After two years of upheaval, lockdown and isolation, workers across all sectors have found themselves itching for a career change.
Whether it’s better pay, more flexible hours, a greater work-life balance or simply something more fulfilling, many are starting to question their purpose in the workplace and seeking a change of pace.
And if you’re someone who enjoys spending time with children, a career working with them can be highly rewarding. And if you’re a parent, you’ll already have a wealth of skills that can be used in just about any profession with kids.
Looking for your next job? Take a look at these five fantastic ideas.
1. Early Years Education
Teaching is a rewarding career, and as an early years teacher you’ll be imparting vital skills and developmental knowledge to young children, supporting them as they begin their lifelong journey into education.
There are many ways to qualify for a role in early years education – for instance, ARU Distance Learning offer an Education with Early Childhood MA as an online degree for those who prefer flexible, independent study – and once you embark on this path, you’ll have the opportunity to make a major difference in the early educational experiences of children.
2. School counsellor
With a rising demand on children’s mental health services, school counsellors provide a unique role of support within the education system.
In this career path, you’ll have the chance to assist children through difficult times in their lives, identify potential issues that present barriers to education, and give them valuable psychological tools to handle challenging circumstances.
3. Childcare
If you’re already adept at looking after kids of your own, childcare might just be the perfect career for you.
There are many ways you can go about this – independent childcare workers may be required to register with their local council, but you will also enjoy a degree of flexibility in being your own boss.
4. Social worker
This is potentially the most challenging career on this list – as a social worker, you’ll be responsible fo the safeguarding and care of children in difficult living situations.
But it can also be highly rewarding, and if you’re prepared to take on the challenge, this career could give you the chance to make a life-changing difference to children and young people
5. Librarian
While not a directly child-facing role, in any position working with the public, you’ll have the chance to spend time with children.
And as a librarian, you’ll be able to nurture an early love of reading in children and young people, recommending books and supporting literacy.
This career is ideal for you if you have strong organisational skills, as well as a personable nature and a standard set of basic IT skills.
Want a career with children and young people? These are just five opportunities with the potential for high reward.