What Jobs Do Other Parents on Here Do for School Hours?

LSmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 19:37
Last edited 03/11/2023 - 19:38

My wife and I have twin boys who are starting grade 1 next year.

She always had a more stable permanent and better job then me (accountant) so it made more sense for her to return to work full time as I always worked in various call centres as tech support. I did mostly short term contracts which wasn't as stable as her work.

Our boys are already in prep 9-3:30, at the start of the year they were still having the occasional day off as young kids gradually get used to a full week but by mid year they have grown accustomed and doing full 5 days a week.

Since now I have the confidence I can devote 5 days school hours to work I have been looking to get out of the house and get busy.

Never being in the position at looking for part time/school hours work I never realised how hard it is to find something.

I don't want to rely on my wife financially and at the same time want to keep busy.

What do other parents around here do?
Any ideas/suggestions to keep busy make some spending money?

Education & Work

Comments

  • askbargain on 03/11/2023 - 19:39
    +3

    school teacher

    • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 19:40

      don't think id make pickup and drop off unless same school 😂

      • Benoffie on 03/11/2023 - 21:16
        +1

        Most try and keep them close or just put them into OSHC

    • Daabido on 04/11/2023 - 14:59
      +30

      Yep, we only work 9-3. Shh, don't tell anyone you get 12 weeks holiday a year too. I rock in 8:55, plan my day out and do all by marking by 8:59, home by 3:30 if the traffic is bad, lazing in the pool counting all my money.

      • Hangryuman on 04/11/2023 - 17:22
        +1

        nice troll attempt - but anyone claiming to do all the marking in 4 minutes is obvs lying - an insult to real teachers - so get back in your box cracker !

        • Brian McGee on 04/11/2023 - 18:11
          +2

          Also not very attentive as they have a grammar/spelling mistake.

        • us3rnam3tak3n on 05/11/2023 - 09:26
          +6

          Obvious sarcasm =/= lying

      • dingleberries on 06/11/2023 - 10:09

        this mf

  • AustriaBargain on 03/11/2023 - 19:41
    +6

    Something working from home would let you get in a few more hours of work in a week, assuming you live close to the school and do pickup anyway. Plus you can work when they are home sick, mostly.

    • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 19:42

      All the work from home jobs I come across seem to be very high in demand :(

        • smartazz104 on 06/11/2023 - 08:57

          Maybe one day you'll find a job too. Chin up.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/11/2023 - 19:41
    +29

    Day trading crypto-bro, or ozbargain upvote farmer

    • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 19:43

      definately keen on the second one if you got the link ill apply asap 😂

      • Kangal on 04/11/2023 - 18:21

        Do you have your membership though?

        • Munki on 06/11/2023 - 11:17
          +1

          If he doesn't know about said position, he most likely isn't a member.

  • Muzeeb on 03/11/2023 - 19:51
    -6

    Sell used arm pit hair online.

  • Dollar General on 03/11/2023 - 20:11
    +4

    Gigolo

    • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 20:38

      looking after twin boys primary school age that wont 'work'

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/11/2023 - 20:43
        +2

        Just work from home. Hellooooo various tax write offs.

        Charge by the minute just like them fancy lawyers do.

        • Randolph Duke on 06/11/2023 - 18:17

          Are you allowed to round 27 seconds up to a full billable minute?

          • Jimothy Wongingtons on 06/11/2023 - 18:25

            @Randolph Duke: Just give it a few more shakes after finish to make up the time like getting the last drips of e10 unleaded out of the hose

    • morse on 04/11/2023 - 04:12
      +11

      OP’s username does not check out for this line of work.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 04/11/2023 - 11:36
        +2

        I heard it’s how you use it that matters

        … right?

        • morse on 04/11/2023 - 11:58

          You’d probably have to survey the customer base as to their satisfaction with the service.

      • smartazz104 on 06/11/2023 - 08:58

        Maybe it's one of those ironic nicknames.

  • djones145 on 03/11/2023 - 20:15
    +2

    does your school have before and after school care

    that helps you work 9 to 5 jobs.

    • brendanm on 03/11/2023 - 20:16
      +2

      Op doesn't want to work a 9-5 job.

      • AustriaBargain on 03/11/2023 - 20:20
        +1

        Sounds like he wants one though.

        Worth considering, the extra socialisation can be good for kids and for OP. As long as it isn't ran by negligent staff or psychopaths.

        • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 20:35
          +8

          I have considered it however having the balance of giving that time to our sons, getting some chores done, dinner etc after school pickup is a more desired dynamic in our family

          • EightImmortals on 04/11/2023 - 10:00
            +3

            @SmallGary: Well done, apparently nobody on their deathbed regrets not spending more time at work. :)

  • Nugs on 03/11/2023 - 20:19
    +7

    Cut grass
    .

    • AustriaBargain on 03/11/2023 - 20:20

      Like a Jims Mowing kind of deal? Might not be a bad idea really.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/11/2023 - 20:34
      +13

      Like… as in the neighbours misso? Stacy’s mom?

      • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 20:36
        +1

        just not the neighbours missus arm pit hair

    • nubzy on 03/11/2023 - 22:44
      +3

      Now's the time! Plenty of money to be made cutting grass. A lot more than people realize. Flexible and rewarding work that makes you feel good. Much better option than being tied down to a job IMO..

    • EtherealArchelon on 05/11/2023 - 02:56

      Yep, domestic work, cleaning, ironing.

  • djones145 on 03/11/2023 - 20:44
    +1

    retail or hospitaility, focusing on casual job for lunch rush

    • SmallGary on 03/11/2023 - 20:45

      I have been hitting up a few of those but its mostly 8+ hr shifts or nothing

      • EmCKay on 03/11/2023 - 21:05
        +2

        Have you considered applying to Bunnings? Lots of flexibility there. I’ve been there for almost 10 years because the shifts work around my kids.

        • Muzeeb on 03/11/2023 - 21:07
          +6

          When I retire I'm going to get a job at bunnings. Can't wait.

          • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 21:14
            +2

            @Muzeeb: If you try to be really unhelpful & bum steer customers, you'll be left alone all shift by annoying customers, or promoted to behind the scenes and get to fire unhelpful staff

          • redfox1200 on 04/11/2023 - 23:50
            +1

            @Muzeeb: fun fact, you don't actually have to work there to stay in the store all day everyday

  • TEER3X on 03/11/2023 - 20:56
    +16

    One drops off, the other picks up, find jobs that allow this. I work 6am-2.30pm.

    • IM-Cheap on 04/11/2023 - 22:23
      +2

      You can also look for a place that lets you combine this with some wfh ie. work 8am-2pm, run pick up and then wfh for 2hrs.

  • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 21:12
    +1

    What's the record for join up to penalty box at Ozb?

  • thatonethere on 03/11/2023 - 21:15
    +3

    Tech support. I have done troubleshooting, project meetings, job interviews from the school carpark. Blur background take off seat belt.

  • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 21:17
    +3

    Cross walk attendant.

    • TrustNoBody on 04/11/2023 - 08:18
      +3

      i am actually thinking about doing this next year as my youngest starts school as his school has never got a reliable crossing person and it would suit me 8-9:30 then 2:30-3:30 i think and it’s ok pay it used to be about $29 ph as i can’t work more then 25 hours pw as i’m on a carers pension

  • JIMB0 on 03/11/2023 - 21:20
    +7

    Are you any good at chemistry? Can you cook?

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 03/11/2023 - 22:40

      Can op rock a black pork pie hat

    • TrustNoBody on 04/11/2023 - 08:19

      haha ..high demand for good cooks

    • pencilhead on 04/11/2023 - 13:02

      meth?

    • us3rnam3tak3n on 05/11/2023 - 09:33

      And practice knocking. That will become a useful skill later.

  • Slinky0111 on 03/11/2023 - 21:49

    My partner is in the same position. Even finding 9 to 5 jobs are hard to come by so following this thread to see what others suggest.

  • Master Bates on 03/11/2023 - 22:00
    +1

    How tall are you Gary?
    Or is it something else of yours that is small?
    Is that your real photo in your profile pic?
    This is an AMA right?
    How many questions may I ask?

  • bloom on 03/11/2023 - 22:05
    +2

    Most popular tends to be a house cleaner, clients usually prefer you do it while they are at work

  • Muzeeb on 03/11/2023 - 22:07
    +2

    Penalty box?

    • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 22:24

      I'm sure OP has posted replies after I saw they were in it. WTF?

    • mapax on 04/11/2023 - 04:07

      Permanent penalty box at that.

    • onetwothreefour on 04/11/2023 - 07:45
      +1

      What did he do?

      • Moderatorscotty on 04/11/2023 - 08:18

        Ghost account, as having multiple account on OzBargain is not allowed.

        • onetwothreefour on 04/11/2023 - 08:36
          +1

          Ah OK, thanks.

          • Protractor on 04/11/2023 - 09:35
            -1

            @onetwothreefour: So all the ever growing number of troll posts are just that. Go figure

            • morse on 04/11/2023 - 11:56
              +6

              @Protractor: I don’t know if it’s a troll post, seems like genuine question, presumably OP was not wanting this question to be associated with their other account. There’s a fair bit I don’t post, deals etc because of the one account rule to maintain anonymity. I have no issue with the one account rule but I can see how it might limit people’s interactions in some circumstances.

              • Ghost47 on 04/11/2023 - 16:13
                +3

                @morse: Yeah, there are some people on OzBargain who have nothing better to do than to stalk what other people post to profile them. It's sad and weird.

                The bright side is that this thread hasn't been closed and OP can still read replies.

  • morse on 03/11/2023 - 22:19
    +2

    People use before and after school care, work weekends, one parent works early one late - a lot of options. Some ideas that have shift work:
    Disability support worker
    Hospital admin/ward clerk
    Hospitality
    Security guard
    Night fill
    Airport worker
    Bus driver
    WFH transcription
    Sex worker
    Lawn mowing
    Casual retail

    Lots of options!

