https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 03 May 2026 07:02:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1228648 Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:52:54 +0000 googly-eyes 1228648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it depends on the mom and what the partner does, if there is one involved. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1228609 Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:10:21 +0000 MrsEmm 1228609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've thought a lot about this issue since we started trying.</p> <p>I'm considering becoming a University lecturer because I think it would be an ideal job for a working mum. You kind of work for yourself, but also have the support of a traditional workplace, with sick leave etc. You usually have a lot of flexibility with your hours and you always have school holidays off. Except for when you are actually giving a lecture, and your set "office hours" (which is usually a couple of hours per week on set days/times where you have to be in your office and maker yourself available to students), you can work from home.</p> <p>The other aspect of the job is of course researching and publishing, but again that is done on your own time.</p> <p>Basically, it's all of the benefits of being a teacher, with none of the pitfalls and much better salary.</p> <p>I like the idea of not having to be at work M-F all day. I like the idea of being able to drop my kids off at school and pick them up after school and spend the holidays with them, but also have a profession.</p> <p>Anyway, that's my goal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1173567 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 21:28:13 +0000 hellobeeboston 1173567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: yes!! I worked in a large agency in Boston with 500 people, there were around 12-15 CDs, ONE of them was a woman.</p> <p>The next agency I was at I was the ONLY woman in creative. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1173359 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 20:14:10 +0000 MrsF 1173359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a nurse and I think it's a great career for a mom. It pays well and It's very flexible from a scheduling standpoint (I work two 12-hour shifts a week) and can pretty much pick which days. It's a little tough in that once I am assigned a shift I really have to be there (I work in critical care) whether there's a blizzard or M is sick or what. I have to really rely on DH and our babysitter. </p> <p>One hard part is knowing that I will be away from my family for lots of holidays (it's my turn to work Christmas this year), but I think in the long run it's worth it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1173335 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 20:06:10 +0000 irene 1173335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: @mrs. wagon: there was a time (at least 10 years ago), my coworker and I went to visit an ex-coworker who quitted to work for Apple (as a designer) for lunch. We were having lunch at their cafeteria outdoors and chatting. We all wonder how come designers are always in their 20s or 30s the oldest. anyone older than that would be in the creative director level. We have never seen any designers who is in their 40s (at least not in an agency, in my experience), and there are really not that many creative directors if you know what I mean. We couldn't figure out why!!!! </p> <p>10 years later I finally understand! it is because of the stress, crazy long hours + weekends, politics, and just overall poor quality of living that not many can survive (they probably go solo like me or find a less stressful environment/position). For the ones who survived they probably were able to move up to the CD level. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1173288 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:51:36 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1173288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: She may not be entirely biased. I read that from income reports that PA's make more which doesn't make sense to me because nurses have so much more experience starting out than PA's do. It's as big as a 15-20k difference. I am curious why there are discrepancies when essentially they do the same work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1173174 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:28:01 +0000 Boogs 1173174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: No I can totally see where she is coming from. Until recently I had no clue about the different between a regular RN and NP. I think the same is true for lots of people. No matter what the path, I have mad respect for all those in the medical field and wish I was better at science-y things so I could take that route one day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1172755 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:51:08 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1172755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shinymama: I totally agree with this. I think in any industry, the right management plays a huge role in work/life balance. My company is huge, and while I love my job... I have co-workers in other departments who hate their jobs because their managers are awful. Micromanagers are the worst. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1172745 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:49:03 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1172745@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: @Boogs: Thanks for clarifying that for me! My SIL has been a nurse for several years and is almost done with her NP schooling. From what she's told me though, she feels like PA's get more respect than nurses and NP's, but that's just her opinion. Like I said, she's having career remorse so she's probably really biased. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1172721 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:39:33 +0000 deerylou 1172721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm taking up to a year off, but I'm in special education. I get all school holidays and vacations, and because of the nature of my work, (I have service hours, rather than have my own classroom), I'm out of there when school is dismissed. Of course, I occasionally have meetings or paperwork after hours, but for the most part, it's a pretty cushy schedule. