Jobs with flexible hours — aren't they a dream come true for single mums like us?
Because let's face it, being a single parent isn't easy. You're juggling parenting responsibilities, the household, and your career, often all at once.
I've been there myself, scouring the internet late at night for flexible work arrangements so I can provide for my little ones without sacrificing precious moments with them. That's why I'm thrilled to share this list of the top jobs for single mamas.
If you're seeking flexibility, remote work options, and a steady income, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. These career options are really achievable (believe me!). They will let you create a flexible schedule around daycare pickups, your child's school events, and those unexpected sick days.
Ready to explore your next career move? Let's dive in!
Top Jobs with Flexible Hours for Single Parents
Work-From-Home Pick: Virtual Assistant (VA) Role
As a VA, you'll enjoy the perfect mix of administrative support and flexibility. Tasks typically include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and sometimes even recruitment tasks, all done remotely. I tried my hand as a VA early in my single-parent journey and loved how easily it fit around my parenting schedule.
The average salary for VA roles is competitive. So it's a reliable choice if you're looking to start earning quickly. It also offers plenty of room for growth. Many single mamas have built successful careers specialising in different industries.
Graphic Designer (One of the Most Flexible Jobs)
Have an eye for design? Then becoming a graphic designer is for you! It offers flexibility, creativity, and, of course, the opportunity to work remotely. Graphic design lets you work from home entirely, which means more time spent with your kiddos and less commuting. Marketing agencies and even nonprofit organisations often need graphic designers. If you're new to graphic design, online courses or a diploma can help you get certified and start earning a competitive salary quickly.
Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping is an excellent career option if you love numbers and organisational tasks. It's home-based and offers financial stability, so there are many opportunities for permanent positions. Plus, the pay is competitive!
Flexible jobs in bookkeeping often include opportunities to work remotely, so you'll get work-life balance (hurrah!). Getting started usually involves online courses to specialise and gain experience. Yes, I know that at the beginning it may seem like a lot of effort, but these can significantly boost your job search success.
Data Entry Jobs
Data entry is one of the most straightforward remote work options I know. It's perfect if you're just returning to the workforce. It requires minimal previous work experience and can easily be done part-time, fitting around your childcare duties.
The salary might start modestly, but with experience, data entry jobs can lead to administrative support or virtual assistant roles. That means bigger income potential! For many job seekers, this role is the perfect stepping stone to landing that dream work-from-home gig.
Part-time Jobs With Flexible Hours (cont.)
Freelance Writing
If you enjoy telling your kids made-up stories, now's the time to put those creative muscles to work! Now you reach an audience bigger than just your little listeners! From blogging to creating web content, writers enjoy a flexible schedule. It also allows you to work from anywhere, providing flexibility around parent-teacher meetings and grocery shopping. The salary varies greatly, but there's significant room for growth, especially if you specialise in a niche.
Childcare Provider
Offering childcare services at your own home? Why the heck not?!
It's a clever solution for juggling work and parenting, especially handy when you've got little ones running around! This role is family-friendly by nature. You'll provide care on-site, so you get to earn and save on the cost of separate daycare arrangements. How practical is that? Just make sure you check the necessary certifications required in various locations, as regulations can differ across Australia.
Online Project Management
Project management is a high-paying and rewarding job suitable for single mamas with organisational skills. Managing your team, multi-tasking, and hitting deadlines can all be done from your couch (or favourite café). These roles often have competitive pay and plenty of job openings across various industries. Courses like these can boost your skills and make you stand out to employers, helping you land that remote job even faster.
Flexible Work for Single Mums (cont.)
Technician Roles
Who said mummies can't be tech-savvy?!
Remote technician jobs are becoming increasingly popular. If you're a techy gal, this job allows you to work from home while providing essential tech support to businesses or individuals. These positions usually offer competitive salaries and the flexibility to manage your hours and remote work arrangements effectively. Online training courses are widely available to get certified and enter this booming job market.
Beauty Industry: Freelance Makeup Artist
If you're creative and love getting dolled up, freelance makeup artistry offers excellent, flexible work options. You can set your own schedule, accept job offers according to your availability, and provide services from home or travel to clients.
The beauty industry is booming right now, which means more jobs, stable income, and plenty of opportunities to get creative. If you're a single mama like me, you'll love how it lets you balance work and family without giving up your passion.
Transcriptionists
Transcription work is a fantastic option if you're a single mama looking for something simple you can do from home. It lets you pick your hours, fitting perfectly around nap times, school runs, or those endless errands! Loads of companies need help turning meetings, webinars, or videos into written content, so there's always demand. Pay depends a bit on how fast and experienced you are, but you'll definitely get a stable income, plus the flexibility we mamas need! If you're after an easy, reliable job you can do in your PJs, transcription is definitely worth a try!
Final Thoughts: Jobs with Flexible Hours for Single Mothers
I've experienced firsthand just how tricky it can be to find a job that ticks all the boxes—flexible schedule, steady income, and something I actually enjoy. Thankfully, the job landscape has changed a lot. It opened up more flexible career paths for mums like us. We can choose to work as a virtual assistant, bookkeeper, project manager, or even as a technician. There's definitely something out there that will fit perfectly into your busy life.
These roles let you earn a good income while staying present for those special, everyday moments with your kiddos. No more missing school plays or soccer games! Believe me, finding the right career can completely change your experience as a single parent. What seemed overwhelming at first became a source of hope and confidence.
It may seem cliche, but you've got this, mama. Here’s to finding your new job and thriving every step of the way!
