Single Parents and Work

by Michele Thorne | More from this Blogger

25 Jun 2007 07:00 AM

The average single parent has to work. They don't have the option to be a stay at home parent, as much as some of them would like to be. This means that they have to get a job just to pay for things like food, shelter, clothing and, once employed, child care. Some single parents receive child support to help pay for the basics, and some get extra, to help pay for childcare, some don't. It honestly doesn't matter whether or not they get it, because in most cases, it's not enough to live off of without still having to work. There's that word again.

Do I want to work? Not necessarily. I would love to be a stay at home mom, but I'm not. That isn't a bad thing either though. Knowing that I am supporting my child gives me a good feeling too. I know that I am in control of our finances, and I can work as much or as little as I want. So what do I do to support us? Several things. You see, even though I know I have to work, and make sure we have enough to live, I still don't like to be away from my son for long periods. I am never away from my son for more than a few hours at a time. To make sure I am not away from him for more than a few hours at a time I have a few different things I do, so my schedule is a little different than most, but I like it.

I know from experience it can be tough sometimes finding the different jobs that are flexible and make a schedule you are happy with. It is worth the hassle though, and it is possible to do. In my next blog about Single Parents working I will cover what I do to support us, and then I will write some blogs that give more ideas on flexible work ideas for you.

Learn more about Michele Thorne

Michele Thorne is an all purpose person. She is a full time single mom (her son's father is not involved in his life in any way, shape, or form) caring for her son Jonathan.

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Kori Rodley Irons (8277) 26 Jun 2007 09:10 AM

There are flexible jobs out there--a person may not be able to find just one and, many of us surely piece together a few just to keep the bases covered--but I think it is getting easier and easier to find them. I work as a freelance writer, do public relations and advertising work, and I have a more "traditional", albeit very flexible and single mom-friendly job at a magazine and publishing company. I think that single parents can also consider starting their own businesses for even more flexility and financial opportunity!