Self employment as a single parent with no help?

[Amitolamummy]

I became a single mum 3 months ago and don't have any family support at all. My ex sees the children for a few hours every other weekend but that is it.
I am already qualified for what I want to do, but am wondering if it is at all possible to start up my business when I have nobody who could have my children if they are ill or anything.
They are both settled in nursery already so I wouldn't need to worry about that, but I would be working as a therapist so would need to be reliable.
Would it be worth it financially to work a few hours a week? We need a whole new life and i'm wondering if starting work again would be the best way forwards but the logistics just seen impossible.
Thanks

Hiya, its very early days am on similar time frame to you and fully understand your concerns. I would check how flexible nursery are if you ever needed few extra hrs. Mine are great, thankgod as was put to the test this wk. I was v sick had to cancel appointments and leave ds in childcare all day as my xp works 40 hrs a wk and was not willing to help. Am also a therapist, I do try arrange clients around his set childcare hrs or when my mum or xp is free. Bit of a juggling act and can feel like you need permission to work but can normally get around it with just the occassional headache!. Go for it, try plan as best as poss and if its work you love it will give you a real boost to your morale and bit extra cash is lovely!. Best of luck, keep us posted.

I've been self employed for the last 2 years and it's brilliant. Occasionally, DS is ill and it's a case of phoning and rescheduling appointments - people do understand (he is 11 and never really been a sicky child). I work during school hours and occasional Saturdays when he's with XP.

When he is staying with XP during school hols, I work much longer hours - the extra money means I can take time off during other school hols with him.

The only downside I've found is the insecurity of self employment - even my Accountant opens up his office on a Saturday morning for me, as he knows my weekday hours are precious for working.

Go for it - I'm managing without family or friends, but will have to use school hols clubs more this summer as XP will have emigrated by then. Son is old enough to understand why I need to work, which helps alot.

Good luck!