These days, the idea of a ‘stay at home’ mom, waiting to greet the kids with a plate of freshly baked cookies, is a concept as arcane as typewriters and carbon paper. The American family is evolving past the Norman Rockwell stereotype at warp speed. Two-income households are the norm and many women shoulder their families’ financial responsibilities alone. In a recent Career Builder’s survey, 1 in 4 women are unhappy with their work/family balance, and a majority of these women say they are willing to give up financial gain for more family time.

A flat economy and an even flatter job market seem to indicate the options are few for working moms, but there are some excellent, varied opportunities, whether you are looking for full-time employment or part-time work.

• Teacher – Education is a true growth profession and allows working parents to share the same schedule as their kids.

• Hairstylist – Many salons offer part-time options and flexible schedules.

• Personal Shopper – If you love to shop, getting paid to scout the stores, get paid for it and have a flexible schedule may be just perfect for you.

• Writer – Content, editorial or copy writing presents a world of opportunity for telecommuting scribes.

• Photographers – This is a field that is dominated by independent entrepreneurs, so if cameras are your passion, turning pro may be a good choice.

• Financial Adviser – Many financial institutions offer employees possibilities like compressed schedules and job sharing.

• Architects/Designers – In this arena, the number of self-employed professionals are three times the national average.

• Physician/Dentist – A private practice allows you to set your own schedule.

• Retail Sales – For moms looking to supplement the family income, these jobs offer both full and part-time opportunities, flexible hours and employee discounts.

• Computer Software Engineer – The tech business offers telecommuting and other flextime opportunities in order to attract top talent.

If you are exploring career options, now might be a perfect time to consider enrolling in a degree or training program that can put you of track for one of these jobs or professions. On line sources like Top-Colleges can connect you with programs that fit your lifestyle and your budget. Making an investment in your education now can mean real rewards for you and your kids.

So take a look at some of the alternatives and start building for your family’s future.