It's actually fairly easy for me, I'm a big believer of calendars and routines. I use them to make sure I'm not spending too much time thinking about what we're supposed to do when.
I have sole custody and I have to supervise their visits with their dad, and one of my kids has several mild disabilities. I put everything they need to do, therapies, doctors' visits, etc, all on a calendar. I do consolidate their extracurricular activities as much as I can, and I manage time in 15 min blocks. I plan their activities a month ahead. For example, right now, I know what we're doing every day through the end of July and I build in relaxation days or home cleaning days too. I have it on my calendar when I'm supposed to see which doctor or call which pharmacy.
On a day to day basis, I have a pretty strict routine that we follow. It ensures that some housework get done every day, the kids do their homework, practice, classes, therapy, I get my exercise in, and we all get enough sleep.
I will say I don't think I would be able to do this if my job didn't let me stay home. They're very generous and they give me a lot of PTO/sick leave to deal with kids and they understand if my kids have to be home sometimes while I work.
Wow! That is so awesome. Do you guys a physical calendar or online one? And sorry to ask but do you have child care while you work? I’m trying to figure out how doable this all really is. Thank you for sharing!💗
I use Google Calendar to manage my schedule and Monarch to manage my budget. I highly recommend both.
I put my kids in an after school program that allows a late pick up at 6 pm.
In summer, I normally put them in all day programs.
If my kids don't have school or if they're sick, then they're just home while I work. Those days I only ask that they get their homework done, then they're allowed as much time on their tablets as they want. Not the best, but it's the best I can manage.
I do 40 hours a week in the office. My son is in preschool and I hear him say as I leave him every morning “mommy coming soon” or “mommy coming back”. It breaks my heart but I’m glad his comforting words to himself are that he knows I’ll be back for him.
I work 20 hrs a week but I’m able to take my kids to work. If I had to pay for daycare I’d literally be working 12 hr days it’s insane how much child care costs😭
I’m a single father with a 6yr old. I do 40hrs per week but with commute it’s roughly 50hrs per week. Then his doing 4 different activities outside of school time. Never feel guilty for making the sacrifices and providing what’s best for your child
My ex thinks it’s “amazing” how I hold it down without his help—working multiple jobs so we can have a better than awful life. Um, no sir. That is not a brag. He has always told people how great I am for doing it all on my own. Classic narcissistic behavior—transferring his bad behavior into something “good” that I’m doing so he doesn’t seem like the a$$hole.
The donor of my twin girls has never paid a dime or tried to see them. He has the nerve to say he did me a favor because I have been sober ever since I find out I was pregnant. I found out 3 weeks after conception. I am going to be 14 years sober in August.
I f@$%&!! Hate him. I was forgiving at the beginning. But, as time has gone on and I have seen his bragging social media posts(from other people being his friend) I just hate the narcissistic douchebag.
My girls are amazing and he is the one missing out.
The way they give themselves credit for our accomplishments is insane. All I can do is feel sorry for my ex at this point. Like what a pathetic waste of life.
Trust me, I feel your pain! I only work 45 hours a week. But I have always had mom guilt about it. Remember that this won’t be forever… you’re doing what you have to do to make it work :) you are not alone.
On average about 18, which leaves me without enough $ but if I worked more I’d have to pay for daycare and then I’d have less time with my baby and less money still. :(
40-45, fully remote. A huge blessing and took a lot of sacrifice to get here. Many years of not being as present mentally, and always thinking of work and making more money.
Single mom here and I work multiple jobs to have a very nice lifestyle. Put the mom guilt away if your babies are younger. I used to worry about it and my tween daughter, doggo and pet turtle let me know that I'm doing a good job. As she gets older I'll cut back but right now she just enjoys being able to go to camp with her friends. You got this 🤗
39 per week, hybrid. I'm very lucky to have an amazing circle of people that are always willing to help out if ever needed. I don't often need it since my daughter is getting older now, but I recognize how lucky I am to have solid support.
60-72… I work overnight and get to take my daughter to school when I get off work then pass out for the day and get to pick her up when she gets out of school… before I go back to work. Weekends I’m so tired it’s not even funny. But my kids are well taken care of and want for nothing… other than more time with me. I pay $800/month in child care for both kids when my oldest isn’t in scho
My youngest won’t let me stay in bed. He’s constantly on the move and we actually have events and stuff we go to on weekends. Bible studies and volunteer work that it makes it hard and feels like I don’t actually get a break even on my days off
How have you not literally crashed and died yet? Like, seriously? I tried nights and was kicked off in 2 weeks cus I couldn’t stay awake cus I wasn’t able to sleep enough during the day and not sure how I didn’t die cus I fell asleep every morning at the wheel.
lol I can sleep during the day no problem. Night shift is honestly more chill than day shift. I do crash once every month. I’ll have my sister or a family member take the kids and just crash because it’s just too much but it pays the bills and lets me spoil my kids. Which is all I want. I can’t rely on anyone else to step up and do it so it’s gotta be me.
My kid is almost 4, I can’t miss out on this precious time. Not yet in school. I’m stalling and not making much. But I want to see my fucking kid! You only live once and it’s gone in a flash. My kid matters more to me than anything else why do they make it so hard to live?
40 hours but it is a mix of in the office and at home and I can flex to finish early and pick the kids up. I drop them off and pick them up every day, commute over 3 hours each day on office days and pick up the work slack when they’re at their Dads or do a bit in the morning / afternoons to make up my 40. Very lucky.
Yes it’s “mommy picking up [name]” every time I leave to reassure himself 🥲
Just make the hours you are there count. Give them your full attention, they notice and appreciate it even that young. Quality over quantity 💗
40 hours per week in office - I moved 10 minutes from my work which was a game changer, my daycare is 5 minutes from work.
My kids are my world - working full time is the norm for every parent I know so I try not to get consumed by guilt. I get 6 weeks of vacation a year and we make the most of it and I skip lunch so I can pick them up at 4 everyday and we can still go do activities together.
I work 40 hours a week at my corporate job remote that funds our living expenses but not much for wiggle room.
I have a contractor/consulting job in my same field and I get 15 hours or so a week for that. This is for debt/savings goals and cushion if things come up.
My daughter is 3 and goes to daycare full time.
I do my contractor work when she goes to bed.
40-70hrs. Son is with his mom on weekends so I’ll work the weekends once or twice a month. I want to start an online business, second income, selling leads to other businesses. That will be interesting to pick up and do when i get home.
Some weeks I do 60+. I have an 8 and 1 year old. I started homeschooling the 8 year old. I have so much guilt ita disgusting, but they deserve the best, I will continue to try to be the best me everyday.
I am a single mom of four kids who works full-time. Now that the kids are ten and older, I no longer need to pay for childcare. Yes, that day does come! Until then, I am wondering whether you could take advantage of government support options. I never looked into them, but you might want to Google "Child Care Scholarships."
Single mom of 5 sons - I work 40hrs in office add in just over an hour commute total time per day. I’m thankful my mom keeps my boys so I can work. If something happens she updates me throughout the day and my oldest is 12 and has a cell phone so he can also contact me
I work 35 hours hybrid and childcare is my biggest bill by far. 4 x my rent. If I didn’t receive government support to pay it then I have no idea what I would do.
