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Balancing work, study, parenting, and the rest of your responsibilities is rarely straightforward. When you’re caring for young children, you need more than just a job — you need something that fits around your family, not the other way around. Luckily flexible job opportunities are becoming more common across different industries, and with the right approach, you can find work that supports your goals without compromising on your role as a parent.

So, how can you find flexible work? From industries that offer flexibility to training options and tips for negotiating flexible arrangements, here’s what parents and carers should know.

What makes a job ‘flexible’?

A flexible job is one that allows you to work in a way that suits your life outside of work. Flexibility can look different depending on the role, but it might include:

• Working part-time or casual hours
• Shifts that fit with school or childcare routines
• The option to work from home some or all of the time
• Job-sharing arrangements
• The ability to change hours when needed

In Australia, parents and carers have a legal right to request flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act. This means eligible employees can ask their employer to adjust hours, patterns or locations of work to better suit their family responsibilities. Employers must seriously consider these requests and can only refuse on reasonable business grounds.

Industries with flexible job opportunities

While almost any job can be flexible if the employer has flexible working policies in place, some industries are known for offering options that suit parents and carers.

Health and community services

Nursing, aged care, disability support and community work often have shift-based structures. This means you can pick hours that align with childcare or partner schedules. These jobs are also in high demand, with good opportunities for training and career growth.

Education and childcare

Working in schools, kindergartens or childcare centres can align with your children’s routines. Teacher aides, early childhood educators, and out-of-school-hours carers often have shorter or flexible shifts that suit parents.

Retail and hospitality

While weekend or evening shifts aren’t for everyone, retail and hospitality can offer flexibility for parents who have support at home during those times. These jobs can also be stepping stones to management roles or building your own business.

Administration and office support

Admin roles can often be done remotely or part-time. Many organisations now offer hybrid work arrangements, making it possible to work from home a few days a week.

Gig and self-employed work

Driving, delivery services, online freelancing and running your own small business can give you control over when and how much you work. While income may be less predictable, it can provide freedom if you need maximum flexibility.

Training and study options to consider

Some flexible job opportunities require formal qualifications, while others don’t. If you’re thinking about study, here are a few accessible options:

• Short courses and certificates: Areas like aged care, disability support, business administration and childcare often have entry-level certificates that can be completed in months, not years.
• Skill-based training: Digital skills, bookkeeping, and customer service are highly valued and can often be learned through free or low-cost programs.
• Driver training: Gaining or upgrading your licence can open up delivery, community transport and care roles. Parent Pathways can support you in getting your drivers license.
• Pathway programs: Some employers provide paid traineeships or apprenticeships, letting you earn while you learn.

If you’re not sure what you’d like to study, read more on our guide to finding a field of study for you: ‘What should I study?’ A guide for adult learners 

How to request flexible working arrangements

If you’re already working in a role that you think could be tweaked to accommodate more flexibility, it’s worth having a conversation with your employer. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Be clear on what you need. Think about the type of flexibility that will genuinely help you. It could be reduced hours, starting or finishing earlier, working from home a few days a week, or arranging specific shifts that fit around school drop-offs or childcare. The more specific you can be, the easier it is for your employer to understand and accommodate your request.
2. Think about your employer’s needs. Flexibility works best when it’s a win-win. Consider how your proposed arrangement might affect workloads, deadlines, or team schedules, and suggest ways to make it work. For example, if you want to leave early one day a week, you could offer to make up the time on other days, or take on tasks that can be done remotely.
3. Put it in writing. A conversation is a great first step, but a written request keeps everything clear and helps avoid misunderstandings. You can outline what you’re asking for, why it’s important, and how you see it working in practice. A short email or formal letter works well and gives both you and your employer a reference point.
4. Be open to negotiation. Your employer might not be able to agree to every detail exactly as you’ve proposed, and that’s okay. Think about what’s most important to you and where you could be flexible. Often, a compromise can give you meaningful flexibility while still meeting your employer’s needs, like agreeing to trial the arrangement for a few months before making it permanent.

How we can help

Flexible job opportunities are about creating a balance that supports your family, your wellbeing and your future goals. If you’re not sure where to start but know you’d like to return to work or study, Parent Pathways can connect you with a mentor who will listen, guide you through your options, and support you every step of the way. Check out your eligibility here.