Embracing Change: Finding Meaning in a Self-Employed Career.
Life takes an extraordinary turn when you become a mother. Suddenly, your priorities shift, and the quest for meaning and fulfillment becomes more profound than ever before. The traditional 9-to-5 job may no longer resonate with your newfound purpose. If you're a mum seeking more flexibility, freedom, and meaning in your career, the world of self-employment awaits you with open arms.
In this blog post, we'll explore the journey of changing careers after having a baby and explore self-employed job options that can perfectly fit around your life as a devoted mum, while you build a new path that finds a balance for your family life and personal goals.
Maternity Leave: Time For A Career Change? Maternity Leave is the most amazing time to take a breather. You're likely to have been in your job anywhere from a couple of years to 10 years, or perhaps you're a 'job-jumper' because you just haven't found the right career path that lights your fire. It doesn't matter which one you are, but you're in for a huge break and mental space to process your life before, and the life after your baby arrives whether you like it or not.
The thing I hear the most often when new parents tell me about their lives, is that they really didn't expect to feel this way about their baby, or the overwhelming love and desire to be with their new child as much as possible. Granted this isn't always the way and mothers do experience different emotions and postnatal journeys, but overall, the same intense feelings and a huge shift in identity usually takes place and knocks you for six. So when the time comes to return to work it can be accompanied with a lot of guilt and anxiety.
A lot of new mothers plan to return to their old job, enjoy their careers, and want to continue building on their positions within a business. The problem is when we return to work, we aren't the same person any more. This is when most people struggle, and when relationships with work break down due to not being able to meet the demands of the 'old you.'
Self-Employment Accommodates New Mothers. The beauty of self-employment lies in its versatility, allowing you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs as a mother. It also opens up avenues to re-educate yourself, learn new skills and have complete autonomy with no judgment and pressure. It takes skill, time and direction to set up a self employed business, it's easy to start small and grow with time, just like your baby, so if you've had an idea lingering in your mind for some time, why not take a chance and see if you can make something happen...
I'm surrounded by amazing, self-employed mothers, and they really are fierce. We want more and deserve more for our time but to also reap all off the success that comes from being your own boss.
Here are some examples of self-employed jobs that perfectly fit around having children to start you off:
Freelance Writer or Content Creator: If you have a way with words, consider becoming a freelance writer or content creator. This role allows you to work from home, set your own hours, and take on projects that resonate with you.
Virtual Assistant: Organizational skills are a superpower for mums, and being a virtual assistant allows you to use them to help others while enjoying a flexible schedule.
Children's Class Teacher: Monday- Friday in term times and running classes for just a few hours a week is the perfect place to start! But you can also shape your week to fit your needs and always be there for school drop offs and pick ups. There will always be a need for children's classes, toddler groups and stay and plays, and they're easy to set up within your local area as long as you find something unique!
Online Store Owner: Create an online store to sell products that reflect your passion or expertise or a skill you've honed during Mat leave or in the past. You can manage the store at your own pace and engage with customers during your free moments. There are amazing selling platforms such as Etsy and Not on The High Street, and also Artisan Markets if you're looking for that in person connection with your customers.
Life Coach or Mentor: Motherhood can be an enriching source of wisdom and experience. Share your insights by becoming a life coach or mentor, empowering others while embracing your own personal growth.
Hypnobirthing Teacher or Pregnancy Course Leader. These work hand in hand and would give you a steady stream of clients and parents as they move through their journey from Pregnancy to motherhood and beyond.
Personal Trainer or Mummy MOT: You will become really aware of your body after you have a baby! Many many people re-train and fall in love with fitness and use this as a way to also support other new parents on their journey to being healthy and happy mentally and physically.
Changing careers and transitioning into self-employment requires courage. Doubts and fears may surface, but remember that motherhood has equipped you with resilience and determination. Trust yourself, take calculated risks, and know that this journey towards finding more meaning in your career is a testament to your strength as a mother. Changing careers and embracing self-employment can be the key to unlocking a harmonious balance between your role as a devoted mother and a successful career woman. Trust in your abilities, pursue your passions, and fearlessly venture into the world of self-employment. Empower yourself to build a life that aligns with your values, dreams, and most importantly how your children will look up to you. Your journey towards a more meaningful career has just begun!