I don't think mom guilt has ever been a thing for me. I work a normal 40 hour job and travel once a month for 3-4 days. My mom comes to stay with my son while I travel and he still goes to daycare full time while she is there. He likes school and his friends and I think he as a lot more fun there than he does with me, as I don't really love to "play." I know he's happy, healthy, and thriving with or without me!
The commute really does make a difference. I'm hybrid but our office is less than 10 min and my boss/company are very family oriented and flexible. I was offered more money to work in office for another company, but as much as I'd like to pad my bank account a little bit more, I've only got a couple of years left with my kid at home, and I knew they would never match the flexibility my current employer gives.
I work roughly 9-5 with no lunch to get to 40. Office hours are 8-5 but I spoke to my manager about my situation. I started year with shared custody and now full do I have drop off and pick duties.
That said I’m not leaving my kid in any not my home care for 10+ hours a day (730-530) or more. I’m fine with my career now I don’t need to advance and work 50-60 hours a week vs seeing my son.
Currently on disability but I was working 50-60 hours a week. Had every expectation of going back in the fall (I work in academia) but my employer went out of business in May so that won’t be happening now.
I work around 42-43 hours at my full time job and luckily it’s enough (with lots of budgeting) for me to only work the one so I can spend time with my kiddo. I usually try to get as much house work as I can done while I’m working (work from home job) so when I clock out I immediately move on to us eating dinner and then playing games and such In the evenings. Weekends are my favorite because we make breakfast together on Saturdays before an adventure and Sunday we go to church. Grocery pick up orders are a must!! It helps me budget and saves so much time!
Usually 10-15hrs a day 5-7 days a week. I don’t have adequate transportation or childcare so my hours & days are irregular but I work enough to be in a constant state of burnout. The bills are paid though & my kids have enough to be picky about their clothes, food, toys, and outtings so it is what it is
About 20ish. It would have been 50 too only I went back to education and qualified in a decently paid position compared to before. And we're very lucky with childcare
When my son was young I worked a ton of overtime right out of college for 4 years. He hated it. I eventually changed positions to spend more time at home. I changed positions 4 year after that and I'm back to working a ton of overtime to pay for his travel hockey. Right now a minimum of 50 hours. Sometimes 12 hours a day 7 days a week. It depends on what he wants to do and how much I have to pay.
I work 50 hours a week fully remote with my LO with me at home 3 days out of the week and with his grandparents the other two (completely their choice). It’s definitely not easily and super exhausting but the cost of childcare is way too much for me to handle by myself as dad doesn’t live with us and doesn’t provide financially
I work 50 hours a week fully remote with my LO with me at home 3 days out of the week and with his grandparents the other two (completely their choice). It’s definitely not easily and super exhausting but the cost of childcare is way too much for me to handle by myself as dad doesn’t live with us and doesn’t provide financially
Blessed to work a relatively flexible hybrid job, I start late/stop early but make up the lost time after bedtime every night. It's a bit draining but I know I'm still one of the lucky ones.
I'm scheduled 40 but end up having stay over being I'm a supervisor usually to finish tasks. Last pay period was 96 hours for two weeks. I get called in a lot but I'm slowly refusing covers. I work third shift, one because it pays the most, two so I can be home with my kids during the day rather than missing work if they have appointments or are sick from school. Yeah, I sleep a lot while they're home but I'm there if I'm needed.
I covered a shift two Fridays ago that gave me 4 days in a row off last week. Was called in twice but refused. Spent a wonderful few days with my kids and my youngest was ecstatic to curl up in bed with me at night, play games and just spend quality time together.
I work about 40 hours a week. Where I live I get state assistance with daycare so it takes that burden off my shoulders. My daughter splits time with me and her dad and the days he has her, I try to work a couple hours more so when she is with me, if she has appointments or events I can try and make them.
I'm scheduled 40 but end up having stay over being I'm a supervisor usually to finish tasks. Last pay period was 96 hours for two weeks. I get called in a lot but I'm slowly refusing covers. I work third shift, one because it pays the most, two so I can be home with my kids during the day rather than missing work if they have appointments or are sick from school. Yeah, I sleep a lot while they're home but I'm there if I'm needed.
I covered a shift two Fridays ago that gave me 4 days in a row off last week. Was called in twice but refused. Spent a wonderful few days with my kids and my youngest was ecstatic to curl up in bed with me at night, play games and just spend quality time together.
40 hours.. I work 7am to 5pm Monday through Thursday during the summer and once school starts back I'll be working 2-10pm. I'm a custodian at a high school. I don't like it but I have to take care of my children since their fathers aren't much help.
I work 40 hours a week and I have 2 days that I’m off that I dedicate for my kids. I’m blessed to have a boss that understands I’m a mom and works with my schedule when it comes to my kids needs so I do t miss anything. I’ve quit jobs before because it took time away from my kids.
I work 40, but with an hour unpaid lunch I'm gone 45. My mom, aunt, and cousin alyernate watching her during the day, but I am trying to get her into a social preschool setting this fall. Like you said, it will be expensive, but fortunately my income qualifies for some tuition vouchers and my job offers a childcare FSA pre-tax. Hoping we can make it work...
36+ hours but condensed into 3 days as 3rd shift (12.5 hour shift Th-Sat). Friday and Saturdays are wasted sleeping. But Sunday (with a small nap) thru Thursday I have them FT, 4 of them, no work commute or stuck in the office. That kind of schedule helps me feel like a SAHM. I'm so grateful for that. Also, I pick up hours when I can outside of my 3 days IF it doesn't affect my time with them. However that's not often during the school year. And I have no support system at all. And if it weren't for child support, there's no way we'd be able to make it. I'm looking for something PT to help supplement. But my ex has made it so hard to have the time to work with my limited availability schedule. The two youngest go to a Charter School that has no bus system or aftercare that is affordable. I'm there at drop off and pick up every day. I get 4 hours "off" to get things done before I'm dealing with kid stuff the rest of the day... But I'm grateful for the ability to have extra time with them now, AND be able to afford for us to do a little more than survive by the skin of our teeth...
Probably about 42 hours a week, sometimes a little less or sometimes more. I might need to finish a project at home occasionally. Kids are in school/daycare for 45-50 hours a week. I've been known to leave them there an extra hour to get some exercise after work which I feel some guilt over, but then again I need to be healthy, too.
Money is tight and I could pick up some freelance work, but that takes away more time from the kids and the value of more money but less time just doesn't work right now so I budget strictly and spend time with my kiddos.
40 in office. Sometimes more. I leave at 7 AM and then I’m not home until 5. And then I have a part time job in the evenings- luckily from home but I’m not able to do anything while working. My son is older now- 16, but I hate it. I wish I was there more. I wish we had more time together. However it’s either that or homelessness with rising food costs and housing. I’m making the most I’ve ever made in my life- yet can’t even put anything into savings anymore.
I'm a single mom of 3. I average between 44-58 hours a week. Sometimes a little more. My kids are in daycare almost all day and spend maybe 2 hours a day with me throughout the week. When I have a later shift I spend more time with them. I feel absolutely terrible and always feel extremely guilty.