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1172702 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 17:29:09 +0000 StbHisMrs 1172702@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in the insurance field and it's been very flexible. I have a typical 9-5 work day, but if I need to leave early or come in late it's never a problem. I can easily work from home if need be, the only thing I can't do is take payments from home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom/page/2#post-1172598 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:38:54 +0000 shinymama 1172598@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @mrs. wagon: that the employer/boss dynamic is what really sets the tone for your work-life balance. I work 8-5, but there are periods where I have to come in late, leave early, or adjust my schedule due to DHs travel. My boss doesn't bat an eyelash because I'm available when needed and my work gets done. I tend to feel guilty if I need to call in, and the response I get is always the same, "Family comes first. Period." </p> <p>As far as ideal careers for working moms, I would say a full-time college professor. They are required to be on-campus for 15-20 hours a week, and the rest of their work can be done from home. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1172589 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:36:20 +0000 Bluebonnet 1172589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think any career that has flexibility is ideal for a working mom.</p> <p>Your LO will get sick and have to stay home from school no matter what job you have. The difference is how easy is it for you and SO to handle it when LO is home from school. </p> <p>When LO is sick, DH and I do a lot of juggling. Sometimes one of us will take a sick day. Sometimes we can't. So we work from home if possible, juggling who's working and who's taking care of LO. That also means we may be online earlier and working later than we normally would. We also are fortunate to have family near by that we can also use in a pinch. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1172521 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 16:05:50 +0000 hellobeeboston 1172521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: yep - "sold out" an went in-house. At this point though, in OK with it, been in the biz about 12 years and while I love what I do, couldn't deal with the crazy deadlines, excessive hours and weekend work... It's def not for everyone but I am super happy with the decision am love the work I'm creating. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1172495 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 15:58:10 +0000 Mrs. Pen 1172495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. High Heels: a PA is a bit more schooling (masters as opposed to a bachelors). So it requires more time. However a CNP and PA are nearly identical and if all goes well and I do become a nurse and love it, I plan to eventually become a CNP. The bonus to that is that it requires nursing experience- so you go into it knowing your stuff ( a PA doesn't). But you still function as a primary care provider just like a doctor does, with just a few limitations. It also helps break up the schooling aspect. I can become a nurse in 3-4 years right now, work as a nurse for several years and once all my kid(s) are in school full time, go back to school for a masters in nursing to become a CNP. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171521 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:12:48 +0000 ShootingStar 1171521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work for a software company and I find it to be pretty flexible. You can set your hours with in reason (as in arrive any time before 10 and work 8 hours and you're fine), I can work from home if needed, and I rarely have to stay late. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171481 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 12:00:06 +0000 mrs. wagon 1171481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: yeah, that's the tradeoff. The projects are not as sexy. I lucked out by working for a really cool place. And I lucked out by being able to work 8-4. Traffic is horrible and it usually takes more than an hour to make a 20 minute drive. Daycare is right next to our home which is outside the city. But that's the tradeoff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171473 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:58:07 +0000 irene 1171473@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: Agree with the bottle neck.... there was one time LO did have a fever and I have a deadline in a few days. I couldn't secure a babysitter because of short notice. I was sweating bullets you have no idea. It contributed to me (very sadly) into burning a bridge to a very dear client because I had to turn down one project (I had too much on my plate at that point, and I don't know when LO will get better). They were understanding at that point but they don't call me for work again.... not sure if they really don't have anything that they can send out or if I am now in the black list :sad: </p> <p>I was naive to think that freelancing would be the best way to have a child and have it all. </p> <p>@mrs. wagon: @hellobeeboston: RE: in-house -- a bit sad but I guess that is the trade off to be a mother. I have worked in an agency environment too (and now I am a one-woman agency), and I think most of the fun work usually goes out to agencies. I could get a job in an in-house environment too, but then I dread not being able to get off from work until after 5. Unless I somehow find a job that is right next to LO's daycare, there will be no way for me to pick LO up because of the terrible traffic in my city.