According to the most recent available census data (“Custodial Mothers and Fathers and their Child Support: 2007”, issued November 2009), almost 80% of single mothers work, either full- or part-time. That’s a significant workforce, and you belong there, too!
Although it’s often necessary to take any job you can get, just to put food on the table, as a single mother you’ll be happiest in a job that allows you to address these main concerns:
Flexibility
Single mothers may not have a person they can rely on without fail to pick up a child at school, or watch a child who’s sick at home. Perhaps another family member or friend can step in at times like this, but if not, it would be nice to have a job where you can bring your work home, or arrange to stay late another day to catch up.
Benefits
Insurance, paid time off, 401K and cafeteria plans for health and child care expenses are all benefits that are worth seeking (although insurance in many cases is so expensive you might be better off finding your own plan tailored to your exact needs, rather than paying a set rate based on what other people accept).
Income
The census report mentioned above tells us that 27% of single mothers earn less than the income classified as federal poverty level (currently about $18,000 – $23,000 for a family of 3). This is not an impossible figure to work with, but so much depends on where you live and family circumstances. It would be nice to earn enough so that you can save money for all the small emergencies that tend to blow our budgets if we’re earning exactly what we need to stay even.
Time
You are the most important person in your children’s life. If you have to work, so be it—so does most everyone else. But if you can possibly find a job that gives you enough time to spend with your kids and enjoy their growing-up years, you won’t regret it. Work like a maniac for the 6 months or year that it might take to acquire further education and training that will qualify you for a higher-paying job, so you can support your family working a regular schedule. You’ll most likely find that this kind of job also offers more of the flexibility and benefits you seek.
Education, Training, Career Preparation
If you have never held a job before, or don’t have a clear idea of what kind of work you’re qualified for, there are many sources that have tools to help you evaluate your career options.
Workforce/One Stop Centers
The US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) partially funds Workforce and One Stop centers. These are a valuable resource for the job seeker, and they are in every state. In addition to their online tools, the greatest benefit of these centers is that you can go there in person for help with resumes and your personal job search. For Workforce Centers/One Stop centers in your state, click the following link:
The ETA itself has a helpful website with a “Find Job and Career Info” section. There are programs, resources and online tools to help workers in all stages of job and career development. Assessing your skills, deciding on a career that fits those skills, and help on preparing for your career are all included. You might start here on your own, and then pay a visit to the One Stop/Workforce center in your area.
Learn More To Earn More
If it seems that you’re just not qualified for any jobs that will give you a satisfactory combination of flexibility/benefits/income/time, take a step back before falling into the “anything is better than nothing” trap. Spend at least a few hours or days really thinking about whether you can come out ahead by investing now in education or training that will qualify you. It can take less than a year to complete the requirements for some certifications that will bump your income potential by thousands.
First see if government financial aid is available to help you get qualified. The links above will be helpful for that, as well.
Next, contact community colleges, universities or specialty schools in your area. They will send a catalog describing courses and certifications, and will also have information about all types of financial aid, not just the big government programs. At the very least, they will have a number you can call to ask any questions.
If no aid is available for the kind of training you need, you might be able to find a scholarship designed to help single mothers acquire the skills they need to advance. The following site has links to just such specialized scholarships, and also has an advanced search feature so you can find even more opportunities to help fund any further training or education you need.
Job Ideas For Single Mothers
If none of the above is for you, you already know your skills, you know how the job game works, and you want to try something different. In short, you’re just looking for some ideas to jump-start your imagination. Take a look below, and if anything strikes your fancy, investigate further on the internet or in the library.
Temporary Work Agencies
Temporary work is an excellent entry point to employment, both due to the flexibility it affords and the opportunities it presents for exploring the job market. Some people enjoy the variety of work so much they never consider accepting an offer of permanent employment. This can be ideal for the single mom, since you can continually tailor your assignments to work around the needs of your children over time.
There are both national and local temporary agencies; given here are links to some of the better-known national agencies. For local companies, look in your phone book, in the newspaper, or search online for temporary agencies in your area.
Manpower: http://www.manpower.com/
Kelly Services: http://www.kellyservices.com/web/global/services/en/pages/index.html
Adecco: http://www.adeccousa.com/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Child Day Care
If finding day care for your children while you’re working is a problem, why not provide it yourself? It’s best to become certified, but perhaps you can find a job at or near your child’s own day care center while you’re undergoing the training to become a child care professional yourself:
Multi-Level Marketing
There’s more than Avon out there. Read the article linked below to be sure you understand the difference between multi-level marketing and a pyramid scheme (which is a scam), and then search the internet for MLM opportunities that interest you. You might find the perfect fit!
Earn Extra Income
Become an online freelancer, pet-sit for neighbors, transform a unique skill into a money-making venture. Here are six good ideas for earning extra income:
Work-At-Home Moms Organization
HBWM is a professional association and online community of parents who work at home and those who would like to. HBWM provides its members with support, networking, free advertising options, information, a monthly (print) newsletter, email discussion list, searchable member directory, member spotlights and corporate discounts on various products and services.
Sell handmade/vintage items online
If you have the ability to create unique products yourself—sewing custom baby items, creating art or jewelry, designing cards or personalized stationery—you can also find success by selling your own items on EBay or similar sites. One such site is:
Writing for blogs and websites
http://helpforsinglemother.net/online-jobs-for-single-mothers-no-scams
Virtual Assistant
Here are some tips on how to avoid scams when looking for a virtual assistant job:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4704473_virtual-assistant-jobs.html
ChaCha Guide
Depending upon how much time you can put into it, acting as a ChaCha guide will earn you change for snacks or some serious money.
http://becomeaguide.chacha.com/faqs
Writing topical articles on national or local events or features
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