No matter how tough it is at times to be a single parent, you still have choices. Making the correct, positive choices will enable you to be successful in your own right, realising the dreams for yourself and your family. Aiming to be self-sufficient and developing a ‘can do’ attitude will boost your confidence and your chances.

Playing the victim won’t help you achieve your goal, instead take the initiative to help yourself and offer your colleagues, friends and your romantic partner assistance when they need it. If you can do this you will have developed an attitude that will enable you to have it all, both at home and in your chosen career.

Do your best while working and find work that enables you to look after your family. Remember, whether you decide to follow your chosen career in a part-time, flexible working, self-employed or full-time capacity is up to you. Choices like this will enable you to thrive rather than just survive. People, including employers, will be drawn to you if you have a positive attitude towards life. Instead of asking for their sympathy you will gain empathy and admiration for your healthy spirit and determination.

It’s a real struggle being a single parent, but you can still move mountains. There are some high flying single parents out there and they are truly inspirational people. Their struggle has paid off resulting in a ‘get up and go’ mentality. Find a single parent role model to inspire you, and learn about how they overcame the challenges of being responsible for children, the household and providing an income.

If you haven’t done so already, take control of your life by trying some of the following tips:

1. Consider what you want to achieve for yourself and your children, what you enjoy doing, and the skills and knowledge you need.
2. Think about your financial objectives: how much do you need to earn?
3. Find single parent organisations that can assist you: There are many organisations that can help you to achieve your ambitions. Your local council should be able to point you in the right direction as well as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau . Charities such as Family Friends (for some areas in London) and many others like this are a very good source of assistance and advice.
4. Ask for any financial assistance, including grants that you are entitled to have, to enable you to study and develop new skills. Talk to your local council and your local jobcentre to find out which benefits you can claim. Even if you’re already in employment or self-employed, your council might still be able to assist you with your needs. You won’t necessarily lose any benefit entitlements.
5. Research the jobs market. Think about which jobs and employers might enable you to fulfil your duties and responsibilities as a parent. Many Public sector institutions, for example, will have workplace crèches to allow single parents to leave pre-school children playing and learning in safety while they work. Some employers may allow you to work from home too, reducing commuting time, while permitting you to spend more fun time with the kids. Some organisations offer job share schemes, and can therefore be an alternative option.
6. Know your legal rights: You might also be able to agree flexible working hours as a compromise, enabling you to fulfil your obligations to your employer and your family. Flexible working is governed by the Equal Pay and Flexible Working Act 2008, so don’t forget to enquire about your legal rights. Your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau will advise you.
7. Be realistic about what you can achieve. There may be several steps that you need to take before you land your dream job or position. So think about the career path that you would like to follow, the steps you need to take to get there, and don’t take big leaps unless you are certain that you will not fail. Small steps often translate over time into bigger leaps, but too much confidence, to soon can lead to failure.
8. Don’t give up. You can achieve what you want, but it will take time. Keep searching until you find the next step in your life and career. Persistence delivers results!

Remember that you’re not alone in your struggle and taking positive steps will empower you even more – always try to be a champion and not a victim. Being a single parent can be highly rewarding. For example, when you’ve found you next opportunity you’ll be able to plan a well-deserved family break or simply treat the kids to a day out at a theme park. It’s all within your grasp!

Additional Links:

1. Standing up for single parents | WorkingMums.co.uk

2. Career Help for Single Parents.

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