The first resource for a Single Mom wanting to get back into the workforce is your local employment office which will give you ideas and suggestions for opportunities an help you make a reasonable, achievable plan. Below are some more ideas.

•  Do some research to find options for childcare in your area, does council have a family Day Care option? (usually cheaper  than childcare centres). Find out if there are waiting lists and put  your name down. Consider offering your home as a family day care, if this would appeal.
• Always keep an eye out for another mother friend who you'd trust to 'swap casual shifts with'.
• If you have family who you think could help, ask them how much they would be prepared to help out in this area, so you know what  you can offer an employer.
• Get to know your local employment office to see how they work and if they can help you find work or re-retraining.
• Find  a traineeship or study which is government sponsored (these can be done part-time) in your previous area of work, if any or maybe a new one
• Update your resume and send it to all recruitment firms, companies you'd like to work for and tell everyone who'll listen that you are looking for work.
• Research well any government grants as there are many, depending on what you want to do.  Persistence will pay off.
• Look in the local papers, online  job sites and other recruitment firms.
• Above all else, believe in yourself and know that every other mother who has time out of the work force feels out of date and unsure about getting back in.  You need to bite the bullet and  do what needs to be done to get you to where you want to be.

Return to Single Mum Star