Finding work that fits around parenting

Having a baby changes pretty much everything - including what you need from a job. Maybe you're ready to start working but are worried about childcare or maybe you're struggling to see how you are supposed to work when you have a baby to care for. The good news is that you don't have to figure it all out at once. There are many different types of work and ways of working that you can try until you find something that works for you and your family.

What kind of work could work for me?

The idea of full time work whilst juggling childcare is often ambitious (unless you have childcare options and a fantastic support network to help you balance competing needs) but a 9-5 isn't your only option. You could look at:

• Part time jobs - working fewer hours can make it easier to balance your job and childcare arrangements.

• Flexible working - some employers offer flexible working, sometimes called flexi-time, which allows you to start and finish at different times provided that you cover your required contract hours.

• Working from home - working from home became common during the pandemic and has it's pro's and con's. This can help you reduce your travel time but you'll still need childcare whilst you work.

• Evening or weekend shifts - you may be able to find roles that fit around your baby's routine if you have someone who can look after them during these times.

• Apprenticeships - apprenticeships can give you a modest income whilst you learn new skills and gain experience as part of a longer term career plan.

• Training courses - if you're not ready to work yet, training courses are a great ways to build your skills and show you are still being proactive in your career progression. There are lots of different training courses out there which can be done in person or online so it's worth searching to see what's local to you.

Once you've set your mind to returning to work, you'll need to start thinking about childcare. Explore your options (family/nursery/childminders) and whether you can get any help towards your childcare costs as depending on your situation, there may be financial support available. Once you've got a plan in place, it's time to think about the full routine of your day. Your new job might be 10am-4pm for example but your day is going to be longer when you factor in getting your baby ready, nursery drop off times, travelling to work, your job itself and then everything again on the route home. If it's sounding exhausting already, consider looking for jobs with hours, locations or flexibility that might make life easier for you.

What support is out there?

Having a baby doesn't mean your plans for work or your future have to stop and whilst it might take extra time to find something that works around your family, you don't need to apologise for being a parent. Focus on what you can offer because of this experience ( problem solving skills, juggling different responsibilities, time management and staying calm under pressure) and don't be afraid to ask for help as you figure things out. In Nottinghamshire, the Family Hub network are a great place to start and often feel less daunting as you've been to them before for play groups and health visitor check ins. The Family Hubs run a free "Opening Doors to Confidence" course for parents preparing for work and also have Family Community Work Coaches who offer one-on-one drop-in sessions so you can navigate family finances, understand unemployment benefits, and overcome personal barriers. Young parents who are unemployed between the ages of 16-26 can also come and visit any of the IAF youth hubs in Nottinghamshire for free, confidential and non-judgemental support.