Life as a single parent comes with its unique hurdles. You’re expected to play both parenting roles for your kids while trying to build a successful career. This balancing act can be quite daunting, especially when potential employers might doubt your focus and dedication at work.
Despite these challenges, there are numerous job opportunities in this modern era that can align with your parenting status. Here are several factors to consider and the best careers for single parents.
Job Search Tips as a Single Parent
No career is perfect. However, prioritizing some of the following factors can help narrow your job search as a single dad or mom.
Flexible Working Hours
Careers that allow you to adjust your schedule make it easier to balance your parenting duties. They include remote jobs or roles offering flexible hours.
Work-Life Balance
An employer that values your personal time is often committed to your welfare. You can avoid positions that compel you to compromise your self-care or child’s needs during your job search.
Barrier to Entry
Professions with a low barrier to entry allow you to develop your expertise from scratch easily. You may consider going back to school as a single parent to achieve certifications and qualify for some of these careers. Institutions like MedCerts offer online programs ideal for your busy single-parenting lifestyle.
Income and Benefits Package
A good income is the cornerstone of any worthwhile career. Look for a position that offers competitive pay to meet your added financial duties. Comprehensive benefits like housing allowance, tuition reimbursement and medical coverage further help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Best Career Options for Single Parents
Few careers are financially rewarding and offer flexible working hours that meet your unique needs. Some of the industries with these top career choices include:
Information Technology
Tech jobs stand out for their remote work arrangements and high-paying entry-level positions. These features allow you to enjoy an excellent work-life balance, lowering the risk of burnout. There are also plenty of IT career paths to choose from, with immense room for growth and increased earning potential.
Some of the IT certification programs available at MedCerts include:
- IT Support Specialist: Responsible for troubleshooting technical problems and setting up systems.
- Network Technician: Maintains computer networks to ensure connectivity.
- Cybersecurity Analyst: Protects sensitive data and systems from online theft and damage.
- Cloud Computing: Manages and secures digital data.
Healthcare
A career in healthcare allows you to be part of a supportive medical team. While the training needed to join the field may be intense, it equips you with numerous portable soft and hard skills. MedCerts healthcare online programs allow you to get job security in in-demand positions like:
- Medical Assistant: In charge of patient care and administrative work.
- Pharmacy Technician: Manages drug prescriptions and administration.
- Phlebotomy Technician: Draws blood from patients for various lab investigations.
- Medical Coding and Billing Professional: Translates health records into standardized codes for billing purposes.
Single parents face unique challenges, but the right career can make a significant difference. MedCerts Career Center experts are here to help you explore your options and take the first step toward a stable, more fulfilling career.
