I’m worried about a clash of interests between jobs but I need the money – please help!

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.

Here, Karren gives her expert career advice to a reader who has been left to present a stressful project alone after her colleague took a last minute holiday.

Q: I work part-time as a teaching assistant in a primary school, and I recently asked if I could increase my hours to full-time.

I need the extra money, but I’ve been told there isn’t the budget to do this currently.

So, I’ve been thinking about working as a self-employed childminder on the days I’m not contracted at school, but I’m worried the senior leadership team might be annoyed if I approach parents with details of my childminding, in case they think it’s out of order or a clash of interests.

I don’t know how else I would find potential clients, though.

Please help!

Kia, via email

A) It’s fantastic you’re taking the initiative to boost your income – it sounds like becoming a self-employed childminder could be a great fit for you, especially with your experience.

Since your employer can’t offer you more hours at the moment, it’s absolutely fair for you to explore other options.

However, before you do anything else, I would check the school’s policy on outside work or speak discreetly with your line manager.

A quick, honest conversation can help clarify boundaries and prevent misunderstandings.

If promoting your services directly to parents at the school feels tricky, try alternative routes, such as Facebook groups, childcare platforms, community centres or word-of-mouth through neighbours and friends, as these can be effective.

Childminders need to ensure they are registered with Ofsted and you will need to declare any self-employed income to HMRC, so do make sure you keep accurate records.

With your skills, you’re in a strong position – just be sure to keep your school role and any private work as separate as you can.

Best of luck with your new venture!

Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.