Balancing Home Education & Work — The Devon Way

Written By Caron .

We’ve all read those blogs. You know the ones — “10 Flexible Jobs for Home Educators” — and while the ideas might sound good in theory, they often miss the point: they’re not written with real families in real places in mind.

So, this blog? This one’s for you — the Devon-based home educator wondering how to realistically balance working and learning, with ideas that actually reflect the local lifestyle.

We’re not promising overnight riches. But we are showing that it’s possible to do more than just scrape by. Many families we know are thriving - because they’ve carved out flexible, community-rooted ways of earning.

On a local home ed Facebook group, a parent shared:

“We tag-team. I work mornings, he works evenings. It’s a juggle, but we’ve made it work. The kids see us both and we keep our heads above water.”

It’s not about perfection - it’s about creating a life that fits.

And under the Flexible Working Act 2023, you have the legal right to request flexible working from day one of employment. Your employer has to consider it seriously, and respond within two months.

🏡 10 Flexible Jobs That Suit Devon Life

These aren’t generic ideas — they’re built around Devon living and real opportunities:

  1. Private Care Assistant

    • Set yourself up locally and earn around £20/hour. No need for extensive qualifications — just a compassionate nature. Many families are looking for trusted, flexible help.

  2. Housekeeper / Cleaner

    • The going rate in South Devon is £18–£22/hour. Build a small client base and work the hours that suit your home ed rhythm.

  3. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

    • With enclosed dog fields popping up across the Bay, dog care is in high demand. Great for getting outdoors too!

  4. Babysitting

    • Word-of-mouth recommendations go a long way in Devon. Babysitting during evenings or for local events is a flexible, trusted income stream.

  5. Freelance Copywriting or Admin

    • Tap into clients outside of Devon — think Exeter, Plymouth, London — and work remotely. Upwork, Fiverr, or word-of-mouth can kick-start this path.

  6. Barista in an Independent Coffee Shop

    • Flexible shifts, a friendly community, and a great way to network. Plenty of coffee spots in Totnes, Torquay and beyond love home ed-friendly staff.

  7. Seasonal Work in Torbay

    • Cafés, adventure parks, and holiday parks often hire flexible, short-term workers during peak season.

  8. TikTok Creator Fund

    • If you're creative and consistent, you can earn money by producing content. The TikTok Creator Fund pays users based on views, engagement, and content quality. It won’t replace a salary overnight, but with the right niche, it’s a great side hustle.

  9. Food Van Assistant or Owner

    • Devon’s street food scene is thriving. Know how to make gyros or woodfired pizza? Start small with pop-ups or help an existing vendor.

  10. Craft Seller or Digital Download Creator

  • Design in your downtime and sell on Etsy. Educational printables, artwork, stickers — Devon has loads of indie markets and online support networks to help you get started.

The Devon Business Community Has Your Back

This isn’t just about jobs — it’s about opportunity. Devon’s small business community is welcoming and generous with advice. There are monthly networking events, free business bootcamps, and real support out there.

👉 Check out Torbay Council for free advice, mentoring, and support setting up your own business or side hustle.

And don’t forget the golden rule down here: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Word of mouth works wonders. Say hello. Offer help. Ask around. Your perfect flexible job might be just one conversation away.

The home ed path gives you back time — time to explore, reflect, and reshape how work fits in your life. Whether that’s launching something of your own or finding part-time, flexible work that supports your family, you can make it work. We created You Can Sit With Us because we know one of the biggest challenges facing home educating families is this: how do you earn an income while also giving your child the education they deserve? It’s the question that stops so many families from taking the leap — and we wanted to help change that. By offering a safe, supervised drop-off space where children can bring their own learning, we’re giving parents the freedom to take on work, grow a business, or simply reclaim a few hours to get things done.

So next time someone tells you that home ed and earning an income don’t mix — show them Devon’s way.

Caron .