A new survey has revealed that ‘back to work’ mothers in the UK are looking beyond salary and ‘benefits’ for careers that better suit their busy lives as parents.
The research, commissioned by award-winning online educational platform New Skills Academy, finds 93 per cent of mothers had returned to work, or were planning to. Seventy-five per cent have returned to the same job or profession – but a whopping 82 per cent are now considering changing their careers and 73 per cent are considering retraining.
A significant factor in the decision to switch professions is childcare – and wanting to spend more time with children. The survey showed that 45 per cent want a job with more flexible hours and 34 per cent want a job with shorter working hours.
In addition:
– 93 per cent say flexible working hours were important or very important;
– 80 per cent say that the option to work part time is important or very important;
– 98 per cent say that an understanding boss who recognised the need to take time off for school events, or poorly children is important or very important;
– 90 per cent say ability to work locally – or from home is important or very important.
Meanwhile, the New Skills Academy research also looks at what mums would ideally like to retain to do. It finds 16 per cent of mothers would like to become a teaching assistant, followed closely by shop owner at 15 per cent. Midwife and personal/executive assistant roles came next at ten per cent and six per cent, respectively.
It’s also clear that the UK has a lot of budding Agatha Christies, with crime novel writer an unexpected entry at 13 per cent.
Other careers that interested mums returning to work after having children included:-
- Children’s entertainer
- Medical secretary
- Marketing executive
- Make-up artist
- Landscape gardener
- Dog walker
Discussing the findings, Dan Morgan, co-owner at New Skills Academy says, ‘Returning back to work after having children can often be a difficult time for a parent. It’s during this moment that many feel it’s the right time to consider a new career – often one that offers greater flexibility and more time with the little ones.’
Further reading on working mums
