In many respects, a career is a mindset. It is how we view the work we do, where we want to go with it, and what we want from it.
Traditionally, a career was something you decided on early in life which was set for life. Today – due to economic changes, the ability to work remotely, advances in technology and AI – careers and the nature of the work we do are much more changeable, even for those who trained for many years for their professions. People are known to have up to seven careers and maybe 10-12 jobs in their lifetime, so it’s not uncommon to see a zigzag career path on a resume these days.
Adaptability and innovation are highly sought after qualities in the modern workforce and single mothers have that in spades. Career guidance involves steps to help you identify the kinds of work you want to do and how to shape that into the career you want.
Making a career choice?
If you are making a choice about what career pathway you may like to pursue, it’s important to understand your own identity. Many people will have advice and opinions, but you know yourself best.
Consider who is the woman behind the mum: what drives her, what inspires her, what makes her get up in the morning, beside concern for her kids?
Maybe you don’t want a career for now, rather a flexible local job that gives you enough time to manage your kids and wellbeing.
Maybe you have a job but just need to upskill to move sideways.
Maybe you are using time on a parenting payment or savings to complete a study course or work toward a five-year goal, perhaps even your own business.
Whatever your choices, jot down some thoughts and having a go at a few career quizzes. This website has some quizzes and a lot of information about different careers in Australia. Do note that these are guides and will not suit everyone.
Defining or Changing Careers
Changing careers is a big decision and most people do it to achieve a better earnings prospect, better work/life balance or a more flexible situation. It’s now quite common for people in their 40s and 50s to retrain for something new.
As a single mum, you are not alone in starting out on a new career path, or in reinventing your side hustle or job prospects. In fact, you are one of many pivoting to suit individual and family needs.
Many single mothers have faced family trauma, difficult circumstances and challenging life decisions where surviving as a sole parent is paramount, and work and career have had to take a backseat. Starting again and/or reinventing yourself is something to feel really proud of, and is a powerful role model for your children.
Here are a few articles with suggestions for types of roles or career that would suit a single mum beginning again or looking for flexible options:
Jobs-that-fit-into-school-hours-for-single-mums
Seeking support to make a new career decision is both helpful and constructive. The work world changes rapidly, and if you have not worked for a while or have a qualification with limited workplace currency, career advice could be your best starting point.
Online Resources
On Your Career, you can search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get started. It contains information about industries you can work in, occupations you can explore, skill and credentials you can acquire including online study and micro credentials. Short courses known as micro credentials are one of the fastest-growing post-secondary course types in the market. They are tailored and outcome-based and often driven by industry needs. Readily accessible to learners, these complement vocational qualifications and/or enhance your learning.
My Future provides resources to explore career pathways and tools to develop self-knowledge to assist with career decision-making. It contains career quizzes, articles, activities, and suggestions to move forward, including a career blueprint. While this blueprint is designed for career counsellors, if you like theory about how the phases of our personal, work and family lives are strong determinants in the choices we make, you may find it helpful.
Skills Checkpoint has a training fund that provides career advice and support for Australians over 40 who are at risk of losing work or recently out of work. It has strict eligibility criteria, and those receiving Centrelink payments are not eligible. The fund provides $2200 for new training.
Industry information
Industry information such as position descriptions, qualifications and what is expected in that industry are helpful to understand.
If you want to work in the Victorian public sector
If you are in another State or Territory, you can google for similar government sites.
Face to Face Career Guidance Counselling
The Skills and Jobs Centres Victoria are a great resource. They offer free career, employment and training support services. The centres are open to all members of the community whatever your current employment status. All services are FREE! You can have one session or more and return multiple times if you are applying for new jobs, need interview practice, confidence boosts, or things like support with LinkedIn.
See Skills and Jobs Centres for further detail, or find your nearest Skills and jobs centre here.
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