Stay at home mom needing a "good paying" job

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   HeatherH104posted 11 years ago

   I will need (am expected) to re-enter the work force once my youngest is in school full time (2 yrs from now). I am a certified music teacher in my state, but the chances of a job in that field opening up in my area are slim. I would love to work from home, but it would have to have a decent salary like one in the work force would provide. I'm not afraid to work hard. Any other mothers go through this and have advice?  Anyone know of one or multiple job(s) a mom could do from home?
   Thanks for any advice.

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   Rachel Horonposted 11 years ago

   The most obvious decision with your background would be music tutor in which you set the hours and number of students.  Depending on your skill in instruments or voice, you can promote your services with performance gigs.  If you have a college or university nearby, you can look there for part-time instructor or mentor positions.  Programs like Kindermusik or Gymboree may have positions, especially for music-based classes for early learners.
   If you are thinking outside of the box in the music field, look into writing.  With a background in music, your expertise may lead to work on a variety of subjects.  Keep in mind that it may not meet your salary requirement, especially if you stay only within your niche.
   The good thing right now is that you have a few years to discover what your options are and research what is available.  It also means you have time to create a role for yourself.  It can be exciting if you can make a career for something that only you can offer.

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3. 76

   HeatherH104posted 11 years ago

   Thank you so much Rachel, you have great suggestions! I would absolutely love to give lessons but given that kids are in school all day the lessons would have to be at night - the only time I could see my kids. I did also look into Kindermusik and would have loved to do that but the pay/demand in my area doesn't meet what's required of me. I definitely choose the wrong field!
   
   I didn't consider university- it is definitely worth a try! I love writing too, maybe that could take off (I know that takes time).
   Thanks again Rachel, I really do appreciate your response!

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      Rachel Horonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Never underestimate the homeschoolers during regular school hours, too.

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         peeplesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         +1 You could even get onto some of the homeschools yahoo and facebook groups and connect with some of the parents to find those who you could give lessons to.

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            HeatherH104posted 11 years agoin reply to this

            Good point both of you!
            My youngest starts preschool twice a week in the fall, might be a good chance to test out if I could get 2-3 day students. It does tend to grow once you get a few.
            Thanks, now you've got me thinking!

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   Charles Jamesposted 11 years ago

   If you have a spare bedroom or you can double up the kids to create a spare bedroom, take a look at fostering children.
   In the UK most of the income is tax exempt. Once you figure in income tax, travel costs, and travel time for a normal job, fostering may seem attractive.

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5. 76

   HeatherH104posted 11 years ago

   That is a great point Charles. There is an expense to working - I'd need nicer clothes than the exclusive "mommy wardrobe" I currently own, gas, food, etc. (which is why I was hoping there were some legitimate work from home jobs). I hadn't considered fostering, but will seriously think about that.
   
   My husband has serious concern about how I'd support the kids should he die. He's not sick or unhealthy, just wants to make sure our kids are always ok. We have life insurance but this still does not seem to ease his anxiety.
   
   Thanks for the suggestion Charles!

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   kschangposted 11 years ago

   Any day care centers that may be interesting in hiring on a music teacher part time in your area? Just a couple days a week, if that much?

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   HeatherH104posted 11 years ago

   I would love that kind of job kschang but the pay is very low and my husband wants me to do something that could pay the bills if he died. Maybe I could try to piece together some of these type of part time jobs and make it work. Will have to see how the pay works out that way.
   
   Thanks kschang, I appreciate the suggestion!!!!

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   peeplesposted 11 years ago

   If you are willing to work outside your home but on your own schedule you might want to consider what I do for a living. I own the business now but when I started out I had 2 young children and it worked out great. I was a field mortgage inspector. You go out and deliver door hangers to those who are late on their mortgage, usually never even making any contact with them. Also you take pictures of the homes and ones that have already been foreclosed on for the banks. These inspections take less than ten minutes and pay anywhere from $4 to $15 each. I have one lady that works for me 3 mornings a week from 7am to noon and makes about $120 a day. It won't make you rich doing just that number of hours but it can certainly pay some bills. If you ever decide you are interested I can point you to some companies depending on where you live. If you are in the USA finding companies might be as easy for you as going on craigslist and searching "field inspector" or "inspections"

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   Kristen Walshposted 11 years ago

   Like someone else said, I think the good news is that you have 2 years to ramp up your work schedule and get to a point where your business/career is going strong.  Most online things (like writing) take time to really notice a steady income stream, so if you get going now you may not see much income for a while, but don't give up.
   
   For home-based opportunities, writing and affiliate marketing are probably two of the better choices.  But, there are certainly other options as well.  Have you ever looked into online tutoring?  There may not be much demand for music tutoring, but if you like teaching people then this could be an option.  And the good news is that there are always people from around the world looking to learn, so you're sure to find someone who needs help during the daytime hours that you'd have available.
   
   As far as other work from home things to consider, you could look into becoming a recruiter, virtual assistant, direct sales rep, mystery shopper, customer service rep, etc.  Many of these things could be combined so that you wouldn't have all of your eggs in one basket, so to speak.  Good luck!

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    HeatherH104posted 11 years ago

    Thank you everyone for helping me out with this! Having 2 years to build something up is good, I do feel like I ought to be starting something now. You have all given me something to look into. It looks like my best bet might be to have multiple part time jobs to add up.
    Peeples - yes I would love more information from you! That sounds like something I can do right now part time and maybe build up later. Thank you so much!

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