Returning to work after a career break to care for children can feel overwhelming, but flexible jobs offer an excellent way for parents to balance their family commitments with a fulfilling career. According to a 2023 report by the UK’s Office for National Statistics, around 27% of working parents seek flexible or part-time roles, underlining the growing demand for work that fits around family life.
Flexible jobs allow parents to manage their time effectively while contributing valuable skills in the workforce. Here are ten popular roles that often offer the flexibility parents need:
- Administrative Assistant – Many organisations offer part-time or flexible hours for administrative roles, which can be a perfect fit for parents returning to work.
- Customer Service Advisor – With the rise of remote working, many customer service jobs now offer home-based roles and flexible shifts.
- Teaching Assistant – These roles generally follow school hours and terms, making them ideal for parents with children at school.
- Freelance Writer or Editor – Freelancing offers control over your workload and schedule, which suits many parents looking to re-enter the workforce gradually.
- Healthcare Support Worker – Part-time and shift work in healthcare, particularly in care homes or community services, provide flexibility alongside meaningful work.
- Retail Assistant – Retail roles often come with flexible shifts, enabling parents to work around school hours.
- Virtual Assistant – Providing remote administrative support to businesses has become increasingly popular and flexible.
- Teaching or Tutoring – Many parents find part-time tutoring outside regular school hours a great way to share their expertise.
- Social Care Worker – This sector frequently offers shift work and part-time roles suitable for flexible lifestyles.
- Project Coordinator – Many organisations, particularly charities and non-profits, offer part-time project roles with flexibility.
In fact, a study by CIPD shows that flexible working policies have increased by over 20% in the last five years in the UK, reflecting employers’ growing willingness to accommodate family-friendly schedules. When looking for flexible jobs, parents should consider their skills, interests, and the level of flexibility needed. Utilising specialised job boards focused on family-friendly roles can significantly improve the chances of finding a position that fits.
