There’s no doubt about it – most single parents need to be somewhat creative with the daily balancing act. When it comes to career, the tradeoff between flexibility and salary is a hugely important consideration. I myself, made the decision a few years back to move out of the city (out of the state) and back to my hometown, knowing it was the best environment to raise MP. In doing so, I effectively cut my salary by 40k.
I ain’t gonna lie. It hurt.
But the tradeoff allows me to work four days a week instead of five. And spending more time with MP has always been the primary objective. At her age, she doesn’t recognize the ‘Haves’ from the ‘Have-nots.’ Or the Sneetches on the Beaches. It would be wonderful if her eyes could forever remain blind to the difference. I know chances of that are slim, but for now, having us fall somewhere in the middle is just fine.
After all, the future’s wide open.
In the meantime, I’m always on the lookout for ways to generate supplemental income. With that in mind, here’s a job I thought might be kind of cool for adventuresome single moms and dads. (Don’t laugh – I heard about it on the John Tesh Radio Network. I know, I know …) Could be a great way to show the kids the country, take a little vacation, earn some air miles and make some money!
And if you haven’t seen this already (The Best Jobs for Single Parents), you might find it interesting. I thought it was another thing worth sharing.
Just passin’ it on …
Mommy Pie 
Thanks for this. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I am returning to work as a single mom after spending the past 5 years at home with my kids. The prospect is frightening. I’ve realized that I am going to need to be creative to find a balance that works for us.
Thanks for the comment Heidi – it can definitely be scary, that’s for sure. I’m going to try and make sure to post whatever job info I come across, no matter how off the wall. There’s more than one way to skin a cat – I have confidence you’ll find one!
Awesome! I love this post…I did the same thing…moved back to my hometown but still couldn’t make it. I was also living with my mother and then one day, an offer came from my little big city. I’ve also started blogging for my daycare…and you know what that means! FREE childcare. Yes, it’s a miracle. But so much is possible these days. There really are ways to make it work. Where there’s a will – there’s a way.
How great is that that you can trade blogging for daycare? That’s exactly the creativity I’m talking about – it’s amazing what a little thinking outside the box can get you! Kudos MSM!
Great advice! Although, I don’t have family to help me, nor can I move back home. I didn’t think to look into driving or school systems for employment. Thank you!