Finding work that works for you -- and your family!
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Your path to the future. A good job is your family's quickest and surest path to a brighter, more
secure future. And, because there are two of you, you have more than one option. In some
couples, one parent works at a job and the other cares for the baby, at least while the baby is
very young. Others make a plan for childcare, have a relative care for the baby, or look for part-
time work, so that both parents can earn at jobs. Whatever way you choose, a good solid job, for
one or both of you, can make the difference between getting by and getting ahead. It can also be
a great way to learn, grow, and use your talents.
If you're employed now, but want a better job. If you already have a job, that's great. With a
growing baby at home, even a less-than-ideal job is good to have. Dream job or not, at least it's
helping to pay the bills. And, when you feel the time is right, you can start looking for a better
job. A smart way to make the jump is to follow two tracks at once. At work, you can keep
smiling, arriving on time, and doing your best. Meanwhile, you can be using evenings and off
days to look for a better job. That helps keep your work record strong, and your family secure,
while you are working your way up.
If you're not employed now. Landing that first job, or a job after a period without a job, can be
tricky. Still, you do have some advantages. You have the time to find out about openings, make
applications, and go to interviews. Many people find getting up and out early every day, dressed
as if for work, is a good plan. For two or three hours, you can visit local job placement services,
search newspaper or online Help Wanted ads at a local library, or stop by at local businesses to
apply. Sooner or later, you'll find the job for you.
The job search process. Each day in the U.S., there are hundreds of thousands of people looking
for work, and almost as many employers looking for workers. To help, there's a whole system
set up to match people with open jobs. You may even be able to get free help in making a
resume, making a childcare plan, and, if you're interested, in getting any needed job training.
Programs that may help include:
Planning about childcare. If you both are planning to get jobs, and your baby won't be with a
relative while you work, you'll need a childcare plan. You may be able to get help with this from
the TANF prgram, or you can look on your own. Some options include:
If your job search is stalled by the lack of a diploma. Most career-track jobs and training
programs require at least a high school diploma. If your high school years were disrupted by
parenting, you can catch up by getting a GED, which stands for the General Equivalency Diploma.
To get a GED, you study, practice, and then take the GED test. The GED test shows that you have
the basic skills of a high school graduate, but most people don't need to take four years of daily
classes to pass it. You can take GED night classes, study at home, or even watch GED classes on
TV or video. You can learn more, including how and where to prepare, and where to take the
test in your community, from the:
If you want or need more school or training. If you have (or get) your high school diploma or
GED, there's a world of options for career training. Career training can help you to really use your
talents and interests, and often leads to higher paying jobs. A great place to start looking is the
career and training section of the U.S. Department of Labor website. You can also learn about
your options for help paying for schooling from the Federal Student Financial Aid Program.
secure future. And, because there are two of you, you have more than one option. In some
couples, one parent works at a job and the other cares for the baby, at least while the baby is
very young. Others make a plan for childcare, have a relative care for the baby, or look for part-
time work, so that both parents can earn at jobs. Whatever way you choose, a good solid job, for
one or both of you, can make the difference between getting by and getting ahead. It can also be
a great way to learn, grow, and use your talents.
If you're employed now, but want a better job. If you already have a job, that's great. With a
growing baby at home, even a less-than-ideal job is good to have. Dream job or not, at least it's
helping to pay the bills. And, when you feel the time is right, you can start looking for a better
job. A smart way to make the jump is to follow two tracks at once. At work, you can keep
smiling, arriving on time, and doing your best. Meanwhile, you can be using evenings and off
days to look for a better job. That helps keep your work record strong, and your family secure,
while you are working your way up.
If you're not employed now. Landing that first job, or a job after a period without a job, can be
tricky. Still, you do have some advantages. You have the time to find out about openings, make
applications, and go to interviews. Many people find getting up and out early every day, dressed
as if for work, is a good plan. For two or three hours, you can visit local job placement services,
search newspaper or online Help Wanted ads at a local library, or stop by at local businesses to
apply. Sooner or later, you'll find the job for you.
The job search process. Each day in the U.S., there are hundreds of thousands of people looking
for work, and almost as many employers looking for workers. To help, there's a whole system
set up to match people with open jobs. You may even be able to get free help in making a
resume, making a childcare plan, and, if you're interested, in getting any needed job training.
Programs that may help include:
- Your state employment office. Every state and most counties have offices to help people
find jobs. These offices can put you in touch with employers who need workers now, and
may also be able to help you to find job training programs. Some offices also offer practical
help in making resumes, setting up job interviews, and/or finding quality, affordable
childcare. For eligible workers who were laid off, or were injured on the job, state
employment offices may offer cash benefits. You can find your state or county
employment office by clicking here.
- Job services through TANF. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
offers job training and placement services even beyond what most state employment
offices offers. The TANF program may, for example, help you to find -- and maybe even help
pay for -- job training, childcare, and/or transportation to and from work. Placements may
also be more tuned in to family needs, such as the need for family-friendly work hours and
location. So, if you haven't already looked into the TANF program, it might be worth it for
the job placement help alone. For more info.on TANF, click here.
Planning about childcare. If you both are planning to get jobs, and your baby won't be with a
relative while you work, you'll need a childcare plan. You may be able to get help with this from
the TANF prgram, or you can look on your own. Some options include:
- Head Start and Early Head Start. These well-known programs, in communities
- across the country, were actually designed more to help children learn than to let their
parents work. Head Start programs are intended to give pre-school aged children lots of
hands-on learning in a safe, caring setting, and can help children to later do well in school.
Early Head Start carries that idea to an even younger age, offering care and chances to
learn for children from birth on. Head Start may not solve all your childcare needs, since
hours may be limited, but it's a great program which may at least help. To find a Head Start
or Early Head Start program near you, click here.
- Child Care Aware. This is a national listing of local child care resources, which can help you
to find local programs. Child Care Aware lists free programs like Head Start, as well as
programs that charge fees but may have more flexible hours. To visit Child Care Aware,
click here.
If your job search is stalled by the lack of a diploma. Most career-track jobs and training
programs require at least a high school diploma. If your high school years were disrupted by
parenting, you can catch up by getting a GED, which stands for the General Equivalency Diploma.
To get a GED, you study, practice, and then take the GED test. The GED test shows that you have
the basic skills of a high school graduate, but most people don't need to take four years of daily
classes to pass it. You can take GED night classes, study at home, or even watch GED classes on
TV or video. You can learn more, including how and where to prepare, and where to take the
test in your community, from the:
- U.S. Department of Education (Search: GED);
- American Council on Education (Click on: GED Testing Services); and
- Public Broadcasting Service (PBS-TV)
If you want or need more school or training. If you have (or get) your high school diploma or
GED, there's a world of options for career training. Career training can help you to really use your
talents and interests, and often leads to higher paying jobs. A great place to start looking is the
career and training section of the U.S. Department of Labor website. You can also learn about
your options for help paying for schooling from the Federal Student Financial Aid Program.
Strengthening Young Families
