During the Regency era, women’s career options were influenced by their social class and the prevalent societal norms. Here’s a breakdown of the types of careers women could have during this period, as gleaned from various sources:

Social class and occupations

1. Upper class women: Affluent young women of the upper class were primarily expected to fulfill traditional roles as wives and mothers. However, an educated woman of means could pursue a career as a novelist, while less well-off but well-bred women could work as companions, chaperones, or governesses.
2. Middle class women: Middle-class women had more diverse options. They could engage in businesses, such as bookshops or libraries, or work as businesswomen, as exemplified by figures like Eleanor Coade, a British businesswoman who ran a successful business in the 18th century.

Governesses and companions

1. Governesses: For young women of respectable birth with a good education, becoming a governess was a viable option. This allowed them to receive income or payment in the form of bed and board while maintaining their status as the daughters of gentlemen.
2. Companions: Women could also work as companions to ladies, providing support and assistance in various capacities, often under the name of gratitude.

Working and lower-middle class women

1. Factory workers: Among the working and lower-middle classes, young girls could work in factories, as servants, seamstresses, washerwomen, or even run their own businesses without social stigma.

The career options available to women during the Regency era were influenced by their social class and prevailing societal norms. While upper-class women were primarily expected to fulfill traditional roles, middle-class and lower-class women had diverse occupational choices, ranging from business ventures to working as governesses or companions. These career options offer insight into the social and economic dynamics of the Regency era, reflecting the opportunities and constraints faced by women during this period.