Single Moms Working From Home

Traditionally, the single mom has been faced with options in supporting her family to include governmental assistance, working more than one job in order to bring home a substantial income, and possible assistance from family members who are able to contribute. Today's single mom has yet another option she can exercise to support her family . . . she, too, can work from home.

Getting started may prove to be more difficult for the single mom for various reasons. Since she is the sole provider in her household, she does not share the luxury of depending on her partner's income to help carry her family through the start up and lulls experienced in operating a business from her home. Also, she must consider insurance coverage for herself and her children. Severing the ties to governmental and/or employment benefits may propose a challenge to her.

Perhaps, the best suggestion for a single mom desiring to work from home would be to determine what type of business she wishes to start and do so slowly while weaning herself away from her current employment and/or governmental assistance. Make it a part-time endeavor so that you can discover whether or not it is what you desire to do in your future, if it is going to provide a stable income for your family, and to better prepare yourself for what to expect emotionally and physically.

Uncertainties and the fear of facing challenges alone can become overwhelming when you do not have the support of a partner by your side. It would benefit the single mom to either join or start two support groups - one designed for women in business and the other instituted to assist single parents in meeting social and parenting needs. A support, or networking, group comprised of other female entrepreneurs will be invaluable to the single mom as she enters the foreign world of entrepreneurship. This new circle of business acquaintances will provide a forum for addressing the challenges she faces as a businesswoman, as well as help her move forward in her determination to succeed! The second group, made up of other single parents, will provide emotional support, a social arena, and a haven to her as she forges on with her mission to raise her children alone. With these two prominent groups of individuals by her side, she can accomplish great things on her own.

There are numerous online support groups and agencies that have been established for the purpose of assisting single women become successful business owners and cope with single parenthood. A few places you may wish to visit are as follows:

• www.parentswithoutpartners.org
  
• www.suite101.com/links.cfm/single_moms

By implementing sound planning, ingenuity, and a drive to succeed, the single woman can overcome the challenges and risks she faces in starting her own home-based business. Yes, single moms can successfully work from home!

Rozey Gean, founder of the Women Entrepreneurs Online Network, (WEON), is a thirteen year veteran to entrepreneurship. Her expertise includes mentoring women in business and sharing her vast knowledge through written works.

Copyright 1999, Rozey Gean, All Rights Reserved Worldwide

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