What Is the Best Career for a Single Mom
When you close your eyes, you can probably visualize your dream job as a mom. Maybe it includes being able to take paid vacation time, where you can play with your kids without worrying about the money. Maybe it gives you and your family a sense of security as you work to build a nest egg. Or maybe your dream work scenario just gives you a chance to do the little things you used to be able to do before becoming a parent—like getting to sit down, focus and drink a cup of coffee without worrying about what trouble your kids might be getting into.
No matter what your ideal job looks like as a mother, know that you're not alone in trying to find a good fit. These days in the U.S., most moms—even those with young children—are employed or actively looking for employment. In fact, 65 percent of moms with young children were active in the workforce in 2017. Of that number, 74 percent were working full time, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
What the statistics can't say is if those moms were working in a career they loved that also fit their needs. April Palomino, mother and realtor with Coldwell Banker, says she spent a year trying to determine what she wanted to do and weighing how the work-life balance of potential jobs would impact her family.
"I wanted something I would enjoy doing, yet allowed for flexibility," Palomino says.
There's a ton of competing priorities to consider and balance as a mother looking to start a career—earning potential, job security, scheduling flexibility and the education needed are all critical concerns to weigh. And with so many careers out there, it might seem daunting trying to narrow it down. That's where we come in—in this article, we've identified a handful of the best jobs for moms and have explained what make them appealing.
6 Great jobs for moms to consider
There's no one-size-fits-all perfect career for moms—every personal situation is different, and you may value some factors more than others. That being said, the following jobs feature an appealing mix for many mothers and are an excellent starting point for your consideration.
1. Web developer
Technology careers are hot these days, but it's definitely not the most common industry for moms to consider. Web developers design and create websites, according to the BLS. Depending on the specific role, they may manage the look of the website as well as its technical aspects and functionality.
Most web developers will spend time meeting with clients and/or managers to discuss what they need from their website. They learn the technical skills to test applications and write code for websites. Depending on the role, they might also monitor web traffic, integrate video and audio content and even create content.
Why it's a good job for moms:
Web development is a great option for moms because of the increased likelihood that you can work remotely, or at least work from home when the kids are sick or daycare falls through. But this role also features solid earning potential—the 2017 median annual wage for web developers was $67,990, according to the BLS.2
Additionally, job prospects appear to be solid for web developers. Employment of these tech pros is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average rate of growth for all careers.2
But aside from considerations like job outlook and potential earnings, the actual work of a web developer fits mothers well. For example, web developers need to build sites to match their client's needs—a process that involves active listening and being able to decipher what someone really means when they explain what they want.
As a mom, you probably have a lot of practice reading between the lines of communication when your toddler had tantrums or your first-grader came home from school chattering a-mile-a-minute. Perceiving needs and using some intuition is a powerful asset in web development.
Web developers also need to have a good eye for visual aesthetics, the will to learn programming tools and excellent communication skills.
Interested? Check out our article, "Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Web Developer," to learn more.
2. Medical assistant
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, according to the BLS.2 They are often one of the first people you meet at a clinic, recording your personal information and measuring your vital signs. Odds are, you've worked with a medical assistant when bringing your little one in for a checkup.
Some of these professionals give injections, shots and medications, schedule patient appointments, prepare samples for lab tests and ask patients questions about their history, safety and health, according to the BLS.
Why it's a good job for moms:
You probably know a thing or two about basic medical care already. Whether that's information gleaned from taking your kids to the doctor's office, or the more hands-on experience of nursing bloody noses and monitoring fevers, you're well aware of how much parents need to know about health and safety.
Additionally, 57 percent of medical assistants were employed in physician offices in 2017, the BLS writes.2 Since these clinics tend to keep regular hours, medical assistants are more likely than some healthcare jobs to have a normal 9–5 work schedule without needing to show up on holidays.
Employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 29 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.2 This career, like many in healthcare, features a super bright outlook as the baby boomer generation ages and demand for healthcare rises. This demand will be very reassuring for any moms who seek career stability over time.
Think medical assisting is a fit for you? Our article, "5 Reasons Moms Already Have the Core Characteristics of a Medical Assistant," goes even further in making the case for medical assistant moms.
3. Human Resources specialist
Human resources (HR) specialists recruit, screen, interview and place workers with employers, according to the BLS.2 They can work in a myriad of specialties, but typically handle tasks related to employee relations, compensation and benefits and training. They also ensure that the HR department complies with federal, state and local regulations.
Why it's a good job for moms:
HR specialists need a healthy mix of empathy and efficiency. For example, you've probably had those mornings where your child is upset and crying—and you have to be out the door in five minutes. What do you do to make it happen? Accommodating someone else's feelings and abilities, while also moving the day forward is a common challenge in HR.