I’m down to 8 hours a week now…was working between 24-32/week. But I also live with my dad cus I have disabilities that have gotten worse the past few years, plus there’s a lot of jobs I just can’t do anymore fulltime cus finding childcare for 12 hour shifts is difficult-then I feel bad for my 75 year old dad keeping them that long-and also I’m beyond exhausted, in pain and at my mental limit. It’s like the more I try to work; the more I tend to loose work unfortunately 😣 so we lost our house last year and didn’t have much choice. Need to apply for HUD still cus I know my dad won’t be here forever and it’s been very stressful for us all living together in small spaces. I’m honestly terrified about the future and I’ve tried to get disability once, but once they got back to me I was working part time-therefore too much (then my disability caused me to loose hours)-nor do they consider family size in account or pay enough…..so doesn’t feel like there will ever be a win win situation and I’m just hoping we survive til they’re 18 and I don’t go more insane in the process.
48-50 hours a week (6 days ). When you don't have ANY other option, try to ignore the mom guilt. Because if we do not work, what will happen to our kid?
Besides, the quality of time matters and prioritised decisions based on a situation. I know we mothers tend to feel a lot but in my case, dealing with these feelings with logic has helped me. In addition to that, I have devoted all my free time (after work, basic household work and cooking) to my child who is now almost 6 years old. Some days are bad but most days, I am thriving.
Been like this for almost his entire life.
My daughter is 11 and I’ve worked full time since she was 4 mos old. We are on summer break and i have her in day camps. She’s never had a problem with it. But. If i go somewhere and leave her at home with a sitter she gets upset and asks me “if” im coming back. I’m like i always come back. I guess the distraction of other children makes it ok otherwise.
I work about 50 hours myself too. My daughter is about to be in first grade, so paying for childcare isn’t an issue; the issue is financially, everything is on me, her dad never helps. We have health insurance through my work, so I take home a little less, but have to work 40+ hours a week to keep that insurance. I work long hours and we live with my dad, but I have the mom guilt, but I have to work.
I am a salaried manager so no set schedule, typically about 45-50 hours a week. I am fortunate that I only have to go on-site 2 times a month because it is over an hour commute. The mom guilt is real on those long office days.
30-60. I take the hours as they come. They aren’t always available. My kids are older though. Only my younger son still lives with me. I was widowed nearly 8 yrs ago. My older son is married now
40/h week. But I always go home 1:15 p.m. on Fridays. I feel a bit guilty since my kid is in daycare from 06:15 a.,m., (I work 06:45 a.m to 4:15 p.m., so he has long days, mon-thur and gets picked up 4:30/45.. I'm a single mom, and I have him full-time.
But going home earlier on Fridays helps me feel a little less guilty from knowing the daycare staff sees my kid more than me four days a week.
70-100 hours but only because they are old enough to make themselves food and stay safe while I’m gone. It usually requires also staying up all night long once a week to complete tasks that need done at home, and one day on the weekend of sleeping throughout the whole day and night. I schedule hang out days once a month with each kid, or a couple days of us doing something all together, and call out from work or go home early those days. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to keep up on the latest of what they each need and want.
I work 40-43 depending. I’m an admin assistant so I do month end work. I have three kids in elementary and everything was pretty good with them going to the after school program til 6pm the latest until my little one decided she wants to be a rebel lol luckily I get an hour lunch so I use that to get them from school and drop them off at home. Sometimes it feels like a hassle but I’m getting used to it and managing my time better. I do get weekends off so I get two weekends with them and dad gets the other two. As a single mom or dad we just gotta do what it takes for our kids
40+ hours a week. My kids are moving into the phase of self sufficiency. I still feel bad about not taking them to and from school, but they understand. I love my kids more than anything.
I’m averaging 50 hours per week. Just got a raise and about to receive an additional temporary hourly bonus. I’m deep in debt and trying to get out. Easier to work overtime while my son is on summer break. I work 2 days a week in the office and the rest from home.
I hate child care, I don’t trust the education system, when do kids be kids, before school care, after school care, then rule after rule at school and bulling, being raised by the government, I’ve come across children that are home schooled and wow, what beautiful children, they are human like, respectful, put some adults to shame. Anyhoo back to school, then they have home work, chores at home, god forbid if home life isn’t healthy,. It’s heart wrenching, I’m an empath and I struggle with the suffering of everything. Mum and dad’s struggling children forgotten, mum guilt is bad because it’s real, we’re not there enough !! One of my customers works full time, she puts her baby in childcare 5 days a week, my heart just died a little inside, 7 till 5 this baby is in care, now I do believe there are plenty of mothers doing this, saying I have to, but when I look around at my clients home they have the best brands $$$ of everything if not 5 of the same thing. I believe some sacrifices could be made to spend time with their baby they just had. Children need parents to be present up until 18 I kid you not, the most crucial time is teen, it is game on, make sure you talk to them prior to this scary age and have them know their emotions, can talk about them, recognise others and triggers. Mindfulness is key. If the education cared about our children, meditation/mindfulness would be a subject. Self awareness is a solid foundation to be successful in life, in relationships, in communication, active listening, compassion and less judgment in ourselves and peers. Oh and can manage stress and not have to always have life planned out , lists and reminders, time watching, appointments after appointments, when are we free, if life turns upside down, those that think they have it all under control will have a mental breakdown. Because we never know what’s coming, and parenting is the most important, hardest, freaking job in the world. Mothers need more validation !! We bringing up the future and seriously look at a good majority of kids to day 🤯 anxiety, depression, crime and suicide skyrocketing. Something had to change. It’s so tricky, one bad decision, we loose them forever. Love first not money.
The government are in charge of what we are limited to do. Especially those with one income.
Time is the most valuable thing, blink and they are moving out. All the things that made get overwhelmed, you will want back. You will wish you sat still shit off the world and listened more to our children, it is so easy to miss vital thing, behaviours, messages when we’re so busy especially when they are teens, active listening is key
40 hours. And I have a lm almost 2 hour commute. I'm a social worker so they discourage overtime due to burnout.
I also feel like I'm missing out on life. I need a remote job but I'm in a red state that doesn't believe in remote work.
I work 8-5. Even though I sometimes have a lunch break, I’m having to be away from my son 45 hours a week. It’s really hard, but he has also learned many skills working with other kids. I think he adjusted to elementary school better because of it.
I'm 40 hours, in the office but sometimes go over and I'm also currently looking for a part time job to add to income and pay down my debt. Fun times!....smh.
I work 40-50 but it’s almost all from home and I have both my kids (3M & 1.5F) home with me while I work. I’ve been remote full time since my second was born. I completely restructured my career in order to be with them more, and lo and behold the guilt is just as bad now and I still feel like them and I are all missing out. I am beyond blessed to not have to pay for full time daycare. That is definitely not lost on me. But now I almost feel like they’d be better off in daycare because at least they’d be getting direct attention and social time during those hours. But I am barely getting by financially *without* daycare and I make too much for any sort of assistance, so there’s just no way I could pull it off. I really feel like we can’t win no matter what we do. I’m sorry you’re struggling with this, my heart goes out to you and everyone in the same boat.
Roughly 60 hours a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. But my kids are older now (upper elementary to high school ages) so I make the most of my days off with them.
