Any single parents with a Big Job? How do you manage?

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I've changed a couple of details so as not to be too identifying.

I have recently applied for a Big Job, it's an internal promotion at a company I love working for and has prospects of another big promotion in circa 5 years. Wasn't expecting to get it but have been offered it.

DS is 12 and can be a really challenging child at times. 80% of the time he is fine but the other 20% he can be very emotional and also gets in trouble at school.

I'm just wondering whether to decline the job, or whether it's feasible.

Would be really grateful to hear from any other single parents working at a senior level, and how you manage it (even if your child or children don't have the same challenges as mine!)

Following on from my post above I would say anything is possible and if this is something you love then go for it and see how you get on - you have nothing to lose. I’m sure if u sit your son down and get his thoughts and let him know what this means for u, then u will get some sort of reassurance hopefully.
I have been promoted twice whilst working, the jobs slightly more demanding now but I struck a balance which was right for me.

My eldest can give me a hard time but has realised everything I do is for them and has never once seen my job as an issue.
You can’t look back in 5 years time and say “if only” - go for it and if it doesn’t suit then you will have no regrets.

I actually came on here for some advice but reading your post I wanted to comment because I was in your situation once - and today im glad i took the job because life has thrown me a MASSIVE lemon nd now more than ever I need this job! X x x
Good luck in whatever you decide

I took a step up at work when my dd was this age and I regretted it as a parent as teens really need you a lot and it definitely made life harder for my dd.

However your financial stability is important for both of you as is your personal sense of fulfilment at work so I guess it depends. If you are already comfortable financially I would concentrate on being able to support my dc more but if struggling financially then maybe take the job.

I have a big job and a very small child so I'm not in your shoes (yet). But I wonder if you could talk to your boss? I don't think it's at all unreasonable to say that you will give the job your all except for times when your child needs you. I think you should be able to carve out time in the day to be with him and to support him. Or would that not work at all in the business culture?

The best advice I have been given on making this work by a female CEO with kids was

• Set strong boundaries. If you have told work you need to leave at 5 on the dot one day because you son has something important then do not compromise because the next time it comes to it they will think ‘ah but she said she had to leave on time two weeks ago and was able to stay an extra ten minutes!’
• When you set a strong boundary give something back eg I need to leave at 5 but can login after 8 to pick up if anything still needs doing.

Thank you all for your advice

I'm going to be taking on the job on a trial basis, which they have agreed to, on the basis that we can all see if it works or not.