Today's post is from Orla, founder of Solas Coaching.

As a single parent, juggling family life and work can feel like walking a tightrope. The workplace, unfortunately, isn’t always designed to accommodate the diverse family setups many of us navigate. A study by Single Parent Rights found that almost 90% of single parents cite a lack of flexible working and affordable childcare as major barriers to entering the workforce. Even more concerning, 60% of single parents report experiencing workplace discrimination.

I’m deeply passionate about fostering inclusive workplaces where single parents can thrive without facing these unnecessary barriers. But, while we wait for the wider shift in workplace culture, there are things we can do today to align our work lives with our personal needs, making the most of the situation we find ourselves in.

Here’s how you can start creating a sense of fulfilment in your job, while ensuring your family’s needs are met.

Step 1: Identify Your Stress Points

Take a moment to reflect on your work-life balance over the past month. When did you feel stressed or overwhelmed? What triggered those feelings, and were they linked to your job? Perhaps you have a weekly meeting that always runs over, causing you to be late for school pick-up, or maybe workplace social events are scheduled in the evenings, making it impossible to attend due to family commitments. These are common challenges for single parents, but often they can be addressed with simple adjustments.

By pinpointing these pain points, you’ll gain valuable insight into what needs to change. Sometimes, small tweaks can add up to make a big difference. It might be as simple as adjusting your working hours to avoid late meetings or scheduling tasks around school pick-up times.

However, there may be times when a bigger conversation is needed—whether it’s about flexibility, remote working options, or even pay. If this is the case, it’s important to approach the discussion with confidence. Before speaking to your employer, take time to prepare. Make sure you can clearly express your needs and show how these changes will not only benefit you but also the company.

Step 2: Start the Conversation

Here are five essential tips to help you prepare for a discussion with your employer about your work situation, whether it’s about flexible hours, pay, or workload adjustments:

1. Highlight Your Achievements
   Start by listing your accomplishments. What have you achieved recently that has had a positive impact on your team or company? Be sure to mention specific examples that showcase your value and contributions. When you show your employer the positive results of your work, it makes it easier for them to recognise your needs.
2. Propose a Clear Plan
   Be specific about what you want. If you’re seeking flexible working hours, outline exactly what that would look like for you. Whether you’re looking for more remote working days or a change in your working hours to better accommodate your family, clarity is key. The clearer your plan, the easier it will be for your employer to assess its feasibility.
3. Emphasise Mutual Benefits
   Show how your proposed changes won’t just benefit you, but also the company. If flexible hours, for example, allow you to be more focused, less stressed, and more productive, be sure to highlight that. The goal is to align your needs with the company’s objectives, so your employer sees that making these changes is in their best interest as well.
4. Be Willing to Negotiate
   It’s unlikely you’ll get exactly what you ask for straight away, so be ready to negotiate. Whether it's adjusting your hours, discussing a pay increase, or shifting to hybrid working, keep an open mind and be willing to explore different solutions. Your employer might suggest alternatives that still work for you.
5. Practice Your Pitch
   Practising your conversation in advance will give you the confidence you need to stay clear and concise. It can be nerve-wracking to discuss these matters, so rehearsing can help you stay focused and make sure you don’t forget key points. If you can, try rehearsing with a trusted friend or family member.

Step 3: Find Your Support Network

If having these conversations still feels daunting, or if you feel like you’re not being heard, don’t hesitate to seek external support. This could be from a mentor, a career coach, or a friend. Having someone to guide you or offer advice can make a huge difference when navigating difficult conversations in the workplace.

While the workplace may not always be fully equipped to support the unique challenges of single parents, there are still ways to make it work for you. By taking a step back, reflecting on your situation, and preparing for conversations with your employer, you can create a work environment that supports both your career and family life. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference—and if bigger changes are needed, be ready to approach them with confidence and clarity.

Stay proactive, stay true to your needs, and know that you deserve a work-life balance that makes you feel fulfilled, both at home and at work.

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About Orla at Solas Coaching

Orla, the founder of Solas Coaching, understands firsthand the challenges of single parenting. Through Solas Coaching, she supports single parents in overcoming the barriers that hold them back, helping them take small steps towards a more fulfilled life. It's all about building confidence and regaining control, without sacrificing personal dreams.

For single parents looking to move forward, Solas Coaching offers guidance to help navigate the pressures of daily life. To learn more about how this approach can help you, visit www.solascoaching.com.

Orla is also the host of Single Parent Reset, a podcast helping single parents reclaim balance, prioritise themselves and take back control with practical, empowering steps to navigate the challenges of single parenting.

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