I am a single mom working part-time. I am in nursing so my rotation consists of evening shifts as well. I only do night shifts if I pick them up as extra and my son is at his dads for the weekend, thus leaving me with no social life. In any case, when you work a weekend, evening or night, you get a few more $$$ per hour, so basically my income is almost at full time level of $$$$ However, here in lies my issue, my 11 yr old is home alone from about 330-1030, he loves it, I dont. And yes, here in Canada it is legal for him to be home alone, he is very mature for his age, always has been, otherwise there is no way I would do it, but now I feel is when I should be home with him. I feel like I am stuck in a vicious circle, need to work yet I need to be there for my pre-teen but in order to be there for him, I need to work so we dont suffer finacially and add anymore stress. Maybe I am just babbling or venting, but I am not happy in my situation. I LOVE my job and I am doing my best to create extra income, I no longer have a vehicle, so there really isnt any other option to work anywhere else. Maybe I just need to learn to let go a little of my son, naw, that cant be it, lol....I'm not ready!! Anyone else have something similair happen, what did you do?
Thanks for letting me babble and vent, lol

I have a friend who is helping someone with a situation similar to yours. Have you considered possibly taking in a roommate? If your home is big enough, it could help you to generate a little extra income and also have someone at your home from time to time when you're not. It would be more like a social situation rather than your son feeling like he had a babysitter, and it could work out for you. Just a thought....

-J

Hey TD...did you ever read the Single Parent Commune thread?

I think SassyMom does have a roommate...right? She said SPICE was her roommate in another thread...

HI Sassymom,
When I lived in Winnipeg, I worked full time evenings. I was home during the day, which was fine since I got to hang out with my daughter all day. But, last year she was turning five and was about to start school and I wasn't about to pick her up from school and send her to daycare so I coudl go to work. I decided that as a single mother I needed to have a more "normal" shift. As you know, that can be hard to come by in nursing. I actually have moved back to MN to go back to school to get a BSN. I know that isn't necessarily an option for you, but I would consider trying to find a day shift position, even if it pays a little less. IF you can go back to school, it might be something to consider. After ten years, I am personally just burnt out on shift work, but I know it usually pays better. As for your son, I know he can legally stay home alone at his age in the evening, but I realize you must miss him, assuming he's at school all day. And as he gets older, there's all sorts of trouble he can get into home alone for the evening. If you have any more questions, I would be happy to offer advice. I hope you are able to find a solution.
Missabb

when I am unhappy with my situation here is what I do. Get the old pencil and paper out and write the pros and cons to my current situation.
I write in another section what my ideal workplace would provide me with to help accomodate my family life.
Then I check with my workplace to see if they can provide me with what I would like to have. If not, I then determine if I want this job or not based on the pros and cons and what is most important to me. Identifying my needs and wants etc...This also helps to be on the look out for the right opportunity.

It really is a personal decision so there isn't any adivce other than writing your own pros and cons. Maybe look for work in a seniors home as a nurse that would have an full time day opening etc....You can find the right thing for you once you have identified what is right for you.

For me....if I was not happy I would look for something that is more accodating while trying to remain doing what you love doing. Unfortunately it is a fact of life that we have to work uuuuhhggg.