The best careers for Mums depend on individual circumstances. It’s often about finding work that fits around your family, gives you financial security and leaves room for your own ambitions, too.
Perhaps you’re looking for a job that fits around the school run, considering a return to work after a career break, or wondering whether it’s time to try something completely different. Whatever stage you’re at, there are options worth exploring.
In this article, we list key considerations, popular career paths for Mums and real examples of women finding ways to make work fit their lives.
Career challenges for Mums
There are various priorities for different Mums when choosing a job that doesn’t impact family life. The key is to work out what your non-negotiables are.
Flexibility and childcare availability can be a key challenge in the workplace. Often, this comes down to working Mums needing to balance hours with family priorities and unexpected childcare challenges. In fact, The Department for Education found that 66% of mothers in families with children aged four and under in England said having reliable childcare helped them work.
Looking at the financial side of Mums' careers, the Work Foundation has highlighted the amount of money that the average Mum loses in the years after becoming a parent. On average, women's monthly earnings five years after having their first child are 42% lower than they had been one year before birth, with earnings losses over five years amounting to £65,618.
Job security is another challenge that many face, with 28% of women workers being in severely insecure work, compared to 15.3% of men. This study suggests that women often face difficult choices between getting the flexibility they need for caring responsibilities and having secure employment.
What to consider with your next career move
There isn’t one single career that ticks every box for every Mum. The aim is to find a balance that suits your current circumstances while keeping options open in the future.
Here are some of the key considerations that may help to shape your next career decision:
- Flexibility: Can you adjust your hours, work remotely or manage school pick-ups without constant stress?
- Reliable income: Will the salary cover your needs, including childcare and travel costs?
- Job security: Does the role offer predictable hours, a suitable contract and employment protections?
- Progression: Could you develop your skills, take on more responsibility or increase your earnings over time?
- Job satisfaction: Does the work interest you and make use of your strengths?
- Supportive management: Will your employer take caring responsibilities seriously and treat flexible working fairly?
Best careers for Mums looking for part-time work
Part-time work can be a good option if you want to earn an income while keeping more time available for your family. It can also offer a way back into employment if you’ve been out of work for a while.
The Department for Education recently found that 31% of mothers in families with children aged five to 14 were working part-time, illustrating how common part-time working can be for parents.
Some roles worth exploring include:
- Teaching and education support: Teaching assistants, school administrators and other education roles may offer term-time arrangements, depending on the employer.
- Healthcare and care work: Some care providers, clinics and healthcare services offer part-time shifts, although shift patterns can vary considerably.
- Retail and hospitality: These sectors can offer shorter shifts and varied hours, but it is worth checking how far in advance rotas are provided and whether hours are guaranteed.
- Administration: Part-time office support, reception and customer service roles can suit people looking for regular hours.
Best careers for Mums who want flexible working
Part-time work isn't the only option. Some Mums want to continue building a career but need greater control over when and where they work.
Flexible working can mean different things: starting earlier and finishing earlier, compressed hours, hybrid working or a job that allows you to work remotely. The right arrangement depends on the role and employer, so don't assume a job advertised as flexible will automatically fit around your needs.
While not every employer offers flexible arrangements, it is possible to have working patterns flex around family life, so it’s worth exploring this option with any current or potential employers.
How can flexible working be organised?
A real-life example comes from Emma Arthurton, who worked at accountancy firm MHA Larking Gowen. Through an annualised-hours arrangement, she generally worked during term time and had school holidays off.
Speaking about the arrangement in a Working Families case study, she explained: “It’s worth far more to me than money. I can be a mum and not feel guilty if I need to be with my children.”
It’s worth noting that even a remote role may involve fixed meetings, deadlines or a full-time workload. Make sure you understand what flexibility looks like in practice and how performance is measured before accepting any role.
If you’re looking to enter flexible working arrangements, here are some careers to consider:
Administration and project coordination
These roles involve organising schedules, managing information and keeping tasks on track. Some can be done remotely or on a hybrid basis, although office-based positions may require set hours.
Marketing, content and communications
If you enjoy writing, social media, design or planning campaigns, marketing and communications could be worth exploring. Some businesses employ remote or hybrid teams, and freelance projects can offer additional flexibility.
Bookkeeping and accountancy
If you enjoy working with numbers and solving problems, bookkeeping or accountancy could provide a route into a new career. Some roles offer part-time or flexible hours, while relevant qualifications may be needed for certain positions.
