Part-Time Jobs for Mums Returning to Work [Updated 2024]

The decision to take time out of work to care for a baby full-time is never taken lightly. There are many variables to factor into this decision — financial, logistical and of course, the impact it can have on your career. 

We see more often these days fathers taking time off work to care for their kids, but the vast majority of Australian stay-at-home parents are still the mother, putting their pre-child lives on hold to relish in the goodness of seeing their new babies grow and develop.

While many mums would never have it any other way, there is often eventually a desire to get back into the workforce — a prospect that can pose a challenge.

“I chose to take 6 years off paid work to raise my kids. When I was ready to return to work, I decided to start freelance writing. It was something I always wanted to do and could fit it around school pickups and sports practice.

“The challenge for me was my low self-confidence. It took a little while, but I soon realised I was not alone and overcame my imposter syndrome by connecting with other mums who were killing it in the freelance world.”

Laura Squair

Confidence in your professional capabilities can diminish, and sometimes industry changes can leave you feeling out of touch.

For some, time away from paid work can be a fantastic circuit breaker. Some mums may realise they were unhappy in their pre-motherhood job, and the time away has allowed them to step outside of the situation and consider a more fulfilling career. 

Often requiring a careful work-life balance and some non-negotiable family-focused requirements (like flexible working hours), the re-entry into the workforce can seem overwhelming. 

We thought we’d look at some realistic and appealing job options for those starting the thought process of how and where to start.

So what are the best part-time jobs for mums returning to work? Here are our favourite picks for a stellar work-life balance:

For a fun, social job that also keeps you fit, not much can beat a career in fitness. This can be started with as little or as many work hours as you need, and with the industry set to boom, now could be the right time to get out your activewear!

Valuable skills for a fitness instructor:

How to get started:

There are no set requirements to begin working in fitness, but completing a Certificate lll in Fitness will give you the fundamental skills to working as a group fitness or gym instructor. 

From here, you could complete further studies into personal training. Personal training could be an excellent choice if you wish to become self-employed or run a business in the field one day.

A job you do from home, you could start by just working with one client who needs a little extra help with admin and data entry, to potentially running your own business delivering administration and assistance to many.

With many workplaces using remote working options for employees now, we could see a much higher number of VAs being required in the future.

Valuable skills for a virtual assistant:

How to get started:

There are no formal qualifications needed to get started as a VA, but if you have had a career history in admin support or an office environment, the skills you have already are a great start. 

Many upskilling courses in business administration are flexible and can be completed online. This could be a good option if you would like that extra edge or regain some confidence in admin processes. 

Many businesses require office support but don’t necessarily want someone full time. This could be an excellent way to get back in an office environment and could potentially become full-time work if and when you become ready for it. 

A job in office administration could even lead to career development in roles like personal assistance or office management.

Valuable skills for an office administrator:

How to get started:

Having a background in office work would be a great attribute for anyone looking to start work in this area. 

Upskilling in business administration-management, IT systems (you know they are constantly changing!) and any other areas to beef up your resume would be highly advisable.

If you are creative, love to control your workflow, enjoy researching and can write, freelance writing can be an amazing job with flexible hours.

From writing many pieces of content for a business to one-off articles or even books, there is massive career progression potential and huge learning opportunity in writing.

Valuable skills for a freelance writer:

How to get started:

Depending on the type of writing you wish to do will impact where you need to start. 

Many freelance writing courses are available in Australia to give you a leg up, but we strongly advise finding some friends with business to write for and start — maybe even as a side hustle! High-quality writing is like anything: practice makes perfect.

With social media becoming integral to many marketing strategies, maintaining any social platform can take the time that many businesses don’t have. 

This is often an outsourced role, and could be a perfect flexible work option for you! 

If you enjoy social media, love engaging with people, and thrive in an ever-evolving sector, you could be onto a winner.

Valuable skills for a social media manager:

How to get started:

Upskilling with a social media course will be extremely advantageous.  

Alternatively, if you wish to move further into digital or traditional marketing roles in the future, you could study business marketing. There is a vast range of flexible or self-paced courses available.

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Under the NDIS system in Australia, there is a massive opportunity for flexible support roles where clients hire support in short shifts. 

If you love people, want a diverse range of activities, and like to get out and about, a disability or healthcare support role is a fantastic chance to give back to the community. 

With soft skills acquired from caring for a child a considerable asset, this could be a significant next step.

Valuable skills for a disability support worker:

How to get started:

With no minimum qualification required, there are many pathways to entering a role in disability care. 

One option is to study first to gain some foundation skills, and luckily, in Australia, there is no shortage of convenient learning options.

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You already have skills with kids, so why not put them to good use?

Working alongside teachers in a support role can be a fulfilling and aspirational job and, of course, fits in perfectly with school hours. 

Working with children can be incredibly rewarding, and may even inspire you to take it a step further and study for a teacher’s degree.

Valuable skills for a teaching assistant:

How to get started:

Anyone wanting to become a teacher’s assistant should have a certificate level qualification to enter the role. 

This, along with the relevant Working with Children check, will ensure you are at an excellent starting point and ready to take on your new job.

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This nurturing, caring role with small children can often be done during school hours, especially in kindergartens. 

The empathy and quick thinking skills acquired by caring for your child has prepared you already for this role and could lead to more senior positions in the education system should you wish to progress further.

Valuable skills for a childcare worker:

How to get started:

The minimum requirement to work in childcare is a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and some may prefer to study for a Diploma. There are many choices for study in Australia so you can find the right learning choice for you.

You will also need to complete a Working with Children check. Go to your state’s education website for more details.

The perfect mix for those with office skills who need a school hours job! Like any organisation, schools need a lot of administration. 

From putting together a newsletter, answering phones, updating systems and organising teachers’ timetables, this role will keep you busy and can either be done part-time or full-time.

Valuable skills for a school administrator:

How to get started:

Like other administration roles, knowledge of admin systems would be great, so any upskilling courses in office administration would be helpful. 

A Certificate of Education Support could also be attractive to a school looking for someone who knows the industry well.

As daunting as it can seem, getting back to work after being a stay-at-home mum can be an empowering process. Plus, the soft skills you have enhanced while being at home with the little ones can be a huge asset. 

The hardest part is often deciding what you want to do. But, with flexible learning options and study support resources available, your career path could be well on its way to working for you and your family.