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.