jobsJobs that Fit with Homeschooling

Often “loss of income for one parent” is listed among the cons of homeschooling.  It’s a given that one parent has to be unemployed in order to make homeschool work, right?  WRONG!  There are many jobs that fit with the homeschool way of life.

The first category of jobs contains those that require you to be away from home but can be done at times when the other parent is home from work.  For example, nursing usually has night, weekend, per diem and private duty options.  Of course training and education is necessary but most nursing jobs pay well enough to make the preparation cost effective.  Personal trainers meet with clients at gyms after work, thus making this an option for a homeschool parent when the other parent is home.  Wait staff is needed at all times and cleaning professionals are needed for office buildings after regular business hours.  Most grocery and retail stores stay open late and thus have need for cashiers and clerks.

Homeschooling all day and going to an after-hours job not appealing to you?  Well there are many jobs that can be done from home.   Many offices offer the option to work remotely which merely requires internet access and some creative scheduling.  Medical transcription and medical records is a field always looking for employees and often can be done from home.  If you’re organized and experienced in administration, virtual personal assistant could be a great fit.  With bookkeeping skills and experience, a person is apt to keep gainfully employed at home.  Real estate agents are able to set their own hours and work from a home base.  There are many direct marketing opportunities that allow you to build a business at your convenience.  Similarly, home party businesses can provide extra income.

If you are up for the challenge of forging something new, the sky’s the limit!  If you have experience, knowledge, and/or a honed skill, there is always a market for consulting.  You might find this a good time to pursue those entrepreneurial dreams and strike out on your own as a landscaper, storyteller, photographer, baker, hair dresser, auto mechanic, or crafter.  Buying an established business to run like a bed and breakfast, a storage unit facility, a laundry mat, vending route or a car wash might be a way of bringing in extra money without a 9-5 commitment.  Blogging can be a means of income if you build a base of followers and attract advertisers and affiliates.

There are even ways of making money with your kids.  Mystery shopping is a way to get paid for simply doing many of the things you would normally do with your family anyway – shop, eat out, etc.  Your kids might enjoy pet care, caring for people’s pets while they are away or walking them during the day while the owners are at work.  Before and after school childcare is a great fit for a homeschool family.  You are already “set up” to care for children and your kids would likely enjoy a few more kids to play with in the afternoon.  If you have the resources and interest, selling eggs and produce can be a fun and educational way for the whole family to work together to augment the family budget.

So, look around you.  Take stock of what you have in terms of interests, experience, and resources.  Make a plan to fit your family’s goals and schedule.  Then GO FOR IT!!

Copyright © 2013 J. Hoffman / GSN

“If you liked this post – Great!!  Please ask before you re-post.  Thanks!”
Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com