<p><em><strong>Find a <a href="https://esme.com/voices/perspectives/whats-a-solo-mom" target="_blank" class="wordlink">Solo Mom</a>–friendly workplace</strong></em><em><strong></strong></em></p><p>What is the ideal job for a Solo Mom? What do you dream about as a single mom when you think of a workplace that will support you? Believe it or not, there are companies like this! Some companies have benefits like child-care support, flexible schedules, and telecommuting. Others provide training programs geared to help working moms succeed professionally and achieve their career goals.</p><p>For a Solo Mom considering a new job, you must ask questions about what is important to you. Don’t be shy during the interview process. There are ways to tactfully learn if your potential employer allows its staff to work from home and adjust their schedule according to their child-care needs. Of course it can’t be the first thing you ask in a job interview, but it is reasonable during the second or third meeting to say things like, “Tell me what it’s like to work here,” “How do you find working here personally?” or “Tell me about the opportunities for flexibility in this work environment.”</p><p>Another way to learn about family friendliness is to ask if there are any groups of employees that meet regularly on specific topics. For instance, many companies have working parents affinity groups or groups for parents of children with <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/special-needs" target="_blank" class="wordlink">special needs</a>.</p><p>If you don’t feel comfortable asking the interviewer, ask someone else within the company. Also check out the company’s website to see what it says about values and work culture.</p><p>But if you want to get a head start on your job search, start with these family-friendly employers.</p><ol><li><strong>A.T. Kearney</strong>. This management consulting firm is rewriting the rules. Its Success with Flex program permits employees to adjust their schedules, telecommute, and work remotely. Plus anyone putting in 20 hours per week earns full benefits. For those wishing to reduce their assignments or travel (while remaining professionally engaged), the firm may customize new roles, offer hybrid or internal consulting positions, or allow temporary segues into nonconsulting jobs.</li><li><strong>Avon.</strong> Millions of moms around the world have earned their living as independent representatives for this direct-sales beauty company. Women currently represent 65% of U.S. employees. In March 2013, it launched the Avon Women Empowered resource groups for associates at headquarters, research and development, and information technology facilities; those subsequently spawned 52 business development and member support initiatives of their own. Employees interested in pursuing higher <a href="https://esme.com/resources/c/education" target="_blank" class="wordlink">education</a> may take advantage of up to $5,250 in tuition aid annually. A renewed focus on benefits has led to an increase in maternity leave (now it’s at least 10 fully paid weeks, up from eight), and parents can access 20 days of backup care per year.</li><li><strong>CISCO</strong>. This information technology and networking company views work flexibility as a right not a privilege. When formal alternative work options debuted here in 2009, 90% of people already worked from home an average of two days per week. Today, that figure is 95% and climbing, and the majority of full-time remote workers are female. Everyone uses loaner laptops, virtual office solutions, and videoconferencing equipment to stay connected. Fewer than 50% of employees work at the same site as their managers. Moms seeking reduced hours can search for internal jobs marked part-time or job-share.</li><li><strong>Johnson and Johnson.</strong> Community spirit is encouraged by this health-care company, which gives employees 16 paid hours off to volunteer every year and permits those with needed skills, training, or certifications to take 80 hours of partially paid leave to work with nonprofits or help out in a disaster relief zone. If employees donate cash to a nonprofit organization, the employer will match it two-for-one, up to $10,000 per year. Moms who want to get involved in their kids’ classrooms may be able to flex their schedules. A new program promotes email-free weekends that amplify free time.</li></ol><hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Image via Shutterstock.com</span></p>
<p><strong><em>A list of gentle reminders to take care of yourself</em></strong></p><p>“Solo working mom” and “balance” don’t always go together. It’s important to keep in mind that balance is essential to taking care of yourself and your child. Here are some tips.</p><ul><li>Plan ahead. Make a list of what needs to get done in the morning, during the day, and evening to ensure that you remember everything and stay organized.</li><li>Put an invite on your calendar each day for some alone time. Even if it is only 5 minutes, some time to yourself before bed is essential. </li><li>Have a list of friends or family that can be your backup if you are running late to get the kids from school.</li><li>Eat a healthy diet and drink water. Make meals the night before so that you are not rushing to get dinner on the table after you pick the kids up from school after a long day at work.</li><li>Take a vacation day for yourself now and then. If budget does not allow it, even taking a day to relax by yourself at home can be a real treat. </li><li>Schedule physicals and dental appointments regularly. </li><li>Fit exercise in. Walk stairs, do jumping jacks, or find an online exercise class to do regularly. Get enough sleep. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night, though it varies among individuals. Get enough to feel well-rested and alert throughout the day.</li></ul><ul><li>Stay up beat. Keep friends around you who are positive and supportive. Search for local meetup groups for single parents and make connections.</li><li>Try meditation, yoga, counseling, or a support group to manage stress. </li><li>Make time for friends and family.</li></ul>As a working <a href="https://esme.com/voices/perspectives/whats-a-solo-mom" target="_blank" class="wordlink">Solo Mom</a>, balance is achievable. Keep these tips in mind!<hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Image via Shutterstock.com</span></p>