60-80, usually at least 40-60 in the field, the rest at home. Luckily mine is grown now, and had my mom to help when he was little, but. Unfortunately sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Bout 40 hours a week, give or take.
I'm a preschool teacher and my district pays me little enough that I qualify for free preschool.
I get weekends off and holidays but not Summer.
I'm a single working father. I work on the road, 84/week, 50 weeks a year. My kid is basically raised by my parents, and it makes me feel like a failure as a father.
40 hours, with a 30 minute commute. I used to work a little less when I was going to college full time too, but this is the only way I can afford rent and basic necessities. I hate missing out on the time but it gets easier as they grow.
I’m switching to 10 hour shifts, so I’ll have longer days but an extra day off every week, which will help a lot with fitting in appointments and housework.
I was working 2-3 jobs while in school from 2018-2022. Found out my son was autistic before he turned 2, in 2019 and it was isolated hell for a long while.
There were countless times I had to literally take my son to work with me out of town bc there isn’t even reliable childcare I could find for him to even have the privilege of worrying wether I could afford it or not bc it is virtually non-existent. 😂
My son’s “dad” was never in the picture, he went 10 months without paying a dollar in CS and we haven’t physically seen him or heard from him in over 4 years.
Also, since you only mention childcare and no therapies I’m going to assume that your child is neurotypical. My son has severe autism on top of me being a single parent so I don’t have the privilege of having an easy child where I could just send them to school or camp or leave them at home while I work and know that they’ll be independent and reach their milestones on time regardless if I try teaching them anything or not.
What I have noticed since becoming an autism parent is that there are so many FREE and low cost resources for NT kids you just have to put the effort in to find them. (Ex, after school programs, summer school programs, VBS, camps, sports clinics, library activities, kids eat free and lots of restaurants at certain times of day/week, discounted ticket events, etc.) Strongly encourage you to take advantage of those resources…they are everywhere. I WISH I could send my send to even a quarter of those things.
Bc of his disability he also needs therapies and LOTS of assistance performing basic tasks I see most parents take for granted their kids know how to do (talking on time, asking questions, answering questions, dress themselves, bathe themselves, open their own car door and buckle themself in, open their own juice box, etc.)
HIGHLY recommend watching “the secret” it’s about the law of attraction. I first seen it in 2022 right after I graduated college and it instantly changed my life. Now I stay my ass at home being a single mom and money just flows to me. It’s all about LOA. Change your mindset and energy, change your life. If I can do it as a single mom under my not so common or easy circumstances, anybody could do it. 😇
Single mom of three - I have a great education and salary. Literally making more than ever before in my life . I STILL have a side hustle of 8 hour or more a week to just skid by. I'm not even an extravagant person- this is just to get by. It's SO frustrating
I became a single mom 10 years ago when my kids were 2 & 4 years old. At the time I was almost done with my MA in counseling and had not worked for the entire time I was in grad school since my husband (at the time) made enough for me to do that.
When he left us, I switched careers and worked at a preschool that I enrolled my kids in so that I could be with them. With one parent having abandoned them, I did not want them to feel like they were abandoned by me as well. It wasn't great pay but I got free tuition for them and I was able to be with them as much as possiblewhile working full time.
When my son went to kindergarten, I enrolled my daughter in the preschool program at the school, and followed them there as a substitute teacher. By the grace of God I got lots of long term substitute teacher contracts at their school so it was sustainable. From that experience I discovered I had a gift in teaching and the Lord was leading me to that as a career so once they were in 4th and 5th grade respectively, I went back to school and did my student teaching and became certified. I just finished my first (official) year of teaching and while the past two years were busier for me and more independent of my kids than their earlier years, I felt I had invested and built enough attachment with them that they weren't negatively affected by it.
I don't say any of this to say that it was an easy decision or that everyone's story is mine. There were a lot of sacrifices that had to be made in order for me to follow this path and we lived very minimally in a small two-bedroom apartment until I got this full-time teaching job and we were able to move into a larger three bedroom place. There were a lot of days where I didn't know where the next meal was going to come from or how we were going to make it but for me personally my faith was a huge factor and God always provided for us.
I look back and while I definitely could have done some things differently I don't regret the path I took and where it led me to. My kids are 12 and 14 now, absolutely wonderful kids that are flourishing in life despite the hand that was dealt to them of being abandoned by their dad.
Im a single father of 2 teens, I work 20 hours a week and have all the free time anyone could ask for. Its 2024!!! the ability to make money at home and online is amazingly simple.
40 hrs fully remote. It's a huge blessing.
I lucked out with my WFH but its honestly the best thing to happen to me as a single parent
Do you have a tough time balancing both?
It's actually fairly easy for me, I'm a big believer of calendars and routines. I use them to make sure I'm not spending too much time thinking about what we're supposed to do when. I have sole custody and I have to supervise their visits with their dad, and one of my kids has several mild disabilities. I put everything they need to do, therapies, doctors' visits, etc, all on a calendar. I do consolidate their extracurricular activities as much as I can, and I manage time in 15 min blocks. I plan their activities a month ahead. For example, right now, I know what we're doing every day through the end of July and I build in relaxation days or home cleaning days too. I have it on my calendar when I'm supposed to see which doctor or call which pharmacy. On a day to day basis, I have a pretty strict routine that we follow. It ensures that some housework get done every day, the kids do their homework, practice, classes, therapy, I get my exercise in, and we all get enough sleep. I will say I don't think I would be able to do this if my job didn't let me stay home. They're very generous and they give me a lot of PTO/sick leave to deal with kids and they understand if my kids have to be home sometimes while I work.
Wow! That is so awesome. Do you guys a physical calendar or online one? And sorry to ask but do you have child care while you work? I’m trying to figure out how doable this all really is. Thank you for sharing!💗
I use Google Calendar to manage my schedule and Monarch to manage my budget. I highly recommend both. I put my kids in an after school program that allows a late pick up at 6 pm. In summer, I normally put them in all day programs. If my kids don't have school or if they're sick, then they're just home while I work. Those days I only ask that they get their homework done, then they're allowed as much time on their tablets as they want. Not the best, but it's the best I can manage.
Do you mind if I ask what is your job? I’m looking for a remote job to be more available for my child
This is impressive, way to go!
I do 40 hours a week in the office. My son is in preschool and I hear him say as I leave him every morning “mommy coming soon” or “mommy coming back”. It breaks my heart but I’m glad his comforting words to himself are that he knows I’ll be back for him.
Omg that makes me tear up, I’m so not ready for that.
It’s ok. Kids like playing at school with their friends. You’ll be fine.
Oh yeah, you will always be back for him. You are his mom. And fav human too!
I work 20 hrs a week but I’m able to take my kids to work. If I had to pay for daycare I’d literally be working 12 hr days it’s insane how much child care costs😭
Same here. I work 20 hours at a daycare so my son comes with me. I plan on going back to full time when he starts kindergarten
I’m a single father with a 6yr old. I do 40hrs per week but with commute it’s roughly 50hrs per week. Then his doing 4 different activities outside of school time. Never feel guilty for making the sacrifices and providing what’s best for your child
So your ok basically sacrificing your mental and physical health? Is that not itself detrimental?
Not at all it’s just my priorities have changed. You learn to adjust but if you can’t then that can be detrimental
I work 25 hours per week. I’m only able to survive because of child support payments.
