The days of diaper changes and school pickups have given way to a different rhythm. The children have grown older and more independent - a moment of both liberation and reflection for stay-at-home moms as they contemplate what they want to do next.
For many moms (or dads) who have spent their days caring for their young children, re-entering the workforce can be an opportunity to regain their professional identity. While many may choose to pick up where they left off in their previous career before children entered their lives, some may explore a fresh new start that embraces this life milestone.
Here are 5 jobs for stay at home moms going back to work that can provide a new beginning:
Educators play a crucial position in shaping the minds of young children and youth. For SAHMs who want to return to the workforce, becoming a teacher
can be a great way to continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of children.
For moms who have school-aged children, teaching can also be an ideal career choice since it offers the advantage of compatible work hours and summers off, which align well with their kids’ schedules. This can lead to a greater work-life balance, which many moms strive to achieve.
There are even some stay-at-home jobs in the education field where you can work remotely by teaching students enrolled in online schools.
If you already have your bachelor’s degree, no matter what subject your degree is in, there is a convenient pathway available to you to earn your teaching certificate in Texas. In fact, you can earn your teacher credential in just four to six months through an alternative teacher certification program.
To qualify for an educator preparation program (EPP), you must meet a few requirements:
If you do not meet these above requirements but still have a bachelor’s degree, you can qualify for a teacher preparation program through the TxPACT exam, which is used for program admission. Only those who do not pass the above requirements must take the TxPACT.
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree but have an associate’s degree, you can qualify for an EPP if you have:
If you don’t have a degree, you must have five years of full-time wage-earning experience within the past 10 years in the field to be taught.
Once you are accepted into a teacher certification program, here’s what your training will look like.
Part of your training will consist of courses (online, in-person or a combination of both, depending on the program you choose) as well as field experience. In Texas, you must complete:
It’s important to note that the 30 hours of observation by a teacher advisor is a very important part of your certification process. These certified teachers send a recommendation to your Texas teaching credential program that you are ready or not ready to teach in the classroom.
You must also pass a series of exams, which may include:
Other steps to becoming a teacher include:
Teaching is a highly rewarding second career for moms who want to re-enter the workforce, and an alternative teacher certification program can provide them with the necessary skills and credentials to make this transition successfully.
The demand for nurses continues to surge due to an aging population and evolving healthcare needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the
projected job growth rate for registered nurses through 2032 is 6%, which is faster than average for other industries.
Nursing can be a great fit for moms returning to the workforce since the job offers various shifts, including full-time jobs, part-time jobs and flexible schedules. Nursing also allows for specialization in various areas, including pediatrics or maternity care.
Becoming a nurse typically requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing, which can be achieved through online or part-time programs to accommodate their schedules.
It’s important to note as well that the healthcare industry in general is experiencing a great need of workers. According to the BLS, overall employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow very quickly, with about 1.8 million openings projected each year through 2032.
For individuals who don’t want to pursue a 4-year bachelor’s degree, healthcare job options include diagnostic medical sonographers, health information technologists and radiation therapists. Entry-level positions in these fields only require a 2-year associate’s degree.
Pharmacy technician positions require a high school diploma, while positions like medical assistants and paramedics require certification, but not a degree.
Businesses of all sizes require human resource specialists to handle recruitment, employee benefits and workplace policies. As companies grow, so does the need for HR expertise.
Human resource positions often offer flexible job hours and remote work options, allowing moms to balance their professional and family responsibilities. These positions require the ability to communicate and empathize, valuable assets that moms are experienced in tackling. A human resources specialist must all excel in organization.
Many HR positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some roles can be accessible with relevant experience or by earning HR certifications. Online courses and programs make it feasible for moms to pursue this career path.
Every business and organization needs financial expertise to manage budgets, taxes and financial records. Accountants and financial analysts are
consistently in demand, and can be excellent choices for moms returning to work.
Accounting and finance positions can offer flexible work arrangements, including part-time and remote job options. There are even some opportunities for contractor work where you can accept work-from-home jobs, especially during tax season, which allows you to make your own schedule and determine the work load right for you during this career transition.
Moms can leverage their organizational skills and attention to detail in these roles, contributing to their success. However, it’s important to consider that many roles in accounting and finance require at least a bachelor’s degree, especially if you’re aiming for a management position.
There are some accounting positions available, however, that do not always require bachelor’s degrees, such as accounting assistants, payroll specialists, collections representatives and administrative assistants.
While tax preparer positions don’t always require bachelor’s degrees, you’ll likely need to complete some tax preparation coursework and obtain a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) before you begin work.
Skilled trades are facing a shortage of workers, and the demand for skilled craftsmen and women remains high. These jobs are vital for maintaining infrastructure and providing essential services.
Skilled trades encompass a wide range of professions, from electricians to plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, welders, landscapers, auto mechanics and more. With the need for these positions growing, many organizations and businesses have ramped up efforts to recruit women to these trade fields.
Many of these positions offer the opportunity for self-employment, though you may need to first gain experience working for a company that offers these services.
Skilled trades positions also often require completing apprenticeships or technical training programs, which can be completed in a relatively short time compared to traditional four-year degrees.
Skilled trades often involve hands-on work, which can be personally satisfying and engaging. Many people find fulfillment in creating tangible, practical results with their own skills. Within each skilled trade as well, there are often numerous specializations and niches to explore. This allows individuals to find an area that aligns with their interests and talents.
All of these positions above make a difference in the community, whether it’s through shaping the minds of youth, playing a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape, helping companies and their employees with an important area of sustaining a business, or providing essential services.
Yet as a teacher, you have the unique opportunity to not only impart knowledge and skills, but also inspire the next generation to reach their full potential and become active contributors to the betterment of society.
To get started today with making a difference tomorrow, complete your Texas teacher certification online application.
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