Returning to work after a career break (especially as a parent) can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking flexibility, better work-life balance, or simply a fresh start, there are plenty of jobs for mums returning to work that fit around family life while still offering growth and purpose. In this guide, we’ll break down the best careers for mums and working parents in the UK today, including work from home jobs for mums, part time jobs for mums, and flexible careers with promising salary insights.
Best jobs for parents returning to work in 2025
1. Virtual Assistant
A top choice among work from home jobs for parents, being a virtual assistant allows you to manage admin tasks, emails, scheduling, and social media remotely.
- Average Salary: £25,000–£35,000/year
- Why it works: Fully remote, flexible hours, low barrier to entry
- Great for: parents with no experience, single parents who need to work from home
2. Teaching Assistant
If you’re looking for term-time jobs for parents, becoming a teaching assistant is ideal. You’ll work during school hours and be home for the holidays.
- Average salary: £18,000–£24,000/year
- Why it works: School-friendly hours, part-time options
- Great for: parents returning to work looking for part-time work
Bookkeeper
With many small businesses needing financial help, bookkeeping is one of the best jobs for parents returning to work, especially if you’re detail-oriented.
- Average salary: £26,000–£40,000/year
- Why it works: Often remote, freelance-friendly
- Great for: Freelance parents who need flexibility
4. Customer Service Advisor (remote)
Many companies are hiring remote customer support roles, making this a popular online job for parents at home.
- Average salary: £20,000–£30,000/year
- Why it works: Home-based, some roles offer night shifts
- Great for: parents who need to work from home or want remote evening work
5. Content Writer or Copywriter
Ideal for creative types, content writing is one of the best self-employed jobs for parents. You can write blogs, web pages, or marketing copy.
- Average salary: £25,000–£45,000/year (freelance or in-house)
- Why it works: Creative, remote, flexible hours
- Great for: parents who want to work freelance or work from home
Flexible work from home jobs for parents
These home jobs for parents are rising in popularity thanks to the UK’s increasing shift to remote work. These are perfect for parents working from home, new parents at home, or stay at home parents.
Transcriptionist – Listen and type audio files
Online Tutor – Teach English or subjects you’re confident in
Social Media Manager – Run social accounts for brands
Virtual HR Assistant – Support HR teams from home
Proofreader – Edit blogs, essays, CVs
Ready to relaunch your career?
All the jobs on our site are hand-vetted for their flexibility and parent-friendly policies
Find your next roleHigh-paying jobs for single mums and parents
Being the sole provider adds pressure, so here are high-paying careers for single mums and good jobs for single parents:
Many of these offer hybrid or remote work, ideal parents returning to work seeking flexibility.
Jobs for parents with no experience
Looking for easy jobs for stay at home parents or jobs that parents can do from home that don’t require formal qualifications? Try these.
These can be perfect to get some income as a stay at home parent and take those first steps back into work.
- Data entry
- Remote customer support
- Pet sitting or dog walking
- Online selling (Etsy, Vinted)
- Childminding (must meet UK registration requirements)
Most flexible careers for mums and dads
If you’re looking for the best flexible jobs for parents, these are great UK-based options:
- Job share positions
- Term-time contract roles
- Part time remote admin roles
- Freelance graphic design or content creation
- Contractor roles in tech, design, or marketing
Whether you’re a new parent working from home, a single parent looking for work, or a full time parent re-entering the workforce, these options offer flexibility with purpose.
UK-specific flexible working request template
Email template example
Subject: Flexible Working Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally request a flexible working arrangement under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
I would like to [state your request, e.g., reduce my working hours to 30 hours per week, work remotely two days a week, or adopt compressed hours].
This adjustment will help me [briefly explain your reason, e.g., balance childcare, improve productivity, or accommodate personal health needs], while ensuring I continue to meet my responsibilities effectively.
I have considered how this change might impact the team and propose the following solutions:
- [Solution 1, e.g., ensuring availability during key meetings]
- [Solution 2, e.g., adjusting workload distribution]
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further. Please let me know a convenient time for a meeting.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common reasons to request flexible working (with examples)
Childcare & family responsibilities
- “I need to adjust my working hours due to nursery/school drop-offs and pickups.”
- Example request: Start at 9:30 AM instead of 9:00 AM and finish later to accommodate school drop-offs.
Health & wellbeing
- “I require a more flexible schedule due to ongoing medical treatment.”
- Example request: Work from home two days a week to manage a health condition more effectively.
Work-life balance & productivity
- “I work more efficiently with a compressed hours schedule.”
- Example request: Move to a 9-day fortnight, working longer hours Monday-Thursday and taking every other Friday off.
FAQs: Jobs for parents returning to work
References & further reading
Ready to relaunch your career?
All the jobs on our site are hand-vetted for their flexibility and parent-friendly policies
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