Hi Antonia,

Thank you for agreeing to help us mums here today.

Like most mums, I would like to be in employment which was possible to do from home. I can't afford to take the risk of working for myself, as I have 4 children under 7 (youngest is 12 weeks old). I've a well paid job doing 22.5 hours a week but have found that it has trapped me. I can't move into an area I want to work in or afford to retrain (I've recently self funded through a degree but need to do a PCGE and can't afford to return to study).

I love being here with my children, but would love to help other mums even more. I would love to start a business for other mums, term time, and school like hours, with the option of evening work during school hols etc, but don't know where to start or what to do, especially in times of recession.

When you started out, were you financially secure (if it didn't work, then your world wasn't going to come to a crashing halt?). What options did you consider? How did you get started? With the benefit of hindsight, what would you have done differently?

Thanks again,

Frustrated Mum of 4 x
(Jen)

HI Jen,

Thanks for your question. I can understand your frustration. With 3 children of my own, including an 8 week old I know it can be difficult to make changes in your life. I was lucky enough to start working for myself when I had just one child, which made it a bit easier.

With regard to your situation, firstly I can see that you are intrested in teaching. I know that there are various ways to get help with funding, including a scheme where you are employed while you train. Maybe one of these might suit you - there are details here:
http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/fundinginengland.aspx
WIth regard to starting a business, the first thing to do is to have your idea. I've written more about that in the free e-course available at www.themumpreneurguide.co.uk. Lots of mumpreneurs start their businesses while still working AND still looking after the kids so you wouldn't be alone there - but you will find you need to invest every spare minute in the business which does get tiring. After a while, you can reap the rewards, but it may take anything from 6 months to three years before you see a profit, depending on the sort of business you set up.
You can get some ideas for flexible and part time jobs at the websites listed here: http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk/acatalog/blog/2009/03/23/looking-for-flexible-work/
I update this list as I find new reputable sites, so keep checking it out and sign up to sites that look like they might have the right sort of vacancies for you.
As for my story, like most people I started doing some freelance work while still employed, until I built up enough to keep me going. We had some reliance on my salary - but I cut back on childcare when I started to work for myself as that was a way to save money. I also saved on work clothes, travel, lunches etc which helped cut the gap between my previous salary and my new income. I was ablr toild up my income again, but it did take time.
Overall, I'd say do lots of research, look into plenty of ideas and eventually you will find the right one for you.

Thank you for your reply and not ignoring my somewhat confused enquiry. As soon as I have 10 minutes I will visit your site and inwardly digest its contents. I'll also sign up for the e-course.

Again, thank you for your time and good luck with your baby

Jen x

PS, on http://www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk/acatalog/blog/2009/03/23/looking-for-flexible-work/ the spelling of 'negative' is incorrect. Perhaps I should set myself up as a webpage proof-reader :o) x