I am currently working full time and would like to switch jobs so that I can have a schedule similar to my childrens schedule. I have never been able to have the whole summer off etc...

My husband is ok with this, but Still wants me to work the school year and keep close to the same salary but try to have the summers off. I have been applying at several school systems figuring thats the best way to work this out. I have not had any luck yet. Does anyone else have any other job ideas I can pursue. Someone mentioned Target and places like that but I dont think they are going to want to give me the summer, christmas break etc off.

Any other ideas????

How about substitute teaching?

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Have you thought about babysitting? That is what I'm currently doing, and making decent money at it. I've only got 2 kids, though. I don't want a lot of kids, and it's working out perfect for me.

I don't know how much you are making now, but most schools don't pay aids, cafeteria workers or any other staff much money at all. They don't around here, anyway.

The schools around here require 60 college credit hours to sub.

I do not make much money. I did consider babysitting as I used to do that, but then my summers would be tied up again. I was hoping to have a totally free summer to go places with my kids. I know that sounds a bit selfish, but my kids are 12 and 9 and they are not getting any younger, and thats really hitting me lately.

there are so many jobs available w/i the school system that don't require too much-teacher's aide, lunchroom (even those cafeteria workers make an ok wage), and even the janitorial ppl here make btwn 20-30K per year. Also, check out if you have a Lifetouch photo factory near where you live. They are the ppl that take the school photos-they are off for most of the summer as well. As far as babysitting goes-my best friends mom did daycare-she only sat for teacher's kids. She started w/ one, got a good reputation, then ended up with a houseful. They were always out by 4pm, and she got some really good vacations.

you could do taxes. That's why my mom first got into doing taxes...work Jan-April and then have the summers free. It's not easy work though

our district is always hiring lunch aids, etc or library help

You could babysit and have in your contract that the job ends on such and such a date. Problem is, you probably couldn't take school holiday breaks off unless the parent is a teacher that gets that day off too.

something you could do at home: ebay, amazon, etc

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

Ok I went and filled out an application at lifetouch, I will see if they call and see what they have to offer.

I have put in applications at several school systems but have not heard from them yet.

On the taxes, I have never done taxes. Did she have training in that or was she a support person?

Thanks for the ideas so far.

On the Lifetouch thing.. I worked for Jostens in a yearbook facility, got hired in February and laid off June/July-ish and then re-hire sometime in Dec/Jan/Feb. They only keep a bare minimum staff during those off-times (because they do things other than yearbooks I guess).

For taxes: you have to be good with numbers. You have to pass a tax test. I'm not sure what they require now...my mom has been doing it since I was 7 and I am 33! A lot of tax prep places like H&R block probably hire out help for the "busy" season (usually ends in late April or May with extentions). Perhaps helping as support there?

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

You mentioned you wouldn't mind babysitting. I have a friend that only babysits after school until 6:30, she watches 5 kids and makes $50 per child. She doesn't work Christmas and Thanksgiving break or summers, but does take care of the kids (at no extra charge) on days the kids are off, like in-service days or snow days. For a few hours a day $250 isn't bad a week, just an idea.

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I don't know exactly where you are, but around here we have lots of ski places (I wouldn't call them resorts) and they are busy from around Thanksgiving through April or so I believe. I don't know if you have anything like that around you?

And I have a friend who drives a bus and loves it.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Something like watching 5 kids DOES require you to be a licensed childcare [provider (unless all 5 kids are siblings and even then I know my state would require a license) so there may be additional costs factored in OP will need to think about (taxes, etc).

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I have a friend who would only babysit chidren of teachers = summers off!