</p> <p>Not to mention DH never wants me to work in an office again (I do get tax benefits with my own LLC, and I make more $ if I work for my clients directly). But that's a totally different discussion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171243 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:06:33 +0000 mrs. wagon 1171243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I think that freelancing (taking in your own clients rather than working full time for a client on an ongoing basis) will always have that kind of workflow. I used to freelance for a bit but I much prefer the clock in / clock out stability and structure of the corporate world. And like you, I cannot work from home! When I do have to stay home with a sick kid, my work is very aware that I can only check in when the kid is sleeping. Or in the evening when Wagon Sr. gets home. They are very understanding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171232 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:04:59 +0000 mrs. wagon 1171232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: I did this too! used to work for an agency and now I'm in-house... oh my goodness, if I were still at the agency I don't even want to think about how much time I'd get to spend with my family. </p> <p>Wagon Sr. and I have both worked our way through many companies and have settled into jobs where we have been able to set our hours at 8-4, and both our bosses are completely understanding of work/life balance for parents. We both make ourselves pretty available from home whenever needs arise (him much more often than me) so they appreciate that. </p> <p>I think it's really more about the employer and your boss than the actual job function if you are in the corporate world. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171231 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:04:57 +0000 Mamaof2 1171231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: yes true! I don't get in 8 hours but I am able to usually work 4 hours (15 mins here and there) and then a few hours after kids are in bed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171218 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 11:03:20 +0000 MamaCate 1171218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@looch: I think this is true anywhere. I have worked hard to gain the credibility I currently enjoy. I started at my agency about 18 months before I had my first LO and knew we wanted to ttc, so I made sure to establish a good foundation that gave me some room to negotiate down the road. </p> <p>@irene: I think the problem with the scheduled you describe is the lack of predictability and control you have over your weekly workload. That would be hard for me to handle....<br /> And I agree that not much working from home actually happens when a kiddo is sick. I usually try to use the naps I get to keep up on phone calls and emails and them carve out catch up time somewhere if I want to avoid using my PTO. But sometimes I just take the day for my sanity... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171177 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:56:08 +0000 mediagirl 1171177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Teaching. my mom was a teacher and was always home with us when we got home from school. Sure, she had work to do when she got home but we weren't latch key kids. </p> <p>I think *my* perfect job for a working mom would be doing what I do now, just part time so I could be with her for more hours out of the day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171148 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:50:50 +0000 AmandaB8 1171148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in the trucking industry, and it's suprisingly flexible. I think it's not so much the career, as the business itself. Some work places are more flexible, and it's a huge plus on the management for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1171139 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 10:47:17 +0000 Boogs 1171139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: I'm currently a SAHM, but looking into other options even if just part time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1170750 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:14:35 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1170750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Insurance agent. </p> <p>Easy to obtain a license. Low start up and overhead if you open your own agency. If you work for someone else there are sevrral support functions that make work-life balance is easy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1170738 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:12:20 +0000 LuLu Mom 1170738@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in online marketing, and work an 8-5 job. It works because i know my set hours and leave on the dot at 5 and never have to work weekends. Very much a typical "office" job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1170726 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:09:17 +0000 looch 1170726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think working by yourself is incredibly difficult...you become the bottleneck if you're unavailable for any reason. Yes, you control your hours and the projects you take on, but in the event that you can't work, nothing is going to get done.</p> <p>I agree, with a sick child, you can't really work...or at least I can not. My son is either attached to me or all in my business, so it's impossible! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1170714 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 09:06:25 +0000 irene 1170714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: The problem is, when a child is sick, it's not like you just leave them in bed and continue working.... they cried and wants to be held and you have to take them to the doctor and all.... just very distracting to do any work even if you can work from home. Is it only me who feels that..? :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-a-good-career-for-a-working-mom#post-1170509 Thu, 24 Oct 2013 08:06:22 +0000 Mamaof2 1170509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am a govt contractor - 100's of jobs in that field!</p> <p>I set my own hours - as long as I do 40 hours per week that's all that matters</p> <p>I have a laptop and can easily work from home when a child is sick </p>