4 months ago 20th Feb 09:46
Career break mums would rather go back to school than back to work with 91 per cent stating that a job in education was best suited to working mums, according to a survey compiled by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA).
Mums with children under 16 were asked to vote for the jobs which they thought would be best for mothers returning to work and voted for a career in education above working in the health sector (69 per cent), retail (73 per cent), finance (55 per cent), HR (57 per cent) and sales (60 per cent). The legal profession was seen as one of the worst jobs for mothers returning to work, with none of those questioned claiming that it suited them.
The renewed ambition and passion of mothers returning to the workplace was also revealed with the survey showing that 51 per cent want to develop their career, and a further 67 per cent are looking to be challenged. As well as career development, mums returning to work also need part-time hours (79 per cent) and flexible working arrangements (86 per cent).
The survey also brought up the challenges of returning to the workplace after a career break. Only 33 per cent of people surveyed felt that they were ‘treated like an equal’, 45 per cent managed to juggle work and family life and a low 12 per cent had received opportunities to further their career.
The figures are released ahead of a new drive to attract female workers back into the teaching profession, which currently sees an average of 9,100 return each year.
Miranda Platt said that: “Taking time out from the classroom really made me realise how much I loved working in teaching - I missed the children, I missed my colleagues, and I even missed the challenges! Sitting stuck behind a desk just doesn’t compare. When I came back, I was concerned about how I might juggle family commitments and childcare but I’m working part-time and I’m even on new courses to build my experience and salary. Many schools are now offering flexible working and job sharing opportunities. Perfect for mums like me!”
Graham Holley, Chief Executive of the TDA comments:
More about Working Mums Yearn to Go Back to School on page 2
Your Comments:
by Susie - 22:16:12 8th Mar 2008
I am a mum of a 3 year old and a 1 year old and a teacher. I have found that teaching is inflexible and not child friendly. When children are ill coll... READ MORE
by Mark Sellars - 20:26:23 20th Feb 2008
I think it's great people want to start learning again - i was never so great at school but have worked much harder in recent years.