What Are The Best Career Options For Single Parents?
Being a single parent comes with a host of unique challenges, especially when balancing work and childcare. However, there are career paths that offer flexibility, financial stability, and the opportunity to thrive both professionally and personally.
As Solas Coaching, I offer 1:1 and group coaching, bespoke workshops, and webinars tailored to support single parents in the workplace. Key areas include balancing career and parenthood, building confidence for career growth, and managing stress and burnout—providing practical tools to help single parents thrive both personally and professionally. Read more about my career services or contact me to find out how I can help you.
Let’s explore career options tailored to the needs of single parents, helping you navigate your journey toward a fulfilling career.
How To Support Single Parents In The Workplace
Flexible Careers for Single Parents
Here are some jobs that might allow you to balance work and family life effectively.
Freelance Roles: Jobs like copywriting, graphic design, website development, SEO specialist roles can be done remotely.
Customer Service Representative: Many companies offer remote customer service positions that allow you to work from home while managing your family responsibilities.
Childminding: Becoming a registered childminder lets you care for other children alongside your own. This profession not only provides income but also eliminates childcare costs.
Online Reselling: Platforms like eBay, Vinted and Etsy allow you to sell items or crafts from home. This low-investment option can be scaled based on your availability.
Consultancy: There’s no need to completely retrain to find flexible working options. Your current career may lend itself to consultancy opportunities that can be taken on on a project basis to give you more flexibility.
Find out more about flexible working in the UK.
Part-Time and Term-Time Jobs
For those who prefer structured roles but need flexibility in hours, there are two options.
Part-Time Work: Many employers in sectors such as retail, hospitality, and administration offer part-time roles that fit around school hours. Furthermore, your current role may be open to looking at changing your role to a part-time or job-share opportunity.
Term-Time Working: Jobs that align with school holidays, such as teaching assistant positions or childcare roles, can be ideal for single parents with school-age children.
Self-Employment Opportunities
Self-employment offers unparalleled control over your schedule. While it requires extra effort to manage taxes and business operations, it can be highly rewarding. Whether this is freelance work as outlined above such as copy or design roles, or starting your own business, being in control of your availability and workflow is a great option for many single parents.
Work-from-Home Options
Remote work has become increasingly accessible, offering single parents the chance to earn income without commuting. Roles include data entry and transcription, website/app testing, blogging or content creation. While some are self-starting, like content creation, temp agencies or recruitment companies may be able to help you find remote working options or contracts.
Retraining for New Careers
If you're considering a career change, retraining might open doors to better opportunities. Many organisations offer training for administrative positions that provide steady income and flexible hours. Meanwhile, online courses make it easier than ever to learn high-demand skills like graphic design or coding, which can lead to freelance opportunities. Furthermore, roles that involve helping others, such as HR, and employment advising can be fulfilling while offering flexible schedules, and some think that they share a skillset with great parenting!
Some More Things To Think About
While finding lucrative careers for single parents might seem daunting, there are some general tips you can put into action to get the ball rolling.
Leverage Flexible Working Policies: Many employers are open to flexible arrangements such as job-sharing or adjusted start times. Be proactive in discussing these options during interviews.
Network Effectively: Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with people in your chosen field and explore opportunities suited to your needs.
Seek Support Services: Organisations like Gingerbread provide resources and advice tailored to single parents, including guidance on career planning and childcare support.
Invest in Personal Development: Coaching services like Solas Coaching empower single parents by helping them build confidence and achieve their goals through personalised strategies.
Work With Me
Solas Coaching is a coaching provider specialising in single parenting, offering services for both employers and single parent employees to create supportive, inclusive working environments that suit everyone. Whether you’re looking for the best careers for single parents and how to find them, looking for ways to thrive in your current set-up, or some , I am here to help.
If you’d like to find out more, book your free, no-obligation consultation call
Find out more about our workplace inclusion coaching programmes here.