Being a mother, with a partner, is constant hard work. What more if you’re doing it solo juggling kids, career, home and personal life? Try these simple yet effective time management tips to help you cope as a working single mom.
Coping as a single working mom
So you are on your own now. I congratulate you for having the courage to let go of the toxic situation you’re in and take the path of parenting alone.
Allow me to say you are a brave, amazing woman!
So you are given another chance at life, like a reset. You have so many plans ahead of you, so many ideas, you are dreaming again.
But unlike back then, with no kids to mind, you have the time and the energy to build the life that you envision.
This ain’t easy, I hear you!
With the never-ending list of tasks and chores, the distractions that we deal with every day, and the demands that we need to meet, I say single mommy-ing while trying to build the career of our dreams is a challenge only the tough ones can survive.
There will be times that we feel overwhelmed and hesitant as more and more things pile up, costing us our wellbeing and sanity. The struggle is real, and most single moms are rarely prepared for it.
However, do remember that we aren’t the only ones taking this journey. There are those who struggle, there are those who survive, and there are those who thrive.
So maybe we start with time management habits that work for us as working single moms.
In my own simple way, may the below tips help you manage your time as a single mom working her way up.
Here’s to thriving!
1. Get rid of time wasters, now!
— You’re probably rolling your eyes. Like ‘Come on, like I’ve got time…’
I mean, I’m sure you do. lol!
Things like excessive scrolling, unnecessary net surfing, and unhealthy binge watching. I, too, am guilty of these.
Scrolling, net surfing, watching, and anything else that makes you pause for a while is okay. But if it’s becoming unnecessary and unhealthy, stop!
Spend less time on things that aren’t helping you be more productive. Much better if you can get rid of them! As much as possible, we keep everything necessary… and healthy.
2. Know your productive hours
— Identify the best times you can do your work best, and do the important tasks during these hours. Whether it’s morning, afternoon, or night, 3, 4 or 5 hours in a day.
With that being said, this also goes with knowing what tasks to prioritize. Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish each day and prioritize them according to their importance. Focus on completing the most important tasks first, and do them during your productive hours. Then move on to the less important ones.
Here’s how I do it…
I typically perform tasks that require me to be mentally proactive in the morning, after breakfast, and before lunch, when my mind and body are still fresh from a long sleep. Other tasks, I do at night because the kids are asleep and house chores are done. This is the time when I don’t get distracted and can still concentrate.
So again, know your productive hours and learn to prioritize tasks, based on when you are mentally and physically active.
3. Ask for help. Delegate!
You can also consider hiring a babysitter or a housekeeper to help with some of your responsibilities.
You can’t do it all. Stop the “supermom syndrome.” Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Delegate if you have to. It’s okay to unload and have someone else do it for you. Reach out to family, friends, or coworkers for support. A house help, a babysitter, a virtual assistant, an OBM, a PR… ask for help, it’s okay. Do what you think you can do best and pass on some tasks to others.
Try the 80/20 rule: If others can do a task at least 80 percent as well as you, go for it. This allows you to be more productive rather than active.
4. Make use of technology
There are a lot of apps and tools out there that could help you manage your business and organize your tasks. Take advantage of them. Automate is the word, and it’s one of the smartest things you can do.
Wherever possible, automate repetitive tasks or processes. To increase your efficiency, create systems for organizing and completing tasks.
Doing things the old-school way will not get you further.
5. Use a planner
Use a planner or a calendar to schedule your time and keep track of your appointments, deadlines, and important dates. In this way, you stay organized and on top of your responsibilities.
Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish each day in your planner and prioritize them according to their importance. Focus on completing the most important tasks first, and then move on to the less important ones.
6. Have a designated work area at home
So you’re in your PJs, carrying your laptop with you from here to there, sipping your coffee from wherever, depending on where the kids are. In the living? bedroom perhaps? or in the kitchen.
Familiar scene? If this is you, this is for you…
You may be thinking it’s easier and more accessible that way, but no, it’s just not going to work.
The goal is to thrive, not just survive. You must have a dedicated area at home where you can function well.
And remember to keep your workspace organized and clutter-free. This will help you save time and reduce stress.
Here’s my entry =)
Now I know there are kids to consider, so if at all possible, find an area where you can still get a glimpse of your little ones. It’s entirely up to you how you want it.
If you’re serious about the career you’re building within the corners of your home, then have a designated space for it.
7. And lastly, take care of yourself!
Make sure you take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Learn to say no if you need to. It’s okay, you don’t have to take on every task or responsibility that comes your way. Focus on what is most important and learn to say no to things that are not essential. Get enough sleep, eat healthy, exercise, and take time for yourself.
Taking care of yourself will help you stay focused and energized.
Final thoughts
This is not surviving 101, but thriving 101.
Remember, time management is all about balancing your priorities and making the most of your time. With these tips, you can manage your time effectively and achieve your goals as a working single mom.
I’ve said it before and will say it again: Parenting is constant hard work. It’s usually done in pairs, but if you find yourself doing it alone for whatever reason, that’s fine. It’s hard, but it’s doable.
Effective time management is the key! *wink
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