Are you in the middle of a divorce and needing a job to support yourself and your family?
Perhaps you were a stay-at-home mom for years, or only worked a few hours here and there while the kids were in school. All of a sudden, you’re facing the costs of divorce–along with life as a single mom–with no income, and minimal work experience. You’re not sure what to do, or where to begin.
Before you curse your ex and shred your half-done resumé in frustration, take note:
There are jobs out there that are in high demand, and/or require minimal experience.
In this article, we’ll review the best jobs for former stay-at-home moms (or anyone getting back into the workforce), what they pay, and how to find them.
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10 best jobs for SAHMs after divorce
Nurse
Nurses–including RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, are always in high demand. Right now, in the U.S., there are 3.4 million positions open–and that’s just for RNs! And there’s actually a nursing shortage right now. So if you’re someone who enjoys helping others (and aren’t squeamish around blood and guts), this could be a great job for you.
Yes, you’d need specialized education–at least an associate degree. But once you get through school, there are plenty of opportunities available, with an average salary ranging from $34,000 (CNA) up to a whopping $93,000 for RNs!
If you need extra assistance, check with your local college or university for financial aid options. Online nursing programs are also available.
Caregiver
If you have the empathy and caring skills to be a nurse–but can’t spend the time or money on more education–consider being an at-home caregiver. This is a job that’s always in demand, with no additional education beyond a high school degree required. Plus, the job of helping others is extremely rewarding. The average salary of a caregiver or direct support professional is around $18/hr.
For those who live in the Eastern U.S., check out Help at Home for remote caregiver opportunities.
Insurance agent
Many post-divorce SAHMs have found success as an insurance agent. In this role, you’d work with companies or individuals and help them find the best insurance deals for home, auto, or life. You’d also work on claims and provide customer service for clients.
To become an insurance agent, you will need to pass a state exam to get your license, and (depending on the state) may need additional pre-license training. The pay is decent, with some estimates at over $60,000/year (salary + commission).
Realtor
Working in real estate is a great option for women reentering the workforce. Similar to becoming an insurance agent, you’d need to pass an exam, complete training hours, and obtain your license. You’ll also need someone to sponsor you. The average pay of a real estate agent in the U.S. varies, with salary typically increasing significantly with experience.
A quick caveat: Due to its flexibility and unlimited income potential, real estate agents have saturated the market in some areas, so be sure to do some research before jumping in with both feet.
Substitute teacher
If you’re not yet sure what career path to take, applying to be a substitute teacher might be a good option for you. After all, as a former SAHM, you definitely understand how to work with children!
Some school districts are in such short supply of subs that you could work often, if not daily. Degree requirements and experience vary, so check your state’s job boards before applying. The average pay of a substitute teacher in the U.S. is $22/hr., with daily rates as high as $200 in some states.
Office worker
If organization + friendly customer service is your jam, consider being an office worker. Office worker roles are available in a variety of industries, from healthcare to corporate or even automotive. Job title listings for office worker roles include administrative assistant, front desk, receptionist, and office coordinator. The pay varies, from $17 to $30/hour.
Temp worker
If you need employment right away, consider becoming a temporary (temp) worker. It’s just what the name implies–a temporary worker for roles that need to be filled, like when someone takes a leave of absence from their regular role. Temp workers can also be hired for short-term projects or when workload demands increase. As you can imagine, temp workers are needed across a variety of industries–healthcare, manufacturing, customer service, and more.
These roles are short in duration and there are no benefits, but they can sometimes lead to a full-time role within the company. Check out online staffing agencies to find temp roles near you. Pay ranges from $14-$25, with an average of $18/hour.
Customer service representative
If you enjoy chatting with people and helping them solve problems, then a customer service rep might just be perfect for you! These roles used to be primarily on-site, but many of them have shifted to online customer service roles. And typically, no formal degree is needed, as training is provided.
I worked as a bilingual customer service rep back in the day and really enjoyed it. Not only are you helping people and providing a service, but you become knowledgeable in the industry and can make friends along the way.
Bartender or barista
If chatting with people while pouring a frothy beverage sounds like something you’d enjoy, then a career as a bartender or barista might just be for you! Hours are typically flexible, pay is decent, and the ambiance can’t be beat. The average barista makes $16/hour, while bartender salaries vary–with the potential for unlimited tips! 🤑
Start your own business
If none of the above jobs seem like the right fit–or if you have an entrepreneurial spirit just waiting to get out–consider starting your own business! You get to set your own hours, be your own boss, and decide who you work for. One of my friends started her own cleaning business and is doing so well, she has a waitlist of clients! So it’s definitely a real possibility, not just a pipedream.
To get started, brainstorm a list of possible business opportunities, determine a need for them by doing some research, and decide what sounds like something you could do, based on your knowledge/skills and interest.
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I hope this list gives you some ideas of potential job options as you embark back out into the workplace. See below for additional FAQs, and happy job-hunting!
FAQs
How do I find these jobs?
It can be tough to know where to begin when job-hunting again. Here’s what has worked well for me, and what I’d recommend to get started:
Indeed.com. This site has become the go-to for online job-hunting. Just search the type of job you’re looking for, filter by location, and apply right there on the site.
Local job sites. Do a Google search for “jobs near me” and you should see a variety of local online job sites (example: [mycityname]jobs.com). Many jobs are also advertised on local radio stations or business websites.
Friends and family. Explain that you’re looking for a job, and ask if anyone knows of any openings in their company. This is how I found my last job, and I wouldn’t have known about it otherwise!
What if I don’t have experience? How do I gain it?
It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’ve been out of the job market for years and every job posting wants 1-3 years of experience. Here’s how to handle this situation:
Emphasize personal skills. Consider the skills you developed as a SAHM, and relate them to the job(s) you’re applying for. For example–for office or administrative roles, talk about how you’re great at organizing and making spreadsheets. For customer service jobs, mention how you’re a good listener and like to help problem-solve.
Mention informal experience. Maybe you didn’t get paid for a job, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a relevant experience! Applying as a caregiver? Talk about taking care of your kids and the skills that go along with that. Substitute teacher? Discuss helping your son with his math homework, and the strategies you’ve discovered to help him retain the material.
Above all, make sure you’re honest. Even if you don’t have experience for the role, emphasize your willingness and excitement to learn.
What if I’m not tech savvy?
This is a valid concern, but don’t let it stop you! I’ll never forget the great advice given to me by a college professor: “Don’t be afraid of technology. Lean into it.” It’s something I still use to this day when learning a new system or computer skill. It’s okay to click around and try things. That’s how you learn!
Here are some ways to improve your computer skills:
Local computer classes. Many cities offer basic computer classes. Check out your community library, social services, or other nonprofit resources in your area to see what’s available.
Online courses. You can find many no- or low-cost options with a quick Google search–e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for free via Microsoft Office training. YouTube also has millions of video tutorials.
Friend or relative. Ask a friend or family member who’s good with computers to show you the ropes.
Do I need a resumé?
Many roles require it, but some (like bartender), may only require an application. If you’re not sure where to begin, download a resume template online or create a very simple one using Word.
What if I’m disabled or have physical limitations?
First, please know this: having a disability or physical limitation does not mean you’ve run out of options. Many women rebuild financially and professionally after divorce by choosing work that supports their health, energy levels, and accessibility needs.
Here are a few paths to consider:
- Remote and flexible work. This could include online customer support, freelancing, or online teaching.
- Skill-based or project work, such as part-time or as-needed roles, or selling items online.
- Vocational rehabilitation programs that help people with disabilities return to the workforce. (You can search for “[your state] vocational rehabilitation services” to learn what’s available locally.)
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