Single moms working, childcare tips, member ideas and tips

Many single moms working became single mothers then needed to work as well. Others had an outside job or career and juggled motherhood and a job as well. Either way, once you are doing it alone, there are many challenges to overcome. As usual the best advice has always been to do as much research as possible as to all areas of support available to you.

If you are fortunate to have an extended family who can help you out with childcare, some of the stress is taken off (although as many single Mums have commented, this can come at a 'cost' sometimes.) Those who don't have this extended family advantage may say they'd gladly 'pay the ferryman'.

If you are wanting to work from home please go to this page which has information and links to help get more infornmation on setting up a home e-business.

IF YOU ARE WANTING TO RETURN TO WORK outide the home, consider the following

•  Single moms working need to first 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 single mom working 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 single moms 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 for single moms working as there are many, depending on what you want to do.  Persistence willpay 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• Above all else, believe in yourself and know that every other mother who has time out of the work force feels out of date and unsure about getting back in.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.