Working From Home: Getting Started
 Many working mums and dads feel that work can take over, leaving you short of time for your family and yourself. At the other end of the spectrum, there are parents who would love to work and earn some money but can’t find an opportunity with the right hours to fit with the kids.
Antonia Chitty has written a book, Family Friendly Working, which is packed with practical tips and ideas. Here are her top tips to help you find the right work life balance.
Feeling Flexible
If you have a job already, do you know your rights to flexible working? This may be the best solution for you and your employer. You have the right to ask to change the hours you work, and the employer has to listen to your request. They benefit from having a less stressed out employee too. You could ask to start and finish work earlier, or work fewer hours, or do more hours at some times of the year.
Hobby Horse
Why not turn your hobby into a business? This is not a way to get rich quick, but plenty of women, and a few men, find that they can boost the family budget while doing something they enjoy. You may be an avid collector and want to turn your hand to selling as well as buying. If you are a crafty type, start selling your creations at local craft fairs or through online craft marketplaces like www.tuggle.co.uk.
Sell Your Skills
Set up a service. You may have a skill that will allow you to go freelance, like web design. You could think about becoming a virtual assistant offering typing and admin services. Or, could you offer to do ironing, collect dry cleaning or wait in for deliveries for busy office workers. Think about what could fit into school hours, evenings or nap times.
Direct Action
Look into direct selling. Pick a product you like, and which will sell well in your local area. Check that there aren’t lots of reps competing for the same sales. To be a successful rep you need to look beyond family and friends, and make the most of opportunities to sell at groups and get people to hold parties for you.
Support Network
Get some support. You aren't the only person in this position. Join a women’s networking forum like giantpotential.ning.com or find support on a parenting forum. If you are starting your own business contact your local enterprise agency too.
 See www.familyfriendlyworking.co.uk for more ideas and resources, and an extract of the Family Friendly Working book
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