Homeschooling While Working
By the time I began homeschool- ing in 2005, I was already working part-time as a bookseller. In fact, except for postpartum breaks, I
had always worked at least a little. Money
was tight, so every dollar counted. For all
eight homeschool years, I continued to
work—first as a bookseller and later as a
homeschool group teacher.
Choosing to work was solely a financial
decision. Over time, however, I discovered
that money shouldn’t be the only consideration. Other factors are also important, sometimes even more so.
If you are considering a part-time
job, consider these pros and cons
first.
Pros
• For a parent who isn’t able
to socialize with other
adults regularly, a job can
provide a change of pace.
I am a homebody and don’t
usually mind spending entire
days at home. With five children
and a to-do list needing constant attention,
though, my days could seem agonizingly
long. I didn’t always feel like going to work
in the evenings, yet bookselling often helped
recharge me for the next day. The intellect-
ual stimulation, interactions with custom-
ers, and uninterrupted breaks served as
much-needed mental refreshment.
• If well-chosen, a job can boost a
homeschool.
When I began homeschooling, I was
familiar with lesson planning
and classroom organization but had no idea how
to teach children their
“three R’s.” Carefully chosen curricula helped me
the most, of course, but
surprisingly, my part-time jobs helped, too.
In fact, homeschooling
and my jobs complemented each other, helping me improve in both.
Bookselling introduced
schooling While Working www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
by Cheri Blomquist
It’s Not All About Money:
Pros and Cons
of Parents Who Work
While Homeschooling
Before you take the leap, spend time weighing
the potential hidden costs and benefits.
