Research reveals the jobs most likely to ease the struggle of parenting and the best careers for new parents

CHILDCARE and counselling careers are the most ‘family friendly’ jobs, according to parents.

The most beneficial industries for parents of children between 2 and 17 years old were found to be those that offer flexible work hours, as well as the best parenting options.

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Other professions that are good for parents are teaching assistants, accounting, health and safety, or human resources.

A surprising 48% of parents wished they could work in a family-friendly setting.

And only 18 per cent feel their return to work after having a child was ‘seamless’.

New parents are most grateful for a supportive boss (34%), as well as friendly colleagues (44%).

Open Study College offers adult learners the chance to learn new qualifications online. A spokesperson said that as we reach milestones in our lives, our priorities can shift and our goals can change.

“For some people, having a family is the most important thing to them and they’re happy to let their careers take a back seat.

“For others, the exact opposite is true – they want to continue excelling in their careers and will let others help more in terms of raising the family.

“Of course, it is possible to have both, which is why being in the right career or even the right company is really key.”

A further 44% of respondents wanted an easy commute when they returned to work after having children.

But 57 per cent claim their work priorities didn’t change after having their first child.

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The majority of people whose goals changed were 48 percent unhappy with their work hours and 44% did not want to work weekends anymore.

Nearly 31% of parents have changed their careers after having children. Many people move into social or health care roles.

The study found that working parents feel good about the roles they play, but it also revealed bad jobs for work-life balance.

According to OnePoll figures, police officers ranked top because of all the paperwork they have to complete and the late shifts.

This was followed by lawyers, journalists, and security guards, while 28 per cent believe being a surgeon isn’t a particularly family-friendly role.

Open Study College’s spokesperson added: “The roles in our list are what respondents consider un-family-friendly careers.

“That’s certainly not to say there aren’t positions in the police or event management that wouldn’t be suitable for those with kids.

“In fact, as the lists show, many consider events management for example, to be a perfectly family-friendly job.” 

TOP 20 CAREERS PARENTS CONFIDENT THAT THEY HAVE THE BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY.

1. Counselling

2. Childcare

3. Health and Social Care

4. Psychology

5. Teaching assistant

6. Accounting

7. Bookkeeping

8. Event management

9. Safety and health

10. Human resources

11. Marketing

12. Nursing

13. Public relations

14. Leadership

15. Project Management

16. Beauty therapy

17. Physiotherapist

18. Nutritionist

19. Support for veterinarians

20. Estate agent

TOP 10 FAMILY FRIENDLY MOST CAREERS

1. Polic officer

2. Lawyer

3. Journalist

4. Security guard

5. Surgeon

6. Pharmacist

7. Chief executive

8. Retail salesperson

9. Guide for the tour

10. Chef