To feel jealous of other single parents

Well all I can say is to go very quickly from primary carer of two young children to 50/50 is horrible. 7 days with only one short phone call per week and no other contact is horrible. To come back from work to a silent house is horrible.
I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

OP I think it's only natural to feel envious when you're not getting any help and you see others having a break! You're only human and it's incredibly hard to be a single parent with no support.

How old are your children? Could you look at maybe finding an older sensible teenager to mind them for a few hours in the evening so you could go out and stay local so you could nip home if needed? There's plenty of 17/18 year old students who'd be happy to earn a few quid - you could advertise for students at your local college - there will be students studying for childcare/early years qualifications. Or ask around other mums you know who have older children. My eldest son did quite a few babysitting jobs from about 16 - he has 4 younger brothers and was confident with babies and toddlers as well as older children.

Could grandparents/aunties/uncles have them to stay for a weekend?

It gets easier over time (as they get older and more independent) but its hard and always will be. I remember the most lonely bits were making the big decisions alone and no-one to bounce ideas off such as which nursery or school or health care related issues. Dc are now late teens /adults now and it can still be difficult at times but many things are easier.
When my youngest hit 5 and was at school I remember thinking I cant keep going on like this so on my working days when I finished at 5pm instead of going to collect from the childminder I started doing little things like having a cup of tea and reading a book for 45 minutes or popping to the gym for a 45min run. Dc didn't really notice and it gave me some time to myself (not much but it helped after I stopped feeling guilty about picking them up later).
Mine couldn't have a babysitter as 2 have medical problems so my only time away from them was the childminder (who was trained to look after them). So my only break was work or my quick gym visits. My ex has no relationship with dc, he'll be the one that misses out. When dc1 turned 18 he said 'well you alone got me to adulthood in one piece thank you'. You'll be able to say that one day. You'll be the one who has a good relationship with dc, who will experience the highs and lows of adulthood with them. You reap what you sow and your dc will know who loves them.
When mine were young on my bad days I'd tell myself well at least I haven't got to split celebrations with an ex or not have dc with me half the week. Or have continuous issues with a Disney dad. I'd reflect that a present dad would be best for dc but an absent dad is better than a half hearted dad in the long run.
Yes its harder, no its not fair but you do the best you can with what you have and you will come out the other end.

I am a widow, my DH died 5 years ago so I have been solo-parenting since then (and for 3 years previous to that when he was ill). yes, it is very lonely and a real logistical, emotional and practical challenge that never stops. My DC are a bit older now (young teens), and it comes with new challenges, but they are getting more independent (which also has its downsides - I see all my friends experiencing the same, slowly getting their life back, but with their partners).
It's easy to suggest, go out, find friends etc, but I have no energy or time (work full-time) to do this. It is very hard to accept that this is my life.
The upside is that the relationship I have with my DC is very close and we do treasure each other. But the loneliness for close adult company on a daily basis is very hard to cope with. I just try not to think too much about the future, which is hard.

For some of us we have no choice but be a Mum 24/7.

Especially if your a SP, Exdh not involved, family no supportive/local etc.
Or if your dc a few dc or the dc have needs.

Have you made any friends through your kids school ?
Could you share play dates etc . (Just to get a few hours off).
X

Not healthy to be nothing but a 24/7 Mum.

Well, lots of us don't have an alternative.

Healthier than reading some of the awful posts on here about dead-beat dads.

I'm a single parent with no input from ex or his family (I actually don't even know where they are) no maintenance, my family aren't in the country, I have zero childcare.

It's hard. I understand completely.
I have no friends in the same situation at all. I know a couple of women whose exes have the children every other weekend, or who have their own family to help. And I do get envious.

Mostly I get angry that my life is this and my ex gets to walk off and do what he wants! I love my daughter, but it's so hard.

Do you offer to babysit for your friends then ask them to reciprocate so you can go out with other friends?

Not healthy to be nothing but a 24/7 Mum.

Sorry appreciate not apprentice!

Hi OP! I'm a completely solo parent and apprentice what you are experiencing. I don't think it is a case of doing anything 'right' or 'wrong'. I am now (nearly) 11 years in and starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel in terms of starting to rely slightly less on childcare and being able to do (slightly) more. I have benefitted from a couple of really nice mum friends locally who share opportunities to host the odd sleepover/ day activity. I also got my child involved in a few different hobbies which now tend to run in the evening giving me some bandwidth to exercise or go for a drink with a friend. I'm not sure if I will try and date or not, but I can now see a future with more opportunities to rebuild my social life / commitments. It is very very hard (even with a fairly easy child) but it does get better over time. Good luck and take care.