Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Lori Pace
I bet there is, or was, at least one time in life you wondered how to switch careers as a single mom. Changing careers as a single parent may seem like an impossible task, but aren’t single mothers facing challenges that seem impossible to regular folks on a daily basis?
However, you first have to consider your reasons and how the change will impact the kids and their routines. After all, your main care is to support your children’s growth and development, so you’re not making decisions just for yourself.
Moreover, it’s essential to know that there isn’t only one path and that things rarely go as you planned. You’ll hit a few walls and may have to take a few detours, but if you stick by your decision, the chances of success increase exponentially.
To give you a bit of a head start, here are a few things to consider when thinking about a career change as a single mother.
Consider Your Reasons To Switch Careers
Many parents (single or not) don’t switch careers on a whim. In most cases, it’s because they want a more flexible schedule (for obvious reasons), an increase in pay, or they’re trying to set a good example for their children.
Plus, a career change is normal in today’s day and age. As you grow up, you see the world in a different light. Moreover, once your responsibilities increase, the career path that worked as a young adult in your twenties may not be as interesting in your thirties or forties.
Overall, if you feel the need to change and your reasons are strong enough, you should start looking for ways to get things rolling instead of just sitting there and keeping wondering how to switch careers.
At the end of the day, actions always speak louder than words!!
Choose Something You Can Study For Online
As a single mother, your free time is extremely limited. Plus, you rarely have a couple of hours back-to-back for yourself, so online learning is a great option.
The good news is that you can find high-quality resources online for a wide range of domains, like coding, web design, video and photo editing, interior design, real estate, and more. Even better, if you have to study for an exam that has specific rules for your region (like the real estate agent licensing exam), you can find the right resources online.
For instance, if you live in Texas, you can take classes to become a Texas real estate agent. These classes have the necessary information for your state, so you can ace your licensing exam and start practicing as soon as possible.
Build A Strong Support Network
Parenting is not an easy job, especially when you’re a single mother interested in a career change. But you don’t have to do it alone.
First, try asking for help from close family (your own parents and siblings) and trustworthy friends. If this path doesn’t work, you may want to look into childcare options, like a daycare, an afterschool, a kindergarten with extended hours, or even a nanny or a babysitter.
Another option is to join local mom groups and try to create a community where you help each other out. This one may take time to build trust, but it is worth giving it a try.
Of course, some parents are lucky enough to have all these forms of support and more, but if you can find even one, your job will be a little easier. Plus, you’ll have more time for yourself and your new career path. Believe it or not, single mothers with a strong support network can even consider a career in healthcare!
Key Takeaway About How To Switch Careers As Single Moms
If you feel that a career change is the right move for you, don’t let the fact that you’re a single mother stop you. All you need is a good support network, strong motivation, and easy access to information online.
Also, keep in mind that there are always solutions to our problems; we just have to search for them.
