Being a single mother and balancing a career

Juggling the responsibilities of parenting and maintaining a career can be a challenging task for any mother, but for solo mums by choice, this can feel even more demanding. The key to thriving in both roles is not about achieving perfect balance every day, but to create systems and routines that allow you to manage your time effectively, prioritise what really matters, and give yourself permission to adapt as needed.

One of the most important aspects of balancing career and motherhood is time management. As a solo mum, your day is often packed with responsibilities that require your full attention, whether it's attending meetings, preparing meals, or spending quality time with your child. Creating a flexible yet structured routine can help relieve the pressure of trying to do it all at once.

So what do you do? Start by organising your day into blocks of time for work, childcare, and personal tasks. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in each block and leave room for unexpected interruptions - because with kids, they’re bound to happen.  Prioritise tasks based on importance and deadlines, and don’t be afraid to say no to unimportant commitments. Delegating tasks, whether at work or home, can also free up valuable time.

The traditional idea of 'work-life balance' is about separating your professional life from your personal life. But as a single mother this may not always be practical. Instead, think about how you can blend your roles as a mother and a professional in a way that feels right for you.

For example, you could structure your workday around school pick-ups and drop-offs, or use evenings to catch up on tasks when your child is asleep. It could also mean combining career and parenting goals, such as pursuing remote work opportunities that allow you to spend more time at home, or finding family-friendly workplaces that understand the needs of single parents.

It's important to recognise that there will be days when work demands attention and other days when your child comes first. Be gentle with yourself and know that it's OK to adjust your priorities from day to day.

Securing flexible work arrangements is one of the most effective ways to manage your career as a single parent. Flexibility can come in many forms: working remotely, flexible hours or even compressed working weeks.

If you're in a role that doesn't currently offer flexibility, consider negotiating with your employer. Come prepared with a clear proposal that sets out how the arrangement will be of benefit to both you and the company. Highlight successful examples of flexibility in your industry and how it will help you stay productive and engaged. Many employers are open to discussing this, especially post-pandemic, when remote working and flexible working have become more mainstream.

If you're looking for a new job, try to prioritise those that offer flexibility from the word go. Many industries now recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer hybrid or remote positions. These can give you the time and space you need to be present at home and productive at work.

There will be times when work or parenting feels overwhelming and you may experience setbacks, such as having to temporarily slow down your career progression due to childcare responsibilities. Being resilient means that you are able to adapt and bounce back from these challenges without losing sight of your long-term goals and objectives.

It's important to focus on developing your skills and learning continuously. Whether you're looking to progress in your current career or move into a new area, invest in yourself by taking courses, attending webinars or keeping up to date with industry trends. This will help you stay competitive and open doors to new opportunities. Networking with others who are balancing career and parenthood is also part of building career resilience. They can provide valuable advice, mentorship and connections.

When you face setbacks, such as losing your job or having to take a step back due to parental responsibilities, remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. View setbacks as temporary and use the time to reassess your goals. The key is to stay focused on your vision while remaining flexible about how you achieve it.

Although it can sometimes seem challenging to combine career development with life as a single parent, it can be done. You just have to do it in your own way. On a final note, it is important to add that a support system can be essential when juggling a career and being a solo mum. So reach out to friends and family if you have the opportunity. You can also read more about building a network in this blog post.

We hope that some of the tips in this blog post can help you thrive in both roles as a solo mum and professional. Every day won’t look the same and that’s okay. Just remember to celebrate the small wins – you are doing great!