    • Protractor on 03/11/2023 - 22:27

      But OP is looking for a talent-free role requiring minimum effort,maximum reward,negligible supervision and flexible accountability.

      That reads influencer to me.

      • Ozbar Gain on 03/11/2023 - 22:58

        Like a real estate agent almost?

        • Benoffie on 04/11/2023 - 01:12

          REA is not suitable for school hours work. If anything, it's the complete opposite.

  • Ozbar Gain on 03/11/2023 - 22:57

    How's about becoming a building inspector who checks out houses and compiles a lid tof defects to the buyer

  • TrustNoBody on 04/11/2023 - 08:22
    +1

    apparently driving community taxi / mini bus pays really good over $40ph n u just pick and drop off mainly elderly or disabled people to dr appointment, shopping ect ..i would 100% look into this

  • MessyG on 04/11/2023 - 08:23

    Start a school lunch making business. There are a few people doing it but if you were in my neighborhood doing it, 11/10 would buy.

  • Aust on 04/11/2023 - 09:51
    +1

    Is there any money in Uber eats delivery etc?

  • EightImmortals on 04/11/2023 - 09:52
    +9

    Yeah we're in the same boat, the Mrs is way better than earning money than I am so when the kids were about 6-7 she went back to full time and I took a break. hadn't had a holiday for about 20 years so was pretty buggered.

    As for work, firstly, if your wife is full time employed then you need to be making her life as easy as possible. For us that means I do the meals, lunches, the housework, the shopping, the bill paying, the lawns and gardens ect etc and make sure dinner is organised for the when the mob gets home. That is my priority. Once that's taken care of I do ad-hoc PC help work when called on.

    By the time the kids finished school and got work I found I was no longer employable (due to being over 50 :) ). A part time job might work out but those other priorities still exist and I've never been one to put money before family. Relying on the Mrs for the money is a bit of a humbler TBH, not in terms of pride as much as not contributing much financially but she likes her job so that's a plus. It works for us. :)

    If boredom is a factor then get out to the gym a couple of times a week before you become a couch/PC potato.

    • Pcosmic on 04/11/2023 - 10:14
      +3

      Role reversal

      • Protractor on 04/11/2023 - 12:08
        +5

        Women wanted the ceiling broken through, and some are getting their way.

  • Tomcruise on 04/11/2023 - 10:34
    -1

    See these ladies who are driving Rsnge Rovers at School Pick Up and they are all "Done up" etc. I wondered what they do for a living as they look like multi millionaires. I asked another parent and all they said was, that they are into "FANS".

  • mitt on 04/11/2023 - 14:29

    If you have a tech background/experience/qualifications you could try & go freelance/contractor small business I.T. Its unreliable in terms of hours but you get to choose when you can be booked.

  • apple2016 on 04/11/2023 - 14:40

    We were in the same position. Managed to negotiate a bit flexibility at work so i could drop kid at school and start work a bit later and finish later, and my partner used to start early and finish early to pick up the kid early.
    Its kind of impossible to work only school hrs unless you are freelancing since your effective start would be 9:30 and finish at 3. Thats just 5 hrs 30 mins including lunch.

    • CrashMonkey21 on 04/11/2023 - 18:39

      I run a fairly similar setup with my partner, we also just keep OSH as a casual option for when we both eventually have to work or something on.

  • drprox on 04/11/2023 - 14:44

    Before and after school care, it cost money but not that much.

    • conan2000 on 05/11/2023 - 08:34

      If we had to do this 5 days it would $400 per week at our school for 2 kids ($20 each per session), adds up pretty quickly…

      • drprox on 05/11/2023 - 13:19

        Geez that's expensive! After rebates I pay bugger all, something like $50 ish a week. Still if you're comparing a school time job with a full time job it could make sense.

        Edit - just realised I don't use before school and only do 3 days, carry on!

        • serpserpserp on 06/11/2023 - 12:29
          +1

          Yep. I have multiple kids, and it is cheap as after rebates.

          Plus @conan2000 , even at $400 per kid (sounds like before rebates) it would still be cheaper than childcare.

          Plus kids love the after school care stuff. Heaps of fun and socializing.

  • Ghost47 on 04/11/2023 - 16:16
    +1

    I know you can't respond to this but maybe consider starting your own gardening business or something. Would've been good to understand your skills better to be able to suggest jobs.

    • CrashMonkey21 on 04/11/2023 - 18:40

      Man with a van (or small truck)!

  • screensaver on 04/11/2023 - 18:33
    +1

    The signs at my local maccas clearly state you can work those shorter hours for kids responsibilties etc

  • capslock janitor on 04/11/2023 - 18:36

    daddy daycare

  • serpserpserp on 04/11/2023 - 18:49

    Get a WFH office job. I drop and pick the kids up every day.

    • drprox on 05/11/2023 - 13:23

      Probably negged by someone that can't but honestly our school is barely a km away, with good timing you miss 10 mins you can readily "make up" if you're in one of those jobs…

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