Technology and digital roles
Jobs in areas such as software development, data analysis, digital support and website management may offer remote working opportunities. Training requirements vary, but online courses and entry-level roles can provide a starting point for some people.
Best careers for Mums who want to work for themselves
Self-employment can give you more control over your workload, clients and working hours. It can be appealing if you want to build something around family commitments or use skills you already have.
Some options include:
- Freelancing: Writing, proofreading, graphic design, photography, virtual assistance and other services can be offered to clients on a project basis.
- Tutoring: If you have knowledge of a particular subject, tutoring may let you arrange sessions around your availability.
- Starting a small business: Selling products or providing a service can give you greater control over how you work, depending on demand and the time you can commit.
- Coaching or consulting: If you have relevant professional experience, you may be able to offer specialist support to individuals or businesses.
Finding the perfect set-up for your circumstances
Charlie Beswick had her story shared by Working Families, showcasing the importance of having the right working arrangement to fit your life. She explored part-time work and job sharing, before returning to teaching with the school making adjustments to her working pattern.
Her experience shows that a career doesn't always have to follow a straight line. Sometimes, a change in working arrangements or a different approach to your existing profession can make it possible to continue doing work you enjoy.
Many Mums find that their working needs adjust over the years, making it important to regularly assess whether your situation is right for you and weigh up every aspect of a role.
How to find the right career for you
Before applying for lots of jobs or signing up for a course, take a little time to work out what you actually want from your working life.
1. Decide what you need from work
Start with the practicalities. Do you need to finish by a particular time, work from home on certain days or earn a minimum amount each month? Knowing your non-negotiables can help you narrow down the options.
2. Think about what you enjoy
Consider which parts of previous jobs you liked and what you would rather leave behind. You might enjoy helping people, organising projects, solving problems or being creative. These interests can point you towards careers you hadn't previously considered.
3. Look at the skills you already have
Don't overlook the experience you've gained outside paid employment. Motherhood can involve organisation, multitasking, communication, problem-solving and managing competing priorities. These skills can be useful in the workplace, too, so think about which ones are relevant to the roles you're considering.
If you need to refresh your CV, focus on specific examples of what you've done rather than simply listing qualities. If you're changing careers, short courses, volunteering or an entry-level role may help you build experience.
4. Research employers, not just job titles
Two jobs with the same title can offer very different working conditions. Look at the contract, hours, salary, flexibility and opportunities for development. If something isn't clear in the job advert, ask about it during the application process.
5. Consider whether you need a completely new job
You may be able to get more of what you need from your current role. A conversation with your manager about flexible hours, hybrid working, a job share or a change in responsibilities could be worth having if you otherwise enjoy your work.
You don't have to make a dramatic change overnight. Exploring your options, updating your CV or speaking to someone who works in a field you're interested in can be a useful first step.
The best careers for Mums are the ones that work for you
There is no single answer to which careers are best for Mums. One person may value the routine of a school-hours job, while another may want to progress in a demanding role or build a business of her own.
What matters is finding work that fits your circumstances without losing sight of your financial needs, interests and ambitions. Flexibility should help you build a working life that suits your family, not force you to accept poor security or give up on progression.
You might find the right fit in a new industry, through a change to your current role or by taking a small first step towards something you've always wanted to try. The first step is to ask yourself what matters most and explore what could work for you.
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Best careers for Mums FAQ
The best career depends on your skills, financial needs and family commitments. Part-time education roles, administration, marketing, bookkeeping, digital work and self-employment are all popular options to explore, but working conditions vary between employers.
Teaching support, administration, retail, hospitality and some healthcare or care roles regularly offer part-time hours. Check the contract carefully, including whether hours are guaranteed and how far ahead shifts are scheduled.
Some roles in marketing, writing, customer service, bookkeeping, technology and virtual assistance can be done remotely. Check whether the employer requires set hours, regular meetings or occasional office attendance.
Self-employment can offer more control over your schedule, but income may be less predictable and you won't automatically receive benefits such as paid holiday or sick pay. Weigh up the flexibility against the financial and practical responsibilities.
Some school-based roles, term-time positions and part-time office jobs may fit around school hours. Always check the actual working pattern, as some roles require preparation, meetings or additional hours outside the school day.