on workshops or individual sessions please contact Helen Slingsby at Career Breakthrough, telephone: 0118 984 4962 or email Helen@careerbreakthrough.co.uk
