I’m a single mum to a nearly 6yo, and have 100% care of her. I work shift work and recently dropped my hours so am only working 6 shifts a fortnight. I did this as my daughter started primary school and I wanted to be around more and have a better work life balance. The only thing I am struggling with is I am working almost every weekend. I think I only have 2-3 weekend days off in the next month. I am going to work to request more weekend days off but how do I stop feeling so guilty. I partly wish I didn’t have to work at all and I can be there for everything but know in my situation that’s just not possible. I don’t want my daughter to grow up and resent the fact that I wasn’t always there. I know I’m not the only parent in this situation and I did have to make some financial sacrifices already by dropping my hours but I just don’t know any other solution at this point.
2 Replies
Hello,
I’m in a very similar boat. I changed my hours and company so I work weekdays.
Child in is before/after school care. I feel guilty everyday.
I used to have weekends free, however with all the increase in costs of living, I’m now needing to work 1 day a weekend minimum (and doing it tough!!)
Just remember it’s not for ever, and without working we couldn’t provide everything we do.
Hang in there
Speak to your work. Let them know you are willing to do any other shift, even weekday nights, but you can’t work every weekend it just won’t work as a single mum.