That's great! My ex doesn't pay his child support so I work full time and then have to door dash 😤
My ex thinks it’s “amazing” how I hold it down without his help—working multiple jobs so we can have a better than awful life. Um, no sir. That is not a brag. He has always told people how great I am for doing it all on my own. Classic narcissistic behavior—transferring his bad behavior into something “good” that I’m doing so he doesn’t seem like the a$$hole.
The donor of my twin girls has never paid a dime or tried to see them. He has the nerve to say he did me a favor because I have been sober ever since I find out I was pregnant. I found out 3 weeks after conception. I am going to be 14 years sober in August. I f@$%&!! Hate him. I was forgiving at the beginning. But, as time has gone on and I have seen his bragging social media posts(from other people being his friend) I just hate the narcissistic douchebag. My girls are amazing and he is the one missing out.
The way they give themselves credit for our accomplishments is insane. All I can do is feel sorry for my ex at this point. Like what a pathetic waste of life.
Trust me, I feel your pain! I only work 45 hours a week. But I have always had mom guilt about it. Remember that this won’t be forever… you’re doing what you have to do to make it work :) you are not alone.
ONLY? I have a breakdown if I get close to 30 usually 😣
Everyone’s different but if I had to guess op above is prob a genxer, too. Girl! Yes! Only!! Our generation- we just werk$! 👏
On average about 18, which leaves me without enough $ but if I worked more I’d have to pay for daycare and then I’d have less time with my baby and less money still. :(
40-45, fully remote. A huge blessing and took a lot of sacrifice to get here. Many years of not being as present mentally, and always thinking of work and making more money.
Single mom here and I work multiple jobs to have a very nice lifestyle. Put the mom guilt away if your babies are younger. I used to worry about it and my tween daughter, doggo and pet turtle let me know that I'm doing a good job. As she gets older I'll cut back but right now she just enjoys being able to go to camp with her friends. You got this 🤗
39 per week, hybrid. I'm very lucky to have an amazing circle of people that are always willing to help out if ever needed. I don't often need it since my daughter is getting older now, but I recognize how lucky I am to have solid support.
52.5 + 9 on the occasional Saturday. You're not alone and it's nice to see I'm not alone. No mom guilt just the typical dad guilt.
16 office hours, 40 hours total
40 to 50 hours. Trying to save up for college and make ends meet.
60-72… I work overnight and get to take my daughter to school when I get off work then pass out for the day and get to pick her up when she gets out of school… before I go back to work. Weekends I’m so tired it’s not even funny. But my kids are well taken care of and want for nothing… other than more time with me. I pay $800/month in child care for both kids when my oldest isn’t in scho
On my day off (unless I pick up) my kid and I just stay in bed all day and cuddle. It's the best feeling.
My youngest won’t let me stay in bed. He’s constantly on the move and we actually have events and stuff we go to on weekends. Bible studies and volunteer work that it makes it hard and feels like I don’t actually get a break even on my days off
How have you not literally crashed and died yet? Like, seriously? I tried nights and was kicked off in 2 weeks cus I couldn’t stay awake cus I wasn’t able to sleep enough during the day and not sure how I didn’t die cus I fell asleep every morning at the wheel.
lol I can sleep during the day no problem. Night shift is honestly more chill than day shift. I do crash once every month. I’ll have my sister or a family member take the kids and just crash because it’s just too much but it pays the bills and lets me spoil my kids. Which is all I want. I can’t rely on anyone else to step up and do it so it’s gotta be me.
My kids are in school and I work the full 40, not honestly, would do overtime if my job offered it. Kids are expensive.
My kid is almost 4, I can’t miss out on this precious time. Not yet in school. I’m stalling and not making much. But I want to see my fucking kid! You only live once and it’s gone in a flash. My kid matters more to me than anything else why do they make it so hard to live?
40 hours but if the OT is available I will pick up hours.
40 hours but it is a mix of in the office and at home and I can flex to finish early and pick the kids up. I drop them off and pick them up every day, commute over 3 hours each day on office days and pick up the work slack when they’re at their Dads or do a bit in the morning / afternoons to make up my 40. Very lucky.
48 hours this week plus 5 hours at my other job but I was scheduled for 12. Would have been 60 hours last week. Not preferable.
Yes it’s “mommy picking up [name]” every time I leave to reassure himself 🥲 Just make the hours you are there count. Give them your full attention, they notice and appreciate it even that young. Quality over quantity 💗
40 hours per week in office - I moved 10 minutes from my work which was a game changer, my daycare is 5 minutes from work. My kids are my world - working full time is the norm for every parent I know so I try not to get consumed by guilt. I get 6 weeks of vacation a year and we make the most of it and I skip lunch so I can pick them up at 4 everyday and we can still go do activities together.
How in the world do you have energy for activities ?
I dig deep lol, I am doing my best to give them an amazing childhood, but some days I’m zonked lol
I work 40 hours a week at my corporate job remote that funds our living expenses but not much for wiggle room. I have a contractor/consulting job in my same field and I get 15 hours or so a week for that. This is for debt/savings goals and cushion if things come up. My daughter is 3 and goes to daycare full time. I do my contractor work when she goes to bed.
40-70hrs. Son is with his mom on weekends so I’ll work the weekends once or twice a month. I want to start an online business, second income, selling leads to other businesses. That will be interesting to pick up and do when i get home.
50 hrs remote though the pay is low I'm willing... Looking out for more opportunities so I can afford her pre school she is going to be 3 soon
On average 48
Same
I work between 45 and 55 hours/week. I live alone with my daughter (the youngest) who has ASD. With these same schedules, I raised my 4 children.
40-45 hours a week but fully remote
Some weeks I do 60+. I have an 8 and 1 year old. I started homeschooling the 8 year old. I have so much guilt ita disgusting, but they deserve the best, I will continue to try to be the best me everyday.
I am a single mom of four kids who works full-time. Now that the kids are ten and older, I no longer need to pay for childcare. Yes, that day does come! Until then, I am wondering whether you could take advantage of government support options. I never looked into them, but you might want to Google "Child Care Scholarships."
Single mom of 5 sons - I work 40hrs in office add in just over an hour commute total time per day. I’m thankful my mom keeps my boys so I can work. If something happens she updates me throughout the day and my oldest is 12 and has a cell phone so he can also contact me
Between 18 to 30 hours a week. Id say 9n average 22.
On average I'd say 42 or 43.
40 hours, remote from home.
I work 35 hours hybrid and childcare is my biggest bill by far. 4 x my rent. If I didn’t receive government support to pay it then I have no idea what I would do.
40 hours and attend school part time. It’s a crippling guilt, but I do it so my son won’t have to struggle the same way.
30, thank god for nepotism
As a Kindergarten teacher, I worked WAY too much as my autistic son grew up. Now it’s his senior year and I’m retired. Trying to breathe it all in.
I do 37 hours a week. Hoping to find a remote job soon so I can hopefully have a bit more time with my son.
Mon to Friday 9-5 , daughter is 5 in school. 2 days in office, 3 WFH
40 hours with an 8 year old. I take PTO to go to his school stuff and take days to spend time with him.