These jobs usually have straightforward schedules that don't involve weekends or holidays. The BLS cites the median annual wage for human resources specialists at $60,350 in 2017.2 If you'd enjoy working with lots of people and using your communication skills to solve problems, then consider HR as a fantastic career option.
Looking for more about HR? Our article, "Everything You Need to Know About Working in Human Resources," will help.
4. Realtor
Real estate agents help clients buy, sell and rent properties. This career involves soliciting potential clients and advising them on prices and market conditions, according to the BLS.2 Real estate agents maintain lists of properties on the market, take prospective buyers to visit properties and handle all the paperwork and negotiations of a purchase.
Real estate agents can represent either the buyer or the seller in a transaction. Buyers' brokers and agents meet with clients to understand what they are looking for in a property and how much they can afford, and sellers' brokers and agents meet with clients to help them decide how much to ask for and to help them find a qualified buyer.
This career involves lots of specialized knowledge in the housing market and requires a state license. The BLS reports that many real estate brokers and sales agents work more than 40 hours per week with evenings and weekends to accommodate clients' schedules.2
Why it's a good job for moms:
Though hours might get long, the BLS points out that many realtors are able to set their own schedules. The irregular hours might make this career more possible for moms who don't have full daytime childcare. The median annual wage for real estate brokers was $56,730 in 2017.2
"I love the work-life balance I have as a realtor," Palomino says. "I am home most days by the time my children are out of school, and definitely by dinner. I have the flexibility to attend their school events, and I'm always home for family game night now."
Palomino says controlling her own work schedule and being able to work from home most days is a huge selling point for the career. "This career path allowed me to choose my schedule and be my own boss while doing something I love."
5. Graphic designer
Graphic designers create visuals to communicate ideas that attract consumers, according to the BLS.2 Their tasks can involve designing everything from labels to illustrations to entire brand identities. They present their designs and work with management or clients to create visuals that satisfy all parties. They also use a wide array of software and computer systems to make different kinds of content according to their company's and clients' needs.
Why it's a good job for moms:
Much like web development, graphic design is an awesome career option for moms. Graphic design careers are highly customizable, with plenty of room for full-time, part-time, freelance, office and remote jobs. The median annual wage for graphic designers was $48,700 in 2017, according to the BLS.2
Important skills for this job include time management (moms know a thing or two about that), creativity and the ability to accommodate other people's perspectives in your design. If you are drawn to art beyond your kids' glue sticks and crayons, then graphic design could be perfect for you.
6. Preschool teacher
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age five who have not yet entered kindergarten. They might work in childcare centers, preschools or a variety of environments that host preschools in a community.
Preschool teachers coordinate activities that entertain and educate the kids in their care for age-appropriate development. They teach children while watching for signs of emotional or developmental problems and keeping parents updated about their kids' development, according to the BLS.2
Preschool teachers use play and other instructional techniques to teach children about the world. They might spend time developing everything from an early learning curriculum to a meal schedule, depending on their work setting.
Why it's a good job for moms:
Preschool teachers are in high demand, according to the BLS, and their employment is expected to increase at a faster-than-average rate in the next ten years.2 It's a great career choice for moms, since professionals with experience with young children will have the best opportunity in finding a job.
This career can be a critical option for moms who don't have supplemental childcare, since many centers will allow employees and teachers to bring their children to the facility or school at a discount or even for free. Preschool teachers who work in a school will likely have summers and holidays off, and might find schedules that align with their kids' schedules a bit better.
Do you think you would be a good preschool teacher? Ask yourself >these six questions.
Thinking beyond just the career
Launching a new career as a mother can be a challenge—no one wants to feel like they're failing their kids or professionally, so finding a good fit is key. But even if none of the above careers sound appealing to you, don't let your worries be what holds you back from pursuing something that does.
"You always wonder, 'How will my kids adjust to me going to school? Will I have the time to study?'" Palamino says. "Do not let those things keep you from pursuing a career. Children are not only resilient, but they also understand."
Putting in the work to pursue a career isn't necessarily a bad thing—this work presents an opportunity for you to set a positive example for your kids. For instance, Palomino recalls that her children would sometimes see her studying and would offer to join in on "doing homework" of their own.
If you think you want a new career, but still have some reservations about how to make it happen with your family, check out our article, "The Juggling Act: How to Balance Being a Parent and Going to School".
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Characteristics of Families - 2017, [information accessed August 28, 2018] https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/famee.pdf
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [information accessed August 28, 2018] www.bls.gov/ooh/. Salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries and employment conditions in your area may vary.
What Is the Best Career for a Single Mom
Source: https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/best-jobs-for-moms/