5 Career Ideas for Single Moms

Deciding to parent a child on your own is a big step. Choosing a career path that will help you provide for your family is also a big decision for you at this stage of parenting. Maybe you’re still in high school and getting ready to consider a career path, or maybe you’re in the middle of college and now’s the time for you to evaluate if the major you’ve picked is the best for you and your baby.

The good news is there are many options that potentially fit your interests and talents. While there’s never guaranteed security in any work situation, we do have some recommendations and insights for career options that work well for single moms. But first, let’s look at some potential career pitfalls.

Three Potential Career Pitfalls

Avoid Scams

The first pitfall may seem obvious but it happens more than you think. You know the scene; you’ve been staying up late at night with a crying baby and the TV infomercial promises career success by just ordering the videos. Or your surfing the web and ads are popping up for the best training program ever! It’ll be easy they said. It is guaranteed to change your life. Next thing you know you have paid $200 for a scam. Don’t be fooled. Most of these products that promise career success on TV (and the internet) seldom work. The only thing they succeed at is marketing to people who are financially vulnerable.

Direct Sales Caution

You should also be weary of any direct sales pitch (also known as multilevel or relationship marketing) that promises you six figures in a short amount of time. We aren’t saying that all direct sales companies are bad, but be wise. If you aren’t naturally comfortable booking appointments or selling, it can become difficult for you to meet your goals. Also direct sales roles can require a good deal of money up front and require you to commit to extensive amounts of training. Truthfully, few people make it in direct sales. If you are being recruited, we suggest that you ask a lot questions. And if you’re still not sure, ask someone who knows you to meet with the person trying to recruit you. You will be glad you took the extra steps to find out if this is right for you.

Consider Educational Requirements

How long are you willing to go to school? You also need to consider how much money you have to invest in your education? By writing down your goals and what it will realistically take to reach them you can stay grounded. We want you to shoot for the stars, but get a game plan together.

If a career you’re considering requires you to take out a huge amount of student loans, is being in debt for the next 10-15 years your best option? Also you need to consider time. Ask yourself how much time you have to allow for school and work. What will childcare look like? Do you need to work a job short term to help you meet your long-term career goals? All of these questions, while they are hard and can seem overwhelming, are good to consider as you weigh the pros and cons.

Now that you’ve maneuvered some pitfalls and weighed the requirements, it’s time to start brainstorming a few career ideas. This is the fun part! These options, in no particular order, offer flexibility and pay fairly well — two things you should always consider when parenting on your own.

Five Career Ideas for Single Moms

Careers in Medical Field: Nurses, lab technicians, sonographers, physical therapists.

This will take education and time, but the pay off long term may be worth it. If you don’t do well with the sight of blood or sickness, you could also consider hospital administration. Positions in the health care industry are in high demand. Research your area and see if one would be a good fit for you.

Careers in IT: You don’t have to be male or a total geek to land a job in IT.

You may love computers and feel comfortable trouble shooting problems. Training for these jobs may be offered at a local community college, or tech school. There are also great online options for training in IT. Some companies may even offer to pay you while you get trained, if you agree to work for them for a set amount of time.

Teaching: Love kids? Love the learning process? Teaching offers a predictable schedule that will be in sync with your child’s in a few years.

The trade off is you don’t necessarily make much money. On the positive side, you will have benefits and if you love genuinely love teaching and kids this could be a great option for you to consider and it pays in ways that are beyond financial.

Virtual Assisting: Are you organized? Do you like to keep schedules and are you direct in your communication style?

Many companies now are outsourcing administrative assistants. The benefits of a job like this are flexibility in the amount of hours you work and being able to work from home. You will typically need to be able to take phone calls and appointments during work hours, so you may need to plan on having a baby sitter or day care for the first year that baby is home.

Web Site Development: This is similar to IT, but if you have a creative side, you could learn to design web sites.

With this skill you can become a freelancer and set your own hours. You will need basic marketing know how and a plan for promoting your services, but it could be a great job with the flexibility you need. This field is constantly changing so you will need to plan for staying up to date on the latest tech developments.

There are so many options for you consider when making a decision about what career path to take. We hope we’ve given you some fresh ideas you haven’t even thought about. Maybe we’ve triggered some ideas not on our list.

Keep us posted at Collage about what you decide! We love hearing from you.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Do I Have to Tell My Partner I Want an Abortion?

January 23, 2026

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can bring up difficult questions, especially when it comes to your relationship. You may be wondering whether you are required to tell your partner you’re considering an abortion, or whether it’s okay to keep that information private. Fear of conflict, concern about pressure, or a desire to protect your emotional well-being can all play a role. These feelings are common, and it’s okay to take time to think through what feels safest and healthiest for you. Collage offers a confidential and non-judgmental space where you can discuss these concerns without pressure. Before making any decisions, we provide cost-free pregnancy services , including ultrasounds, to help you understand important details about your pregnancy. Our goal is to give you accurate medical information and the space you need to move forward with clarity. You’re welcome to schedule a private, confidential appointment to learn more when you feel ready. Understanding Your Autonomy In many states, adults are not legally required to tell a partner if they’re considering or planning an abortion. Medical decisions about your body are generally protected by privacy laws, meaning the decision is legally yours. Some exceptions exist, such as parental involvement laws for minors, but partner notification is typically not required for adults. Even when the law is clear, the emotional side of this decision can feel complicated. You may feel torn between maintaining privacy and wanting honesty in your relationship. There is no single “right” approach, only what best supports your well-being and circumstances. When Safety Is a Concern In some relationships, sharing your thoughts with a partner may lead to understanding or emotional support. In others, it may not feel safe. If you’re worried about pressure, manipulation, anger, or physical harm, prioritizing your safety is essential. You’re never obligated to share information that could put you at risk. If you feel unsafe or unsure, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-SAFE). Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Why Medical Information Matters Whether or not you involve your partner, having accurate medical information is an important step. An ultrasound can help confirm gestational age, pregnancy location, and whether the pregnancy is viable. These details matter for your health and can help you feel more grounded as you consider your next steps. You Are Not Alone At Collage, we offer a confidential, respectful environment where your voice and concerns are taken seriously. Our team provides pregnancy confirmation, emotional support, and space to think through your situation without pressure or judgment. You deserve time, clarity, and peace of mind as you decide what is right for your life. Connect with Collage to discuss your questions in a supportive and confidential setting. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.