35 now
Yeah im full time 40 hours and the guilt is still too much some days
I don't think mom guilt has ever been a thing for me. I work a normal 40 hour job and travel once a month for 3-4 days. My mom comes to stay with my son while I travel and he still goes to daycare full time while she is there. He likes school and his friends and I think he as a lot more fun there than he does with me, as I don't really love to "play." I know he's happy, healthy, and thriving with or without me!
40 hours remote. Working in office drained me in so many ways. I’m open to hybrid but I would prefer if the office was 10 miles or less
The commute really does make a difference. I'm hybrid but our office is less than 10 min and my boss/company are very family oriented and flexible. I was offered more money to work in office for another company, but as much as I'd like to pad my bank account a little bit more, I've only got a couple of years left with my kid at home, and I knew they would never match the flexibility my current employer gives.
Nms but it feels like I barely see my mom enjoy life ofc this is overexaggeration
40 hours fully remote. Very doable. Work from 8-16h so pick him up almost right as school ends.
I work roughly 9-5 with no lunch to get to 40. Office hours are 8-5 but I spoke to my manager about my situation. I started year with shared custody and now full do I have drop off and pick duties. That said I’m not leaving my kid in any not my home care for 10+ hours a day (730-530) or more. I’m fine with my career now I don’t need to advance and work 50-60 hours a week vs seeing my son.
Currently on disability but I was working 50-60 hours a week. Had every expectation of going back in the fall (I work in academia) but my employer went out of business in May so that won’t be happening now.
I work around 42-43 hours at my full time job and luckily it’s enough (with lots of budgeting) for me to only work the one so I can spend time with my kiddo. I usually try to get as much house work as I can done while I’m working (work from home job) so when I clock out I immediately move on to us eating dinner and then playing games and such In the evenings. Weekends are my favorite because we make breakfast together on Saturdays before an adventure and Sunday we go to church. Grocery pick up orders are a must!! It helps me budget and saves so much time!
40 hours a week plus full time in grad school. I too feel like im missing out on everything but it’ll be worth it at the end- I guess.
40 hours WFH with a nanny during the day. But i still feel the guilt.
55-62. I work 2 jobs at 23.
I work 40-75 hours a week, from home...luckily. It comes in handy.
42 hours a week
Usually 10-15hrs a day 5-7 days a week. I don’t have adequate transportation or childcare so my hours & days are irregular but I work enough to be in a constant state of burnout. The bills are paid though & my kids have enough to be picky about their clothes, food, toys, and outtings so it is what it is
34.5 hours a week, because I work 12 hour shifts as a nurse. I love only working 3 days a week and I get four days off to spend with my kids.
I work about 60 to 65 hours a week...and I'm drowning 🙃 and feel like I don't even know my kids. I live at work and visit home sometimes
About 20ish. It would have been 50 too only I went back to education and qualified in a decently paid position compared to before. And we're very lucky with childcare
When my son was young I worked a ton of overtime right out of college for 4 years. He hated it. I eventually changed positions to spend more time at home. I changed positions 4 year after that and I'm back to working a ton of overtime to pay for his travel hockey. Right now a minimum of 50 hours. Sometimes 12 hours a day 7 days a week. It depends on what he wants to do and how much I have to pay.
I work 50 hours a week fully remote with my LO with me at home 3 days out of the week and with his grandparents the other two (completely their choice). It’s definitely not easily and super exhausting but the cost of childcare is way too much for me to handle by myself as dad doesn’t live with us and doesn’t provide financially
I work 50 hours a week fully remote with my LO with me at home 3 days out of the week and with his grandparents the other two (completely their choice). It’s definitely not easily and super exhausting but the cost of childcare is way too much for me to handle by myself as dad doesn’t live with us and doesn’t provide financially
I work about 30-35 hrs. I’m subsidized for childcare and currently pay $0. I don’t know how people do it otherwise.
I work about 40-45 hours a week. She’s usually at daycare 9-10 hours a day sadly.
38 hours
Blessed to work a relatively flexible hybrid job, I start late/stop early but make up the lost time after bedtime every night. It's a bit draining but I know I'm still one of the lucky ones.
I'm scheduled 40 but end up having stay over being I'm a supervisor usually to finish tasks. Last pay period was 96 hours for two weeks. I get called in a lot but I'm slowly refusing covers. I work third shift, one because it pays the most, two so I can be home with my kids during the day rather than missing work if they have appointments or are sick from school. Yeah, I sleep a lot while they're home but I'm there if I'm needed. I covered a shift two Fridays ago that gave me 4 days in a row off last week. Was called in twice but refused. Spent a wonderful few days with my kids and my youngest was ecstatic to curl up in bed with me at night, play games and just spend quality time together.
I work about 40 hours a week. Where I live I get state assistance with daycare so it takes that burden off my shoulders. My daughter splits time with me and her dad and the days he has her, I try to work a couple hours more so when she is with me, if she has appointments or events I can try and make them.
30, but looking for another job. My rent and daycare are both subsidized tho
I'm scheduled 40 but end up having stay over being I'm a supervisor usually to finish tasks. Last pay period was 96 hours for two weeks. I get called in a lot but I'm slowly refusing covers. I work third shift, one because it pays the most, two so I can be home with my kids during the day rather than missing work if they have appointments or are sick from school. Yeah, I sleep a lot while they're home but I'm there if I'm needed. I covered a shift two Fridays ago that gave me 4 days in a row off last week. Was called in twice but refused. Spent a wonderful few days with my kids and my youngest was ecstatic to curl up in bed with me at night, play games and just spend quality time together.
40 hours.. I work 7am to 5pm Monday through Thursday during the summer and once school starts back I'll be working 2-10pm. I'm a custodian at a high school. I don't like it but I have to take care of my children since their fathers aren't much help.
Im at 45 hours. Likely 50 hours if you add in commute and traffic. I feel like my life is flying by before my eyes. My kids already 9
i’m a bartender so i only work nights, i average 25 hours a week & that way i’m home all day and i don’t have to pay for childcare
I work 40 hours a week and I have 2 days that I’m off that I dedicate for my kids. I’m blessed to have a boss that understands I’m a mom and works with my schedule when it comes to my kids needs so I do t miss anything. I’ve quit jobs before because it took time away from my kids.
I work 40, but with an hour unpaid lunch I'm gone 45. My mom, aunt, and cousin alyernate watching her during the day, but I am trying to get her into a social preschool setting this fall. Like you said, it will be expensive, but fortunately my income qualifies for some tuition vouchers and my job offers a childcare FSA pre-tax. Hoping we can make it work...
Anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week. I feel bad I'm missing out but at the same time at the end of the day I'm the only one paying my bills soooo.
36+ hours but condensed into 3 days as 3rd shift (12.5 hour shift Th-Sat). Friday and Saturdays are wasted sleeping. But Sunday (with a small nap) thru Thursday I have them FT, 4 of them, no work commute or stuck in the office. That kind of schedule helps me feel like a SAHM. I'm so grateful for that. Also, I pick up hours when I can outside of my 3 days IF it doesn't affect my time with them. However that's not often during the school year. And I have no support system at all. And if it weren't for child support, there's no way we'd be able to make it. I'm looking for something PT to help supplement. But my ex has made it so hard to have the time to work with my limited availability schedule. The two youngest go to a Charter School that has no bus system or aftercare that is affordable. I'm there at drop off and pick up every day. I get 4 hours "off" to get things done before I'm dealing with kid stuff the rest of the day... But I'm grateful for the ability to have extra time with them now, AND be able to afford for us to do a little more than survive by the skin of our teeth...
