The best jobs for single moms 

1. Graphic designer 

Pros: Often remote and a great way to stretch those creative muscles, graphic designing might be a great fit for you! There are lots of ways to go about graphic design as well– whether you want to work remotely for a company or start your own business as a freelancer, there are options. 

Cons: If you are a freelance graphic designer, finding clients can come with its own set of dilemmas. Additionally, this can be a somewhat competitive field to break into and might require you to do some projects for a lower compensation if you don’t already have a portfolio. 

2. Nanny

Pros: Working with kids can feel so rewarding! If you have a child already in the same age range as the family you nanny for, this can be a great way to prioritize your role as a mother and make money at the same time. 

Cons: Nannying is never going to be remote (duh), and depending on where you live, the pay expectations can vary greatly. Sickness is also difficult to navigate when working with children and sick pay can be a tricky topic for many nannies and their nanny families to tackle. 

Additionally, this job can be physically and emotionally exhausting. However, if you have a child already the same age as the children you nanny, it could end up transferring some of the load off of your shoulders as your child develops a friendship with the nanny kids.   

3. Bookkeeper

Pros: It can be fairly easy to get started in bookkeeping and there is plenty of opportunity for growth. If you want work that is a little challenging or gets your brain working, you might enjoy this line of work. With some experience, you could make as much as $60 per hour!  

Cons: Most likely, you will need to seek some form of education or certification to get started bookkeeping, meaning, you might not be able to start today. Additionally, it is common for bookkeepers to work long hours during peak seasons.  

4. Social media manager

Pros: Often remote this role can allow you the flexibility to stay home with your children or work when you have care. It’s also a great experience to have on your resumé and there is a ton of free education available for you to continue to develop your skillset. 

Cons: Like other freelance work, social media management can sometimes be a bit tricky to get started in. Additionally, if you don’t enjoy social media or are trying to cut back on your screen time, this is just not the right fit for you. 

5. Therapist 

Pros: As remote care has increased in popularity, therapists have the opportunity to earn a high hourly rate from the comfort of their homes. Mental health is also a field that has endless opportunities for growth. There are options to be a school counselor and be on the same school schedule as your children, open a private practice, or even work as a supervisor who provides training and feedback to new counselors. 

Cons: The cost to enter is high. To become a licensed therapist, you have to go through years of schooling, licensing, and supervision. But if that’s an option, the long-term payoffs might be worth it to you. 

6. Real estate agent

Pros: Real estate agents have nearly infinite opportunities to increase their income. A lot of the work can be done remotely, and in some circumstances, your kids might be able to join you on outings or showings. 

Cons: Inconsistent income can be tricky for a single-income family. Learning to plan and budget with income that varies from month to month takes time and a bit of trial and error. Additionally, this can be a super time-consuming career without clear time on and off the clock. 

7. Programmer

Pros: Remote is the name of the game. Programmers also tend to have a high satisfaction rate with their job and often have salaries higher than the national average. As a mom, you probably already have a high aptitude for problem-solving and that is one of the number one skills needed to be a programmer. Why not take your real-life skillset and get paid for it? 

Cons: Obviously, no one is born knowing how to program. Programming jobs usually don’t require formal education, but you will have to learn the basics before applying. Programming can be a competitive field to get started in, but once you have your foot in the door, it’s amazing what can open up to you. 

8. Virtual assistant 

Pros: Virtual assistants can often enjoy flexible schedules and hours that fit their personal needs. In many cases, the work can be a bit repetitive, which might be a plus for a single mom juggling a lot on her plate already. 

Cons: Virtual assistants can sometimes struggle with job security (think: contracted roles) and might run into problems with work-life balance. A lot of this position depends on who you are assisting, but if you can find the right match, this can be an amazing job for single moms. 

9. Remote customer service jobs 

Pros: Sort of like Uber or DoorDash, there are options in this field that allow you to hop on and work when you have the time, and log off when you need to. 

Cons: If you go for an option that is flexible, you might not always have guaranteed hours or consistent pay. Additionally, it might require you to have your own gear and setup. Many of these jobs require you to have a laptop, but if you choose a customer service job that is phone-based, you may also need to have a microphone and headset.  

10. Travel consultant

Pros: Being a travel consultant can be a fun job as you learn so much about the world of travel. You get to play a role in helping people build their dream vacations and often work from anywhere in the world, on your own schedule. 

Cons: In this role, you are often responsible for drumming up your own business. This can look like hours worked… that don’t necessarily equate to pay earned. Additionally, there is often inconsistent income and peak seasons/slow seasons. 

11. Sales jobs

Pros: Lots of these jobs can be remote and have high compensation. Plus, it’s rewarding to see your hard work literally translate into additional income (re: commission checks). 

Cons: Be intentional about which industry you pursue your sales career in. For example, medical sales often require lots of travel. Tech sales, however, tend to be remote, but when getting started can require overtime. The best way to find out? Reach out to people in the position you are interested in. They may even be able to set up an interview for you. 

If you are a single mom interested in sales, I would also recommend finding a position that has a base pay, instead of being 100% commission.