1. Project a Professional Image
It's unfortunate, but there will be times when your supervisor or co-workers will make inappropriate assumptions about you just because you are a single parent. For example, they may assume that you're going to be unreliable because you will occasionally need time off to care for your kids. You can combat this by projecting a professional image at all times. For example:
- Dress appropriately
- Arrive on time
- Be pleasant
- Set realistic deadlines
- Have a backup child care plan in place
2. Learn a New Skill
Take an inventory of your current skills. Is there something you could add to that list that would make you more valuable to your current employer? For example, would learning how to use Power Point make you standout among your co-workers? Would your boss be impressed to learn that you know basic web design? Participating in a free online class can increase your income potential in your current job.
3. Increase Your Value
No one is indispensable in the workplace. However, you can make holding on to you more desirable by being known as the person who does those tasks that others either don’t want to do, or are incapable of doing. For example, volunteer to write the monthly report for your division, or seek out tasks that demonstrate your most valuable skills and talents.
4. Go Back to School
Would you like to enter a completely new field, but need more education before you can fulfill that dream? Research education grants for single parents, as well as single parent scholarships, to find programs that can help you head back to school—and increase your earning potential—without having to pay out of pocket expenses. Many colleges and universities now offer convenient online classes, as well.
5. Start Your Own Business
Another way to increase your earning potential is to begin your own business on the side. For example, start your own pet sitting business, or clean homes on the weekend. In this way, you can keep your day job, but earn additional money doing a job where you can be your own boss. When you work for yourself, bringing the kids with you is never a problem!