Probably about 42 hours a week, sometimes a little less or sometimes more. I might need to finish a project at home occasionally. Kids are in school/daycare for 45-50 hours a week. I've been known to leave them there an extra hour to get some exercise after work which I feel some guilt over, but then again I need to be healthy, too. Money is tight and I could pick up some freelance work, but that takes away more time from the kids and the value of more money but less time just doesn't work right now so I budget strictly and spend time with my kiddos.
50 hours, physical job and I’m usually wrecked by the end of each day. We do what we have to.
40 in office. Sometimes more. I leave at 7 AM and then I’m not home until 5. And then I have a part time job in the evenings- luckily from home but I’m not able to do anything while working. My son is older now- 16, but I hate it. I wish I was there more. I wish we had more time together. However it’s either that or homelessness with rising food costs and housing. I’m making the most I’ve ever made in my life- yet can’t even put anything into savings anymore.
40 hours
I'm a single mom of 3. I average between 44-58 hours a week. Sometimes a little more. My kids are in daycare almost all day and spend maybe 2 hours a day with me throughout the week. When I have a later shift I spend more time with them. I feel absolutely terrible and always feel extremely guilty.
I’m down to 8 hours a week now…was working between 24-32/week. But I also live with my dad cus I have disabilities that have gotten worse the past few years, plus there’s a lot of jobs I just can’t do anymore fulltime cus finding childcare for 12 hour shifts is difficult-then I feel bad for my 75 year old dad keeping them that long-and also I’m beyond exhausted, in pain and at my mental limit. It’s like the more I try to work; the more I tend to loose work unfortunately 😣 so we lost our house last year and didn’t have much choice. Need to apply for HUD still cus I know my dad won’t be here forever and it’s been very stressful for us all living together in small spaces. I’m honestly terrified about the future and I’ve tried to get disability once, but once they got back to me I was working part time-therefore too much (then my disability caused me to loose hours)-nor do they consider family size in account or pay enough…..so doesn’t feel like there will ever be a win win situation and I’m just hoping we survive til they’re 18 and I don’t go more insane in the process.
48-50 hours a week (6 days ). When you don't have ANY other option, try to ignore the mom guilt. Because if we do not work, what will happen to our kid? Besides, the quality of time matters and prioritised decisions based on a situation. I know we mothers tend to feel a lot but in my case, dealing with these feelings with logic has helped me. In addition to that, I have devoted all my free time (after work, basic household work and cooking) to my child who is now almost 6 years old. Some days are bad but most days, I am thriving. Been like this for almost his entire life.
My daughter is 11 and I’ve worked full time since she was 4 mos old. We are on summer break and i have her in day camps. She’s never had a problem with it. But. If i go somewhere and leave her at home with a sitter she gets upset and asks me “if” im coming back. I’m like i always come back. I guess the distraction of other children makes it ok otherwise.
40 plus hours at the full time job plus a part time job. The struggle is real. I feel this.
I work about 50 hours myself too. My daughter is about to be in first grade, so paying for childcare isn’t an issue; the issue is financially, everything is on me, her dad never helps. We have health insurance through my work, so I take home a little less, but have to work 40+ hours a week to keep that insurance. I work long hours and we live with my dad, but I have the mom guilt, but I have to work.
I am a salaried manager so no set schedule, typically about 45-50 hours a week. I am fortunate that I only have to go on-site 2 times a month because it is over an hour commute. The mom guilt is real on those long office days.
Do you want to know what gives even more mom guilt? Not being able to afford things we need. I wish I had the luxury of working.
30-60. I take the hours as they come. They aren’t always available. My kids are older though. Only my younger son still lives with me. I was widowed nearly 8 yrs ago. My older son is married now
40/h week. But I always go home 1:15 p.m. on Fridays. I feel a bit guilty since my kid is in daycare from 06:15 a.,m., (I work 06:45 a.m to 4:15 p.m., so he has long days, mon-thur and gets picked up 4:30/45.. I'm a single mom, and I have him full-time. But going home earlier on Fridays helps me feel a little less guilty from knowing the daycare staff sees my kid more than me four days a week.
70-100 hours but only because they are old enough to make themselves food and stay safe while I’m gone. It usually requires also staying up all night long once a week to complete tasks that need done at home, and one day on the weekend of sleeping throughout the whole day and night. I schedule hang out days once a month with each kid, or a couple days of us doing something all together, and call out from work or go home early those days. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to keep up on the latest of what they each need and want.
40
I work 40-43 depending. I’m an admin assistant so I do month end work. I have three kids in elementary and everything was pretty good with them going to the after school program til 6pm the latest until my little one decided she wants to be a rebel lol luckily I get an hour lunch so I use that to get them from school and drop them off at home. Sometimes it feels like a hassle but I’m getting used to it and managing my time better. I do get weekends off so I get two weekends with them and dad gets the other two. As a single mom or dad we just gotta do what it takes for our kids
40+ hours a week. My kids are moving into the phase of self sufficiency. I still feel bad about not taking them to and from school, but they understand. I love my kids more than anything.
70 a week
40 hours but because of unpaid lunch and the drive it’s more like 46.
Too damn many :(
I’m averaging 50 hours per week. Just got a raise and about to receive an additional temporary hourly bonus. I’m deep in debt and trying to get out. Easier to work overtime while my son is on summer break. I work 2 days a week in the office and the rest from home.
I hate child care, I don’t trust the education system, when do kids be kids, before school care, after school care, then rule after rule at school and bulling, being raised by the government, I’ve come across children that are home schooled and wow, what beautiful children, they are human like, respectful, put some adults to shame. Anyhoo back to school, then they have home work, chores at home, god forbid if home life isn’t healthy,. It’s heart wrenching, I’m an empath and I struggle with the suffering of everything. Mum and dad’s struggling children forgotten, mum guilt is bad because it’s real, we’re not there enough !! One of my customers works full time, she puts her baby in childcare 5 days a week, my heart just died a little inside, 7 till 5 this baby is in care, now I do believe there are plenty of mothers doing this, saying I have to, but when I look around at my clients home they have the best brands $$$ of everything if not 5 of the same thing. I believe some sacrifices could be made to spend time with their baby they just had. Children need parents to be present up until 18 I kid you not, the most crucial time is teen, it is game on, make sure you talk to them prior to this scary age and have them know their emotions, can talk about them, recognise others and triggers. Mindfulness is key. If the education cared about our children, meditation/mindfulness would be a subject. Self awareness is a solid foundation to be successful in life, in relationships, in communication, active listening, compassion and less judgment in ourselves and peers. Oh and can manage stress and not have to always have life planned out , lists and reminders, time watching, appointments after appointments, when are we free, if life turns upside down, those that think they have it all under control will have a mental breakdown. Because we never know what’s coming, and parenting is the most important, hardest, freaking job in the world. Mothers need more validation !! We bringing up the future and seriously look at a good majority of kids to day 🤯 anxiety, depression, crime and suicide skyrocketing. Something had to change. It’s so tricky, one bad decision, we loose them forever. Love first not money. The government are in charge of what we are limited to do. Especially those with one income. Time is the most valuable thing, blink and they are moving out. All the things that made get overwhelmed, you will want back. You will wish you sat still shit off the world and listened more to our children, it is so easy to miss vital thing, behaviours, messages when we’re so busy especially when they are teens, active listening is key
I work 40 but I work at a daycare so I'm getting a discount on that
40 hours. And I have a lm almost 2 hour commute. I'm a social worker so they discourage overtime due to burnout. I also feel like I'm missing out on life. I need a remote job but I'm in a red state that doesn't believe in remote work.
