Tag Archives: on the job

We Learn by Doing

I had a note recently from a first-time single mom who confessed that she “had no idea what she was doing, but she was having a great time figuring it out as she went along.” I thought this was such a great attitude and a good reminder that as parents—single or partnered, we really do learn so much by actually doing it. We can only read so many books and talk to so many experts, and then we have to just jump in and learn on the fly! I had a few years of parenting under my belt before I … Continue reading →

Learning On the Job

I confess that I am a big reader—if I can find a book or a magazine article on something I am curious about or need to know that is my preferred way of learning. When I was a new parent, it was all about the parenting books. I read cookbooks, how-to books on various subjects, and definitely the business books. But, the truth is, there are just some things you can only learn on the job… One of the fabulous things about operating your own business is that the lessons can be endless. Unlike a more “traditional” job where you … Continue reading →

A Single Parent on the Job—Part Three—Benefits and Perks

As single parents, we really have to consider the “whole package” when it comes to our employment. This doesn’t just mean monetary compensation or traditional benefits either. As the sole support for our families, we have to make sure all our bases are covered, but we also have to look at the other benefits that might come with a specific job or career choice in choosing what is best for ourselves and our families. Traditional benefits include things like insurance (health, dental, life, disability) and vacation and sick time, retirement benefits, etc. BUT, there are other benefits and perks that … Continue reading →

A Single Parent On the Job—Part Two—Flexible Work Hours

In part one of this little series on single parents on the job, I wrote about how important it is for a working single parent (and that is most of us!) to have a work environment that is family and single parent friendly. Additionally, while I know plenty of single parents who work in restrictive, traditional-type jobs, I do believe that jobs where the work hours can be more flexible make for less harried parents and are more conducive to the single parent family. By flexible hours, I don’t necessarily mean that we need to be able to come and … Continue reading →

A Single Parent on the Job—Part One—Supportive Work Environments

One of the typical realities of single parenthood is that single parents have to work. Now, I know that not all single parents also have to work to provide an income and support for their families, but this is true for most of us. As working single parents, many of us face particular issues on the job related to how we are able to work and juggle our family obligations. I think the most important element to being able to successfully juggle work and family as a single parent is to find a work environment that is understanding and supportive … Continue reading →

On the Job Training: No Experience Required

You know, it’s funny – we have to have degrees with initials like A.A. B.A., B.S. M.A. M.S. or Ph. D. in order to get some jobs or hold employment positions. But getting married, which is like trying to earn a Bachelor’s, Masters and PhD in relationships all at once doesn’t require any sort of formal education or previous experience at all. In fact, considering the whole impact that it has on your life – it’s surprising that more of us don’t take it seriously before we get married. No Experience Required The idea of no experience required may be … Continue reading →

When You Both Work

My husband and I both work full time outside the home. While it is now pretty common for both the husband and wife to work, it is still a pretty new phenomenon when you look at it from a historical perspective. What I have found is that no one really teaches you how to do this. How do you balance work and home life? How do you get things done around the house? How do you keep work from overwhelming your personal life? I really feel like there should be a sort of beginner’s manual for married couples who both … Continue reading →

Be a Self-Starter at Work

One of the largest assets to any company is an employee who is a self-starter. The self-starter is a dying breed and they are becoming harder and harder to find. Why make such a big deal about being a self-starter? Well, it is a big deal because it is one of the key traits that employers are looking for in their employees. If you want a job, then you need to exhibit this trait. Sadly, most people are not self-starters. The good news, however, is that everyone has the potential to become a self-starter if they put their minds to … Continue reading →