Group Discussions

Working in a single parent household

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  When my husband was alive i was a stay at home mom and he was a cop. But after he died i needed to get a job. At first i worked 3 jobs being a waitress, working as a secretary and working at a bar but after 6 months of dueing that and barley being able to pay the bills i realized i needed to have 1 job, a good job. i completed 2 years of college and i could probably get something good. so i'm currently working in real-estate. i did have to go back to school for a little bit but it's worth it

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Carly on 3rd August 2008
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  I'm new to this.So here it goes.I raised three children on my own.Two of them are full grown,and girls,who were a handful to raise.my youngest is my ten year old son.I feel I have less time with him,since I work.Most of the time I have to be at work at one in the morning until ten in the morning.It's hard to work those hours but I have to pay the bills,which always seem to be bigger then the paycheck.I also have two grandchildren who I hardly get to see because of my hours. But I try to do the best that I can.I may not like my hours but I do love working with my boss,and most of my co-workers,so I guess that is some what of a good thing.And my boss tries to give me some leeway so that I can have time with my family,UNfortunately she can't always work out the schedule the way I would like it,but she tries.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Regina on 14th August 2008
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  By living very frugally for 15 years, I paid off my bills (including student loans, car, house mortgage) and had savings before I embarked on single motherhood. Then, I changed jobs to get more flexibility and get out of the rat race. I work mostly from home. My current pay is less than half of my former pay, even though the hours aren't that different, and my nanny gets more take-home pay than I do. That's not important to me. I keep working because I need the stimulation - intellectual and social. I need to feel that I'm part of something bigger than myself. Yes, raising kids is important and a lot of fun, but I feel like I'm on another planet when I'm not interacting both socially and economically with the outside world. I also feel it's best for my kids to see their mom in this role.
  
  Because I work at home, I am able to enjoy about 5-6 hours a day hands-on with my two toddlers, and still put a little money in the bank each month. I am often short on sleep, but that's due more to my parenting choices than my career. I think I'd have a hard time just having an hour or two with my kids before their bedtime each day.
  
  I don't always love my job. Being out of the "rat race" also means missing some of the more interesting aspects of business. I sometimes find it hard to keep motivated. But there are other times when I'm really proud to be part of my business and motivated to stay up way late to complete an analysis. All in all, I am happy to be working, but if I had to leave my current job, I would probably go on sabbatical rather than go back to a typical out-of-home professional job. There are very few low-stress jobs for someone with my credentials.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by SKL on 14th August 2008
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  I hate having to go to work everyday. I don't hate my job. I have started my own travel agency so I can quit the full time away from home job & work from home doing something I do love.
  
  It's tough being everything to a child. I've been doing it for a lot of year & have always found my way. I just know that it will be ok.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Tammy on 14th August 2008
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  I'm back,and it's nice to know that I'm not the only one out there who feels the same way about work and family.Some times it's hard working the schedule I work and raising children by myself.Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing.But then it makes it worthwhile when I have a little extra money for my children.Especially with the holidays coming up.I just do the best that I can do.It also helps to have other adults to talk to.I think that is the one thing that I miss.All I have to talk to is children,pets,walls,and the t.v.I get along with my co-workers and we joke around a bit,but,work does get a little busy,so we don't always have time to catch up with each other,and by the end of the work day all we can think about is going home and relaxing.Besides,who really has the money to go out anymore.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Regina on 17th August 2008
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  Oh I agree. I did the 3 and sometimes 4 jobs to support my daughter. I now (that she's 21) am a Medical Transcriptionist. But I was able to help her to become one as well...so that when she is raising her children she doesn't have to do it the way I did. I went to this school online and am happy to share it with you all. If you have questions feel free to contact me personally. www.mtacc.net

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Christine on 26th August 2008
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  I have one out the door already raising her own girls,I try to help her when I can,but I still have two more at home.In one more year my nineteen year old will graduate and start her own life.She isn't sure what she would like to do yet,she would like to go to college,but she is also looking to join the service.she was thinking about joining the Air force like her uncle.I really don't want her to but if it is what she would like to do then I support her.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Regina on 28th August 2008