Anyone self employed?

**Anne** · 23-04-2012, 10:44am

And if so what do you do? I have resigned from my job and have until the end of august to find another one. Im considering all sorts of options atm and have wondered about being self employed. I want to be able to have the holidays so I can look after DS2, but realise that this may not be an option.

Thanks!

**Elvisola** · 23-04-2012, 10:54am

I am self employed and a childminder.

With your experience could you be a private tutor perhaps?

**bubbasweet** · 23-04-2012, 11:07am

I'm not but DH is, however I suspect info about his job isn't going to be helpful - he edits television progs.

I'm looking for something to do once my maternity leave finishes as I won't be going back to my job, so will be interested to read replies.

**donna-j** · 23-04-2012, 11:47am

I provide publishing services (editing, proofreading and project management).

**knotjustjigs** · 23-04-2012, 11:59am

I have been self employed now for 7 years, I run and online and offline business Knot Just Jigs selling traditional toys and rag dolls, I also custom make nursery accessories which I do when hubby is at work and my son is in bed. The majority of the time I work around the family, if I have time 'off' I make it up in the evening or when DS is at an activity.
I love working for myself but the downside is it can be lonely

What sort of thing are you looking at doing

**Oana** · 23-04-2012, 12:12pm

Originally Posted by Elvisola

With your experience could you be a private tutor perhaps?

Thats was my first thought too

Are you looking to leave teaching behind though?

**Anne** · 23-04-2012, 12:50pm

Im torn. I have alot of experience working in schools, so part of me wants to use that. But as Im at that point where I could divert away, I am considering it. Maybe there is something I havent considered yet. But when I see adverts for other teaching jobs, I know I dont want the hours that go with it, such as weekend and evenings.

**Jelly** · 23-04-2012, 01:02pm

I am. I do research and have recently started freelance writing (blog articles for other people, website content, that sort of thing).

**sersha** · 23-04-2012, 01:34pm

I provide publishing services too (mostly desk top publishing for print catalogues/ books, or websites) And a little bit of childminding out of school hours as well!

**scatterbrain** · 23-04-2012, 01:40pm

I am self employed.

I provide marketing & Admin services

I also have a protrait photography business

Both balance themselves out & work around the children. Buy I usually work at some point 7 days a week & often late at night. I also don't earn a hige amount due to limited available hours, although this should improve once Abi starts full time school in September.

School holidays are a juggle, but not impossible. The kids go to lots of clubs (ie at the local sports centre etc) & I make up hours at night. I'm lucky that I'm pretty flexible about when I do anything (apart from when I'm actually taking photographs of course) so rarely have to book additional childcare in the holidays. This is what makes the much lower income/less hours work for us.