Top 10 Jobs for Parents With School Aged Children

The difficulty of finding a job that can accommodate parents with kids in school can be overwhelming, especially if you have limited employment skills and only a high school diploma, I know because I've been there.  Sometimes it can seem hopeless.

There are jobs out there that can allow you to work 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, especially if you don't have a degree. When I was a single parent I had a heck of a time finding a job that would pay enough to cover rent, bills and groceries AND allow me to be there in the morning when my daughter went to school and be there to pick her up when she got out of school. 

CRITERIA:

• 9 am- 3 pm - No weekends
• High school diploma or equivalent only
• Flexibility so you can stay home when your child is ill or has a day off school

The first piece of advice I can offer for parents wanting to work while their children are at school is to get familiar with what's in your neighbourhood. Maybe you live downtown like me, or in the suburbs. Are there any local businesses close by that are hiring? Are there places you shop in regularly that you could ask if they are looking for help? (many jobs are not advertised).

Next time you take your kids to the park or for a walk, look around and make a list of places you would like to ask if they are hiring.

The school your child is attending may have a position available too. My daughter's school paid parents to supervise kids at lunchtime and so forth. Check with your child's school or other schools close by if they have any positions open.

I lived within walking distance of many shops and businesses. My job hunting started there. I knew that even with a car I didn't want a job that required too much travel time, so that I would always make it on time to pick up my daughter from school.

If you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get busy, these jobs might be for you:

1. House cleaning- with a company such as Molly Maid or offer your services as a private maid. Some house cleaning companies make you work weekends, others do not. The benefits of house cleaning privately are; you set the pay, what you are willing to clean (no laundry?) your time schedule and where you are willing to work.
2. Home Care- you do not require any sort of degree if you wish to work in home care as a support worker. This job requires you to do light house cleaning, shopping and cooking, for example. The pay is decent (especially if you apply through your provincial government) and you can specify which shifts you are willing to work. Be careful which company you choose to work for as some expect you to be available evenings and weekends and do much more than light cleaning or cooking.
3. Home Day Care or Before & After School Care- I would recommend that you have CPR training and adequate space if you want to watch children during the day or before and after school. Your home MUST be child-proof and safe for children. You can advertise online, in the newspaper and through your local schools.
4. School Bus Driver- There is a big demand for school bus drivers here in Canada and they offer FREE training, the pay is good and the hours you work are during school hours.  First Student Canada website has more information.
5. Laundry- Hotels hire laundry staff as do hospitals. Some require Saturday work others do not. I worked in a small hotel doing laundry from 9 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday. If you don't mind folding lots of sheets and towels it's worth checking out. If there is a hospital close by, go on their website and find out if they are hiring for any positions that do not require a special degree such as laundry. If you have any hotels close by (as I did in my neighborhood) you can enquire about a laundry position as well. The plus side is you get a great work out!
6. McDonalds- The only reason I add this is because I have had several friends who have worked there in managerial and counter service positions and they had positive things to say about McDonalds. The company does state on their application that they are flexible in their hours. If you really need to find work, don't overlook your local McDonalds restaurant, at least until you can find a job you would enjoy more.

Here are some office jobs that do not require a degree and are within the Monday to Friday 9 am to 3 pm time frame:

1. Customer/Client Service Representative at a Bank- This is the one position that does not require a degree, you simply must have good people skills and organization skills. These jobs can be applied for through the bank's website such RBC, TD Canada Trust and so forth. Just enter the criteria and check out the job openings. You can submit your resume and cover letter through their website as well. (Some branches are open Saturday, make sure the position you apply for is for Monday to Friday only).
2. Administrative Assistant/Receptionist position- Depending on where you apply, some businesses want you to work Saturdays or evenings, make sure to check the listing to make sure it is a Monday to Friday position only. Most administrative jobs do not require a degree, but a few years experience, or at least computer and telephone skills. ** My first administrative job was at a Member of Parliament's constituency office. It was Monday to Friday 9-3 and I had benefits. Check your local MP's office, your MPP/MLA office or even your city counselor office for openings. They are not usually advertised so it's worth it to ask as they pay more than private business.
3. Data Entry position- There are plenty of these positions that do not require any kind of degree that pay reasonably well and it is possible to find one that does not require evenings or weekends. I recently went to the Service Canada websiteand typed in the keywords "Data Entry" and found positions on the first page for my area that did not require evenings or weekends, so these jobs are out there. **My data entry job was for a political organization and did not require me to work evenings or weekends, in fact they were very flexible with regard to being a single parent.
4. Sales Representative for RESPs-  Two popular RESP companies here in Canada that offer flexible self-employment opportunities selling RESPs is USC and Herritage Education Funds.  The downside to this position is that it is very hard to do if you don't have a car.  However, if it's something that you would enjoy doing because you like people and are outgoing, there are always ways to get around regardless.

Be creative, think outside the box and do your research!  This is the best advice I can give any parent with school aged children.  Many jobs are not advertised, and many jobs are right in your own neighbourhood, you just have to sniff them out.

Make full use of the Internet and check job boards such as Monster.ca, as well as Service Canada Job Bank, and the classified section of your newspapers for openings.

Let friends and family know you are looking for a job and wish to work only while your children are at school.  Sometimes it can make a difference if you know people that can help you.  Many businesses prefer to hire someone that a current employee recommends than hiring someone off the street.  So speak up!