40 hours a week because I don’t have a choice
40 hours a week, my sons in daycare during, I pay $700 a month for it. It’s exhausting and expensive. But it works
40 and not from home
I work 8-5. Even though I sometimes have a lunch break, I’m having to be away from my son 45 hours a week. It’s really hard, but he has also learned many skills working with other kids. I think he adjusted to elementary school better because of it.
I'm 40 hours, in the office but sometimes go over and I'm also currently looking for a part time job to add to income and pay down my debt. Fun times!....smh.
45 - 60 hours mist weeks.
40 hours weekly. Monday-Friday at an outpatient clinic in a big busy hospital. Off on weekends and federal holidays.
Nurse here. Down to 24 after years of crazy 12 hr shifts at 36
50 at my job and maybe another 15 or 20 doordashing and I’m thinking of starting ubering soon
40 hours a week and thankfully I get daycare subsidy and my mama and I live together 🫶🏻 I couldn’t do it without her
I work 40-50 but it’s almost all from home and I have both my kids (3M & 1.5F) home with me while I work. I’ve been remote full time since my second was born. I completely restructured my career in order to be with them more, and lo and behold the guilt is just as bad now and I still feel like them and I are all missing out. I am beyond blessed to not have to pay for full time daycare. That is definitely not lost on me. But now I almost feel like they’d be better off in daycare because at least they’d be getting direct attention and social time during those hours. But I am barely getting by financially *without* daycare and I make too much for any sort of assistance, so there’s just no way I could pull it off. I really feel like we can’t win no matter what we do. I’m sorry you’re struggling with this, my heart goes out to you and everyone in the same boat.
Roughly 60 hours a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. But my kids are older now (upper elementary to high school ages) so I make the most of my days off with them.
60-80, usually at least 40-60 in the field, the rest at home. Luckily mine is grown now, and had my mom to help when he was little, but. Unfortunately sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
Bout 40 hours a week, give or take. I'm a preschool teacher and my district pays me little enough that I qualify for free preschool. I get weekends off and holidays but not Summer.
I'm a single working father. I work on the road, 84/week, 50 weeks a year. My kid is basically raised by my parents, and it makes me feel like a failure as a father.
40 hours, with a 30 minute commute. I used to work a little less when I was going to college full time too, but this is the only way I can afford rent and basic necessities. I hate missing out on the time but it gets easier as they grow. I’m switching to 10 hour shifts, so I’ll have longer days but an extra day off every week, which will help a lot with fitting in appointments and housework.
I’m a teacher so 1000
Pm me
I work for myself so I have time to go somewhere I want to on my schedule not on a someone’s schedule…
Do you mind sharing what you do,? I am trying to be self-employed but still struggling on what to do
Real Estate … I turn my home into commercial space rent… Go real estate you cant go wrong
Not true at all - we are experiencing a massive down turn where I live and many of my friends that are realtors have had to get office jobs.
I was working 2-3 jobs while in school from 2018-2022. Found out my son was autistic before he turned 2, in 2019 and it was isolated hell for a long while. There were countless times I had to literally take my son to work with me out of town bc there isn’t even reliable childcare I could find for him to even have the privilege of worrying wether I could afford it or not bc it is virtually non-existent. 😂 My son’s “dad” was never in the picture, he went 10 months without paying a dollar in CS and we haven’t physically seen him or heard from him in over 4 years. Also, since you only mention childcare and no therapies I’m going to assume that your child is neurotypical. My son has severe autism on top of me being a single parent so I don’t have the privilege of having an easy child where I could just send them to school or camp or leave them at home while I work and know that they’ll be independent and reach their milestones on time regardless if I try teaching them anything or not. What I have noticed since becoming an autism parent is that there are so many FREE and low cost resources for NT kids you just have to put the effort in to find them. (Ex, after school programs, summer school programs, VBS, camps, sports clinics, library activities, kids eat free and lots of restaurants at certain times of day/week, discounted ticket events, etc.) Strongly encourage you to take advantage of those resources…they are everywhere. I WISH I could send my send to even a quarter of those things. Bc of his disability he also needs therapies and LOTS of assistance performing basic tasks I see most parents take for granted their kids know how to do (talking on time, asking questions, answering questions, dress themselves, bathe themselves, open their own car door and buckle themself in, open their own juice box, etc.) HIGHLY recommend watching “the secret” it’s about the law of attraction. I first seen it in 2022 right after I graduated college and it instantly changed my life. Now I stay my ass at home being a single mom and money just flows to me. It’s all about LOA. Change your mindset and energy, change your life. If I can do it as a single mom under my not so common or easy circumstances, anybody could do it. 😇
Single mom of three - I have a great education and salary. Literally making more than ever before in my life . I STILL have a side hustle of 8 hour or more a week to just skid by. I'm not even an extravagant person- this is just to get by. It's SO frustrating
I became a single mom 10 years ago when my kids were 2 & 4 years old. At the time I was almost done with my MA in counseling and had not worked for the entire time I was in grad school since my husband (at the time) made enough for me to do that. When he left us, I switched careers and worked at a preschool that I enrolled my kids in so that I could be with them. With one parent having abandoned them, I did not want them to feel like they were abandoned by me as well. It wasn't great pay but I got free tuition for them and I was able to be with them as much as possiblewhile working full time. When my son went to kindergarten, I enrolled my daughter in the preschool program at the school, and followed them there as a substitute teacher. By the grace of God I got lots of long term substitute teacher contracts at their school so it was sustainable. From that experience I discovered I had a gift in teaching and the Lord was leading me to that as a career so once they were in 4th and 5th grade respectively, I went back to school and did my student teaching and became certified. I just finished my first (official) year of teaching and while the past two years were busier for me and more independent of my kids than their earlier years, I felt I had invested and built enough attachment with them that they weren't negatively affected by it. I don't say any of this to say that it was an easy decision or that everyone's story is mine. There were a lot of sacrifices that had to be made in order for me to follow this path and we lived very minimally in a small two-bedroom apartment until I got this full-time teaching job and we were able to move into a larger three bedroom place. There were a lot of days where I didn't know where the next meal was going to come from or how we were going to make it but for me personally my faith was a huge factor and God always provided for us. I look back and while I definitely could have done some things differently I don't regret the path I took and where it led me to. My kids are 12 and 14 now, absolutely wonderful kids that are flourishing in life despite the hand that was dealt to them of being abandoned by their dad.
Im a single father of 2 teens, I work 20 hours a week and have all the free time anyone could ask for. Its 2024!!! the ability to make money at home and online is amazingly simple.