Foster care comes with a schedule that’s anything but predictable. There are school runs, therapy sessions, court dates, social worker visits, and about a million tiny things that pop up with very little warning. So, when it comes to work, flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s sort of essential. And that’s where remote jobs can really come into their own.
Now, not all remote jobs are created equal. Some still expect you to be glued to a screen from nine till five, which, let’s be honest, kind of defeats the point. But others, the more understanding and human ones, allow you to work in bits and pieces throughout the day. A bit before breakfast, a bit after the school run, and maybe a little more once everyone’s finally settled for the night. That’s the sweet spot.
Jobs with a Bit of Breathing Room
One area that tends to work well is writing or editing. Content creation, blogging, copywriting, proofreading, those sorts of roles. They’re often deadline-based rather than hour-based, which means you can work when it suits you (well, mostly). If a child needs an impromptu cuddle or a meltdown takes over the afternoon, you can usually make up the time later.
Customer support can be a good shout too, especially if it’s chat or email-based rather than phones. Phone calls can be tricky with noisy little humans in the background, but if you’re typing replies rather than speaking, it’s a bit more doable. Some companies even offer evening or weekend shifts, which might work better around the busier parts of the day.
Then there are the more creative jobs, like virtual assistant roles, social media management, light graphic design (if you’re a bit arty), or even online tutoring. Tutoring’s a great one, actually. If you’re already used to helping young people with homework, it can feel quite natural. And the one-to-one aspect makes it surprisingly rewarding.
Don’t Underestimate Passion Projects
Sometimes, the best job isn’t really a “job” to begin with. It might start as a hobby or a little side thing, like selling handmade crafts online, running a blog, or offering pet-sitting in the neighbourhood. These can slowly grow into proper income, without the pressure of a full-time commitment right away. Plus, they let you stay close to home, which is half the battle. And it’s always great if you can turn something you enjoy into something that also pays the bills, even if just a bit.
The Magic of Asynchronous Work
The holy grail, really, is asynchronous work. That’s just a fancy way of saying you’re not expected to be online at the same time as everyone else. You do your part, someone else does theirs, and it all fits together like a slightly chaotic jigsaw puzzle. But it works. And it means you can actually be there fully when a child needs you.
Of course, it takes a bit of trial and error. What works one week might not the next, but that’s alright. The key is finding something that gives you wiggle room. Because, when you foster with an agency like ISP Fostering, wiggle room is everything.
And at the end of the day, if the job lets you keep one foot in the world of grown-ups while still being fully present for the little ones, well, that’s a bit of a win, isn’t it?