LIFE

33 of the best term-time only jobs

Last modified on Wednesday 13 April 2022

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If your kids are starting school or nursery, you might have decided to have a re-jig career-wise and look for a job that can fit in around their school routines.

Before you do, it's worth noting that all employees have the right to request flexible working hours. This could mean having flexible start or finish times and working from home, which could help with childcare and school runs.

You can find more information about flexible working on GOV.UK.

If you do want to look for a job that's term-time only, however, we've got loads of ideas for jobs that will fit with your kids' schedule. Check them out below.

Scroll through our gallery for ideas for term-time only jobs for parents, jobs with school-time hours, and jobs with flexible days and hours. There's something to suit everyone, no matter which field you might have worked in previously.

Of course, as well as choosing a term-time only job, another great option is to find a job that allows you to work from home. That way, you'll be able to have your kids at home with you while they're not at school, without having to take time off work (be prepared though: it's not always easy to get work done with kids around!).

Similarly, working for yourself or going freelance will also mean that you'll be able to work from home – and you'll have the chance to set your own hours too, which will be perfect when it comes to doing the school run and having time off with your kids in the holidays.

Read more advice on working as a parent here.

Depending on whether you'd prefer a term-time only job, a role with flexible hours, or a job where you're working for yourself, take a look at the kind of jobs on offer below:

Term-time only jobs

A term-time only job is of course the most obvious choice when it comes to working school-friendly hours. You should mostly be able to drop your kids off and pick them up from school, and you're almost guaranteed to have the school holidays off, too.

Most of these jobs will involve working in a school, and if you manage to work in the same school that your kids go to (or one nearby) then it'll make things even easier!

  • Primary school teacher
  • High school teacher
  • Breakfast and after-school club supervisor
  • School receptionist
  • Teaching assistant
  • School crossing patrol
  • University administrator
  • School minibus driver
  • Dinner lady
  • School nurse
  • Nursery keyworker
  • Home tutor
  • Short-term contract work

Jobs with flexible hours

An ideal situation for many working mums and dads is to find a job in your field of expertise that allows you to work flexible hours. That way, you might be able to do the school run at least a few days a week, and you'll hopefully be able to have some time off in the school holidays as well.

  • NHS work
  • Direct selling
  • Exam marker
  • Civil Service
  • Cleaner
  • Uber driver

Jobs where you can work from home online

These days, more and more jobs are being created that enable you to work online remotely, which is the perfect set-up for mums and dads with kids in school. You'll be able to drop your kids off and pick them up from school, and work at home during the day.

It'll also mean you're able to stay at home with the kids when they're off during the school holidays, without needing to take time off work.

Of course, that'll depend on how old your children are and whether they're able to largely entertain themselves at home (without distracting you too much!). A couple of ideas for flexible online jobs include:

  • Telesales
  • TV reviewer
  • Website tester

Jobs where you can work for yourself

Starting your own business or going freelance and becoming self-employed is a brilliant way to start working for yourself now that your kids are at school. You'll be able to set your own hours, take holidays when you like and, depending on what kind of work you do, you'll be able to work from home too. There's also no limit to how much you can earn, which is a nice bonus!

Working for yourself is a great way to have more freedom and to experience being your own boss. Plus, you never know where starting your own business will lead; you might end up as the next Kylie Jenner!

Some jobs where you can work for yourself include:

  • Photographer
  • Being a freelancer
  • Small animal boarding
  • Make your hobby a job
  • Dog walker
  • Music teacher
  • Running a toddler group
  • Airbnb host

Of course, many of the jobs where you'd be working for yourself or working flexible hours will also allow you to work from home. So it's a double win!

Now that your kids are at school, you might also decide that it's the perfect opportunity to make a career change, or to get into a different kind of work. So whether you're thinking about learning new skills or getting experience in a new field, find more tips for creating the perfect CV and mastering that interview here.

Need a bit of confidence-building after years at home?

Giving your hair and makeup routine a refresh can do wonders.

We like this simple and multifunctional hair styler by BaByliss. It can both straighten your hair and can also add curls, waves and volume to give your look a quick lift. See more details here at Amazon.

Go for all-in-one makeup palettes that will make your morning routine more speedy as you'll find everything in one place. We like this set by L'Oreal that includes eyeshadow, blush, highlighter, lip colour and even bronzer. See more details here at Amazon.

Looking for more tips on getting back into work? Check out our articles below or exchange ideas with fellow parents in the forum.

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