How to Handle Holiday Gatherings When You Haven’t Shared Your Pregnancy News Yet

December 17, 2025

Holiday gatherings often bring familiar traditions, questions, and expectations. But when you’re carrying the news of an unexpected pregnancy that you haven’t shared, the season may feel different this year. You might be participating in celebrations while quietly navigating thoughts and emotions that others cannot see. If you want clarity about your pregnancy or a private space to consider your next steps, Collage offers free services, including pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and confidential consultations, to support your needs. Schedule your appointment today. Prepare Yourself, Not the Perfect Conversation You may not be ready to share your news, and that’s okay. What can help is preparing yourself: deciding on the topics you’re comfortable discussing, the questions you want to avoid, and the boundaries you want to set. This proactivity allows you to answer without feeling like you need to tell all and not overshare. Create Space Throughout the Gathering Instead of thinking about the whole event at once, break it into smaller, manageable moments. Emotional regulation becomes easier when you give yourself space to reset. Try: Stepping outside for a few breaths of fresh air Finding a quiet room for a brief pause Taking a short walk after a meal Giving yourself permission to excuse yourself from overwhelming conversations These small steps can help protect your peace. Remember that if at any point during the gathering you’re ready to go home, go ahead. Take care of yourself by calling it a day when necessary. Meet Your Basic Needs Early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue can be uncomfortable during gatherings. Come prepared to meet your own needs by bringing pregnancy nausea candy, snacks to settle your stomach, and a water bottle. Store these items in your purse, knowing they’re ready when you need them. You Don’t Have to Navigate This Season Alone If you want clarity before facing holiday conversations, Collage can help you understand your pregnancy and answer questions in a calm, confidential setting, which can make these boundaries easier to hold. Contact us whenever you’re ready to schedule a free appointment. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services .

I Don’t Want Another Abortion

November 11, 2025

Learning you’re unexpectedly pregnant can bring up complicated emotions, uncertainty, fear, or even exhaustion if you’ve faced this situation before. You may know that you don’t want another abortion, but still wonder what options exist for your future. At Collage, we provide free and confidential support so you can explore your choices in a compassionate environment. Whether you want to understand what parenting or adoption could look like or simply need someone to listen, you’re not alone. Schedule a free appointment today to learn how we can help. Exploring Parenting Parenting can feel like an enormous responsibility, especially if your finances, relationships, or housing situation are uncertain. Many women ask themselves: “Can I really do this on my own?” “Where will I find the help I need?” “What kind of future can I provide for my child?” These are real and valid questions. At Collage, we’ll help you identify the resources and support available in your community. From offering a warm, supportive presence as you explore this option to providing referrals for resources like housing or childcare support, we’ll ensure you’re not facing these challenges alone. Parenting can be both demanding and deeply rewarding. With encouragement, community connections, and the right information, you can feel more confident in providing a stable, nurturing environment for your child. Understanding Adoption If parenting doesn’t feel like the right fit for your current situation, adoption offers another path forward, one rooted in hope and love. You remain in control of the process, deciding how involved you wish to be in your child’s life. You can select from multiple adoption plans depending on your comfort level: Open adoption: Allows for ongoing communication and contact between you, your child, and the adoptive family. Semi-open adoption: Offers limited contact through a third party, maintaining privacy while keeping some connection. Closed adoption: Protects complete confidentiality with no exchange of identifying information. Financial support is available throughout the adoption process. You’ll never pay for legal or medical services related to adoption. Best of all, adoption agencies can help ensure your needs are met and your wishes are respected every step of the way. Adoption is not an easy decision, but for some women, it brings a sense of peace and purpose, knowing their child is loved and cared for in a stable environment. We can discuss this option with you and offer referrals to reputable agencies so you feel informed. Taking the Next Step Your situation is unique, and so is your decision. Whether you’re considering parenting or adoption or simply need time to process your feelings, Collage is here to provide information and encouragement. We’re available to answer questions, explain your options, and connect you with trusted community resources, all at no cost and in a confidential setting. Schedule your free appointment today to start finding clarity and peace of mind. FAQ: Is it normal to feel uncertain about my decision? Yes. Many women experience mixed emotions when facing an unexpected pregnancy. It’s okay to take time and talk through your options before deciding. What if I don’t think I can afford to parent? We can connect you with programs and community partners that provide material and emotional support, so you will feel more equipped to parent if you choose to. How does adoption work? You remain in control. You’ll choose the family and the level of contact and receive guidance from trusted professionals who handle the legal and practical aspects of the process. Are services at Collage really free? Yes. All services are completely free and confidential. Your privacy and comfort are our priority. Collage does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we do offer pre-abortion screening through our no-cost services.