6 practical tips for single mothers working full time

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.

The following 6 practical tips are designed to provide you with actionable ideas and trusted resources to support you in balancing work and parenting, even without outside help.

One of the most important aspects of balancing career and life as a single mum 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 this may not always be practical with life as a single mum. 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. 

Want more tips on how to be a successful single mother and manage work? Harvard Business Review’s article can give you extra insights on work and parenting.

Securing flexible work arrangements is one of the most effective ways to manage your career as a single mum working full time. 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.

A support system can be essential when juggling a career and being a single mum. When your child is sick or needs to be picked up from school, it can make a big difference if friends or family can step in from time to time. That said, many solo mothers still find themselves searching for advice on how to work as a single mom without help, especially when a personal support system isn’t immediately available. In these situations, online communities and resources can make all the difference. 

For instance, joining networks like SMBC, a social network for single mothers by choice, can connect you with others in similar situations. They understand the unique challenges you’re facing and can offer advice, share resources, or simply lend a listening ear.

Additionally, organisations like Gingerbread provide practical support, from legal advice to financial guidance for single parents in the UK. 

Creating a network, whether it is online or surrounding yourself with reliable contacts, can be a lifesaver. And remember, building a support system isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strategic way to ensure you and your child thrive. You can also read more about building a support network in this blog post.

Mum guilt is a common part of life as a single mum, but it doesn't define your self-worth or the kind of parent you are. When the pressures of work, parenting and everyday tasks become overwhelming, it’s easy to become self-critical. Instead, try reframing those thoughts by shifting from 'I failed' to 'I did my best today'. This small mental adjustment can be surprisingly powerful.

Learning how to be a single mum means letting go of the idea that you have to do everything perfectly. Success may look different each day, and that's OK. Perhaps you managed to get your child to school on time or simply hold it together when things got overwhelming. Celebrate these small victories. 

One way to do this is to keep a simple daily log of one thing you did well, no matter how minor it may seem. Over time, this can help you to shift your focus from guilt to gratitude. And above all, remember that showing up with love and presence matters far more than ticking every box. 

If you are curious to know more about life as a single mum, you can read Henriette’s personal story.

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, like online courses on FutureLearn, 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. 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!