Here are some key issues that a single mom or dad should find out about when searching for a new job. Read on for some job search tips.
What Job is the Parent Searching for?
It’s important for a parent to know what kind of work he or she wants to do. Does the parent want to stay in the same line of work or branch out into something different? If he or she wants to get a different kind of job, do his or her education and skills can make that happen?
Find out the Salary of a New Job
Ideally, when going to a new job, an employee should be getting a higher salary, with an increase of at least 10 per cent. This increase is to make up for the benefits that will be lost when leaving the present position. Leaving a job for a new one,can be a good opportunity, but it can also be expensive in the beginning.
Location of the New Job for Single Mom or Dad
Especially with kids, the location of a job is an issue. When daycare or babysitting is involved, the time it takes to get to and from work has to be factored in. If work is far away it will cost financially more in gas money and in babysitting costs. Family-wise, if the job is a great distance it means less time spent with the kids and longer hours at daycare for them. Also, is the job in one location, or will it require travel to different places and how will that impact daycare?
Hours Offered in New Position
Find out what the hours will be like at this job. Is it 9-to-5 or is it shift work? Is there a lot of overtime and how much is a worker compensated for staying later? If there are long hours or shift work, is the daycare or babysitter able to work around this schedule? Is it financially worthwhile to be doing this? And, does the job offer some flexibility in hours? This can be important when it comes to a child being sick or if a parent wants to make it to an important school event with the child.
Parent Should Get Details of Benefits
What kind of benefits does this new job offer? Is there health, dental and/or life insurance? Is there a retirement plan, profit sharing or tuition payment? How many vacation days and sick days are available to an employee in a year? Is there free parking for staff or does a worker have to find pay parking? Some jobs offer childcare, find out if this company has any.
What is the Work Environment Like?
How does the work environment measure up to what a parent is already doing for work? Is this a small office or a large corporation offering the job? Is it a fast-paced, high stress work setting or is it a more laidback and less intense environment? What is the dress code and is it a formal or casual atmosphere? It’s also nice to get a look at where an employee will actually be working. Is it a cramped office with no windows or spacious office with a great view?
How is the Management of the New Company?
Find out what the management is like at the new job. Is there a lot of hiring and firing at this company or does this company work to keep its employees? What kind of reputation does the boss have? Is his or her working style in line with the parent’s? Managers can make or break a job for some people, so it’s good to find out all about the future employer.
Single parents looking for a new job should ask questions about the work they are applying for. Find out where the job is, what the hours will be like and what the pay and benefits will be. Also look into what the work environment and management is like. Look at not only the financial factors but how this change will impact the parent and family life as well.
Find this article useful? Check out How a Single Parent Can Work from Home? and How to Get a Break a Single Parent Needs.
Reference:
Anderson, Joan. The Single Mother’s Book: A Practical Guide to Managing Your Children, Career, Home, Finances and Everything Else. Atlanta, Georgia: Peachtree Publishing, 2004.
Tami Nicholson - Tami is the Topic Editor for Parenting Methods at Suite101. She is a mother of two with a background in education and journalism.
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