When a family decides to homeschool, it is assumed that the mom will not work. However, it is possible to work and homeschool.
For many homeschool families, it is hard to live on one income. Honestly, when a family decides to homeschool, it is almost always assumed that the mom (if she works outside the home) will quit her job to take on the bulk of the homeschooling. However, it is possible to work and homeschool. Working and homeschooling can be done, one just needs to plan ahead, enlist help, and manage one’s time.
Plan Ahead
If you plan on working and homeschooling, you must plan ahead. What days do you work outside the home? If you are outside the home 3 days a week, then a four-day school schedule may need to happen. Plan for this, by adding in an extra subject or a day of work in one of those 4 days. Or, plan on homeschooling year-round, and have a four-day week every week. If you work the day shift all week long, plan on homeschooling in the evenings.
Also, look at the curriculum you plan on using, and make sure it can be done independently as much as possible. If your kids are older they could do their school while you are at work, and you can check it in the evenings or work with your kids on things they didn’t understand when you get home.
Enlist Help
If you are married and you and your spouse both plan on working, then have your husband help with the housework or the homeschooling. He could work with the kids on Science, while you make dinner. You could drill spelling words while he cleans up the kitchen. Find a balance that works for you and your spouse and make homeschooling your children a team effort.
Is it possible to have help come in one day a week? If so, look into finding someone who can come in and clean once a week, or tutor your children in a subject that you may have difficulty with. If you have parents or siblings that excel in a certain subject see if they would like to help teach that area sometimes.
Manage Your Time Well
If you plan on working and homeschooling you will want to have impeccable time management skills. You may need to learn how to say no to outside commitments, and your downtime may be minimal. Multitasking will be key, but once you find a balance that works for you, it should become a lot easier.
Homeschooling is a rewarding job and one that can be done while holding down another job. Hopefully, if you are considering working and homeschooling these tips encouraged you!
Misty Bailey is the voice behind the Southeast Homeschool Expo’s Facebook page, as well as one of the convention planners here at the Southeast Homeschool Expo. She has worked in the homeschool market for nearly a decade with a multitude of curriculum companies and as a former blogger and podcaster. She brings to the table 17 years of homeschooling experience working with her own three children, as well as founding her local homeschool group. Her goal is to encourage and inspire you on your homeschool journey by providing practical tips for real-life (not cookie-cutter perfection) homeschooling.
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