If you’re a parent considering returning to the workforce, you might be wondering what opportunities and pathways exist that can offer you the right work/life balance.
Whether you’re trying to find a flexible way of continuing with your previous career or you’re looking to start something entirely new, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and interests.
Keep reading to explore some of Australia’s most popular careers for parents returning to the workforce – from childcare to fitness instructing, freelancing, social media management and office administration. There’s sure to be an option that resonates with you.
Jobs For Parents During School Hours
Early Childhood Education
Being a parent, you’ve already gained relevant skills and experience for a career in the early childhood sector through raising your own children.
By completing an entry-level course like a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, you’ll build on your existing knowledge, complete a work placement and become qualified to work in the industry.
Between growing job opportunities, flexible work arrangements, a dynamic environment and opportunities for progression over time, early childhood education and care is a great choice of career for parents returning to the workforce.
To secure a job, you’ll also need a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) and First Aid certification. Some employers may also request a National Police Check as part of the hiring process.
Teaching Assistant
If you already have a natural ability to work with children, why not turn that into a meaningful career? Supporting teachers in the classroom can be both rewarding and flexible, especially for those looking for a role that fits within school hours.
A teacher’s assistant plays a crucial role in the classroom by helping students stay engaged, assisting with lesson activities, and providing extra support where needed. The job requires patience, empathy, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage time effectively. First aid knowledge is also valuable, ensuring that students are cared for in any situation.
To get started in this field, a certificate-level qualification in education support is required. Along with this, obtaining a valid Working with Children Check will ensure you meet the necessary requirements.
School Administrator
For those with strong office skills looking for a job that fits within school hours, a role as a school administrator could be the perfect fit. From answering phones and putting together newsletters to updating systems and organising teachers’ timetables, no two days are ever the same.
The role can be done on a part-time or full-time basis, offering flexibility to suit different schedules. Success as a school administrator requires strong organisational and time-management skills, as well as close attention to detail.
Proficiency with computers and administration systems is essential, as much of the work involves maintaining records, coordinating schedules and ensuring smooth communication within the school community.
To get started in this field, having experience or training in office administration is highly beneficial. Upskilling through courses in administrative systems can provide a strong foundation and a Certificate of Education Support may also be appealing to schools looking for candidates with an understanding of the education sector.
Part-Time Jobs For Parents
Fitness Instructor
Looking for a career that’s fun, social and offers great flexibility around your home life and parental responsibilities? Why not try the fitness industry?
The flexibility in hours can be a great option for parents returning to work, as you can plan your class times around school hours and increase or decrease your work commitments whenever necessary.
You can also choose an activity that you love – if you’re a fan of the gym, a personal training course could be a great start. If you’re a regular at Reformer Pilates, you could talk to your own instructor about pathways to teaching.
If you’ve got dance experience, you could run your own casual classes out of a hired studio. The opportunities are endless.
Office Administrator
Many businesses are looking for office support on a part-time basis, with the potential for this to evolve into full-time work down the track.
If you have previous experience in an office environment, strong organisational and time management skills and good computer literacy, taking on a role as an office administrator could be a great choice for you as you step back into the workforce.
To strengthen your resume, you might like to do a business administration course through an accredited education provider.
This kind of qualification isn’t always necessary but can be useful to increase your chances at securing work, particularly if you’re less familiar with the tasks associated with the role or if you’re finding it hard to get your foot in the door.
Flexible Jobs For Parents
Freelance Services
For parents who may have been in specialised roles before taking their career break or who have picked up creative hobbies while out of the workforce, starting a freelance career could be a viable option to leverage their existing skills while maintaining full control over their schedules and work/life balance.
If you have a way with words, you could try freelance writing. If you’re confident with a camera, you could offer photo shoots or teach classes to help others master the art of photography. Wherever your talents lie, there’s sure to be a way for you to turn your skills into a new stream of income.
Social Media Manager
If you’ve got prior experience in marketing, or if you’re a savvy social media user, building a career in social media management can offer parents a flexible and creative way to return to the workforce.
Social media management is often outsourced, with plenty of potential for remote work. There are also frequent opportunities for part-time roles at local businesses, which likely offer flexibility in shift schedules to suit your needs as a parent.
You can build your social media and digital marketing skills by taking free short courses through providers like HubSpot Academy, Semrush Academy and Google Skillshop.
If you’re working remotely but find the home environment a little distracting, you can try coworking spaces – some spaces now offer onsite creche facilities too if you have little ones that need to be looked after while you work.
Finding the Right Balance For a Fulfilling Return to Work
Finding the right career after a break can feel like a challenge, but there are plenty of opportunities that offer flexibility, stability and room for growth.
Some of the most popular options include early childhood education and care, becoming a fitness instructor, freelancing, social media management and office administration.
When choosing a career for your return to the workforce, consider how it fits into your needs and interests and whether you’ll need to upskill before applying for roles.
With the right skills and training, parents can confidently step back into employment, knowing they are choosing a role that suits both their professional goals and family commitments.
Partner Content
The above article is paid content, and any information presented should be independently verified before making any decisions as a result of the content. This article does not constitute advice of any kind, nor does it represent the opinions of the website publisher.