Lone parent worried about working full time

[ProfessorPickles]

How do you cope working full time as a lone parent? In terms of stress, running a house etc

DS is 4 and will start school next September. I'm currently applying for full time jobs as we are going to struggle financially if not. I'd also love to buy us a home one day instead of renting

I graduated a few weeks ago and although I'm excited about earning a proper living (and I really want to come off benefits) I'm worried I'll be stressed, snowed under and not get to enjoy DS.

I'll have to drop him off at breakfast club at 8am and rarely get to collect him from school which makes me sad. Probably once or twice a month if that!

How old are your children and how do you make it work? What support do you rely on (if any) and are you happy?

I feel I could manage 4 full days but 5 worries me at times but maybe I'm being daft?

It depends on how supportive your boss is. A good boss makes everything easier.
I've been working full time since my Ds was 2. He's now 9.
Not dropping off in the morning is sad because you need to get to know the other mums to organise play dates. Try to drop off at least one morning even if you have to miss lunch.
After school club can be a blessing for single tots because they get to tear around in a little tribe as if they were brothers & sisters.
You'll cope fine, just get into a routine. Chores Sat morning and the rest of the weekend for chilling. Enjoy this time when you can focus on LO and have enough money not to be too stressed.
Find a good holiday club as soon as you can, so you aren't worried about holiday cover. And don't get stressed if the house is sometimes a mess. The nice thing about your situation is you can manage it to suit the pair of you without reference to anyone else. Good luck x

I didn't manage...I felt miserable all the time..I cut back one day a week and everything felt much better

I would look at what will help in terms of time management. Internet shopping, some people employ cleaners.. Lots of slow cooker meals.

Honestly I do, because I have no other choice. When DD was younger I had an AP as I work nights and weekends.
Some how you muddle through.

Thinking more, it works for me because I have a short reliable commute. I drop DS off with another mum at 8.15 and am in work at 8.30. In the evening, I leave work at 5 and collect him from afterschool club by 5.30.

Definitely what Starlight said about food.

Plus, sign up for childcare vouchers as soon as you get a job, or you'll lose the right in April. Not sure the new system is as good. They help a lot.

I struggle if I or ds are ill.

Thank you so much for your responses! It's good to hear about how others manage.

It is difficult because if I go full time we will be far better financially but a lot more stress and rushing about and relying on other people which I hate.

But any less than that money is tight but then life is less hectic and a lot more manageable.

Ordering the shopping is a definite, and I'd be happy to pay for a cleaner even if they only did downstairs and a bit of ironing that'd make a big difference.

I haven't got an interview yet so it might not be an issue for a while but I just really don't want to cause stress for us!

You also need to think long term. Full time job ( unfortunately) in many fields will mean better career path , faster promotion etc. so take that into account as well when making your decision! Good luck, I can not offer any tips I am about to start work in couple of months... ((