Job Placement for Single Women: Financial Tips for Single Mothers

The job market is crumbling, nobody is hiring, and people are getting left behind. Most notably, single mothers are struggling in far more significant ways. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck while trying to care for themselves—but when children are involved, expenses can skyrocket. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to (do my best to) help. While I’m not a financial expert, I’ll walk you through a few well-researched financial tips and job placement ideas for the busy mom.

Single mothers face unique financial challenges and time constraints—so why does it feel impossible to find options that offer flexibility, stability, and efficiency?

First and foremost: there’s no shame. There’s no shame in asking for help, in feeling defeated, or in making non-linear progress. It’s okay to be starting over, rebuilding, or just scraping by. In this economy? You’re not alone.

Related articles: Does a Single Person Need Life Insurance?

If you're getting by on very little, start by saving small amounts—even just $2 a day adds up. Of course, prioritize yourself and your child first, but putting aside anything helps build the habit. If that feels overwhelming, set specific goals for yourself—like saving $500 for an emergency fund by the end of the year, earning a set amount through freelance or side gigs, or opening an IRA. The key to setting realistic goals is knowing what you actually make (after taxes, benefits, and recurring expenses), which is where having a budget becomes helpful.

Traditional budget templates often don’t account for every expense you face. You’ll likely spend more on diapers or groceries than someone without children. Expenses stack up quickly—especially with a newborn, postpartum self-care, babysitters, or a child who seems to outgrow clothing every month. If you have an irregular income, create a flexible budget that works with fluctuating earnings. And if your kids are in school or about to be, ask about after-care fees in case your job runs past pickup time. I remember my own elementary school days in aftercare very fondly!

When creating a budget, you’ll want to include a “bare minimum” category—just rent, bills, and food. While that might sound intimidating, it gives you extra room to separate “essentials” from “nice-to-have” expenses. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell the difference, especially when you’re scraping by. When building a realistic adult budget (a challenging shift from broke college dorm living, like mine), I’ve found success using the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings or debt repayment. This approach is much easier to manage if you have a steady, consistent paycheck. Apps like EveryDollar and PocketGuard are great tools for organizing your finances if you're constantly on the go and can’t find time to plan it all out (honestly, who does have time for that?).

Related articles: How to Survive Financially as a Single Mom

If you can, consider creating multiple streams of income—side hustles don’t have to be draining! Freelance work such as tutoring, virtual assistant services, or transcription can be profitable and often involves working from home, which offers flexibility. If you’re artistic, consider creating digital art and selling it online or at local markets. It might not be super profitable at first, but I make a bit of money selling products at my local farmers’ markets.

Lastly, if this still isn’t enough, I highly recommend exploring scholarships and grants specifically for mothers. There are more than you might think, and the research doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simply searching “scholarships for single mothers + your state” can narrow the results and give you better odds than applying to national ones. GrantsforWomen.org is a well-organized database of grants and scholarship opportunities and typically only requires a short essay. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation is also a fantastic resource. Pell Grants—which do not have to be repaid—can make a big difference if you’re still in an undergraduate or master’s program and can significantly reduce the cost of education.

Related articles: Grants for Single Moms To Buy a Home

And lastly, there is no shame in using eligible support programs!
WIC, SNAP, and TANF provide food and cash assistance if you’re running low on grocery funds (or just straight-up need help). It’s easier to qualify than you think, and signing up is non-invasive and simple! LIHEAP is another excellent program that helps lower heating and cooling bills and can also assist with home maintenance costs caused by HVAC issues. If rent is getting a little too high, Section 8 or local rent-assistance programs can offer relief—especially if landlords keep raising your rent or you simply can’t find a place within your budget. Again, there’s no shame in this! Use Benefits.gov or SingleMothersGrants.org to easily check your eligibility for these programs.

As I mentioned above, flexibility in the job market can feel like a luxury—but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of jobs that will work with you, not against you! Although finding time to apply for jobs can seem impossible, there are accessible platforms that allow you to apply with just a few clicks. If you don’t yet have a résumé, it’s super simple to create one using free Canva templates—you don’t need to hire anyone or spend hours fiddling with a Google Doc anymore.

Some user-friendly remote job sites include Remotive, WeWorkRemotely.com, Remote.co, and free accounts on LinkedIn or Indeed. Just be sure to watch out for signs of employment scams. Flexible remote jobs you can explore include virtual assistant roles, chat-based customer service positions, transcriptionist work, remote receptionist jobs, or tutoring online through platforms like Chegg. While these roles may start slow, as you build experience and trust, higher-paying opportunities can follow.

Finding jobs that don’t require extensive training or certifications is also a game-changer. Roles such as medical billing, bookkeeping, or pharmacy technician positions often come with free training. Programs like Year Up, CareerStep, and Goodwill Industries even offer childcare support during and after the training period.

Related articles: Job Placement for Single Women: Financial Tips for Single Mothers

Depending on how old your child is—or if they’re already in school—there are a few jobs with child-friendly hours that are entirely accessible. Finding and paying for a sitter can be very difficult, so make sure any non-remote job is feasible for you, and don’t overwork yourself (especially if you’ve just had a baby)!

Working at a school could offer great health benefits, and it may be easier to manage if your schedule aligns with your child(ren)’s. Being a daycare or aftercare assistant can also be ideal, especially if your child attends the same facility—and there are even more benefits to consider! Morning shifts at retail jobs like Target, Trader Joe's, or even your local mall also tend to offer more flexibility due to the large number of employees. This makes it easier to request time off and find coverage if emergencies come up.

Related articles: How To Be A Successful Single Mother

Starting slow and small with local nonprofits or job placement services, especially with extra family support, can feel less overwhelming. For younger mothers under 24, Job Corps is a highly beneficial program that provides free training to help individuals explore new careers. Dress for Success is a global nonprofit employment service for unemployed women. Their free offerings include professional attire, financial education, mentoring, and job skills training.

There are also numerous single mother outreach programs, and possibly even a local Facebook or Meetup group where you can connect and bond with other single mothers. It’s easy to feel alone or isolated—but people want to help you, and people want to meet you!

by Ky Tanella