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WITI WOMEN
Women In Technology Can Work Part Time
I say yes. Most women with experience in a professional occupation or high-tech career can quit a full-time job to go out on their own. In as little as two years, you can build a part-time business, in order to have a more flexible and satisfying life. But first, let's define part-time. "Part-time" means different things to different people. In traditional models, people work 40 hours or more per week, and earn a standard annual salary, paid weekly or monthly. Working part-time doesn't necessarily mean working only 20 hours or less per week. "Part-time" can mean many things. For some, it means working only a few hours per day, or one or two days each week. Some professionals work on a project for an extended time (two or three months), and then have several months off. What it boils down to is building up your business in order to have the payoff of having flexibility in your life. So, what are some part-time options for professional women who want a home-based flexible career? Well, not everyone wants to sell Tupperware© or Mary Kay©. To borrow a line from Seinfeld, "Not that there's anything wrong with that," it's just not a business model that is appealing or well-suited to everyone. If you are an accountant, attorney, technical writer, computer trainer, software instructor, marketing professional, project manager, or perhaps something else I haven't thought of, then there are many professional options you can do part-time. Women in a technical field (computer programming or training, software engineering, or telecommunications) have an advantage when going out on their own. Why? Because they can obtain technical certifications which increase both marketability and credibility. Certifications (also called "designations") are offered through various industries, organizations, or software or other high-tech manufacturers. These "seals of approval" are awarded to qualified professionals in various fields. Certifications can be used for teaching or consulting, and there is demand for individuals who can provide those services. Companies tend to hire certified professionals because they know they are qualified to do the work. Have you ever considered teaching software, computer, or other technical classes for a living? A Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) is an example of a certified professional authorized to teach Microsoft software. What about becoming a freelance writer or a technical writer? How about a professional public speaker, seminar presenter, or a life coach? There are many certifications available in each of these professions. Granted, teaching software classes may not be something you have always strived for or dreamed of doing your entire life. I'm not suggesting that these career options will be or have always been your ultimate goal, however they do give you the flexibility to spend more time with your family. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a good income, keep your skills fresh in your career field, and have time to be actively involved in your children's lives? So many professional women wonder what they are going to do with their career once they marry and have children. Many don't want to return to the workplace full-time, but don't know what other options are out there. Women who have invested time and money achieving an education don't want to risk losing their skills, knowledge or income if they decide to quit working in order to stay home full time with their families. In today's high-tech world, more women are computer literate and hold college degrees than ever before. Why not use your existing skills to do something more flexible? Becoming a freelance writer or a software instructor gives you the flexibility to keep one foot in a career, at least part-time. But I thought it was a lot of hard work to start a business? It is. In fact, you will not be working part time at first. When you are self-employed, there is always something you can be doing to market and sell your services. There is no "down time." The trick is to build up your business first, to get it to the point where you can go part time. After getting through the hard part (start up phase) of a business, you can "pick and choose" the jobs you would like to work on. When you have children, you make a lot of personal sacrifices on their behalf. You have an identity change as you go from being however you previously defined yourself to being your child's mom. If it is important to you to have enough time to be involved in your child's life, then it is worthwhile to explore these part-time options and make another identity change - this time, in a professional capacity.
What is your point of view? Please post your thoughts on the discussion board.
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Many career-oriented women say they would like to work part-time, especially after having a baby, but given our fast-paced and busy lives, is it really realistic?