Going freelance: 5 tips for parents starting a driving job

Reinvestment_1When you’re a parent, having a job that allows you to work flexibly is a must. You want to fit your work around your family, not the other way round, and be able to free up time whenever you need it to look after the kids. According to recent Citizens Advice statistics, parents make up just over half of all part-time self-employed people of working age in the UK, highlighting just how popular the freelance lifestyle has become.

If you’re looking to achieve a better work-life balance and increase your earning potential, driving jobs such as a trainee instructor, working for a courier service or running your own cab company are ideal. There’s the potential to retrain, allowing you to learn an entirely new skillset, and choose your hours, making sure you don’t miss out on spending quality time with the little ones. Are you a parent thinking about changing lanes in your career to start a driving job? Read on for our top tips.

Reach out to other self-employed parents

It can be tough finding time in the week to go out and make new contacts, but this could be crucial to attracting customers. Join meet-ups with other freelancers in your line of work, including parents, and see what events are available. It’s worth getting a child minder or asking your family or friends to care for the kids while you’re out – in the long run, it could help you support your family.

Have some savings for down periods

When you’re raising a family, a regular income is important, but this can be tricky given the often erratic nature of driving jobs. Prepare for any slow periods by having some savings to hand – ideally enough to last you several months. Particularly if you’re becoming self-employed for the first time, it could take time to establish a reputation and see a steady flow of work coming in.

Retrain and grow your skillset

Depending on what job you’re moving into, you may have to re-train, so make sure you’re able to invest in this. Even if it’s not essential, the more strings to your bow, the higher your chances of being offered new work, and the more likely you are to be considered an expert in your space. It could also mean you’re able to charge more for upcoming projects.

Plan your time

The great thing about being self-employed is that you have much more freedom over your schedule. You and you alone define your working day, so if your aim is to spend as much time with the kids as possible, then you can plan your work around their school hours and extracurricular activities. Then, when they need your full attention, you won’t be stressing about any unfinished business.

Arrange for childcare

There may well be times when you’re particularly busy and need to work, but the kids are either off school or not school age yet, and demand your attention. Prepare for these times by having childcare in place or reaching out to a partner, friend or family member for a hand – even if it’s just for a few hours, it’ll make all the difference to your stress levels.

 

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