I’ve been a single mom for a few years now after getting out of an abusive relationship with my 12 year old son’s biological father. I’m 27 now (Yes I had him at 15), I work 2 jobs, and I take care of my son. Even working 2 jobs, I’m still barely getting by, and sometimes I feel like a terrible mother since I can’t give my child the perfect life he deserves. On top of that, I always come home exhausted from work, and once I’m done making dinner for my kid, I feel beat. It’s like I have no time for myself, or even to just sit down and breathe. I have gotten some support from my parents when it comes to babysitting here and there. Financially I feel stuck, because I couldn’t get a college degree since I was taking care of my son at the time. I haven’t had much luck when it comes to applying to better paying jobs. Dating also feels impossible as a single mom, and I really don’t want to settle when it comes to finding a stepdad for my son. I’m just so exhausted.

Edit: Thank you all for the positivity/advice :)

  • MerrySkeptic@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    4 days ago

    Exhaustion is totally understandable given your situation. No need to make it worse with guilt. You may not be able to give your son everything you want to, but you are providing for his basic needs and you protected him from growing up in an abusive home. He knows how much his mom loves him.

    I don’t have any surefire suggestions when it comes to improving your work situation. That said, I do know that so often candidates are hired because they were referred by someone on the inside, not necessarily because they were the best candidate. If you haven’t already, reach out to the people you know who are in a better situation and see if they have connections to help you with a better job. For that matter, talk to your bosses now about your desire to improve your situation and ask them what it would take to move up. Sometimes just knowing that someone is motivated can help.

    You may not have the time or resources for this, but is an Associates degree out of the question? Often times you can sign up for online courses and take them at whatever pace you need to to. You might have a degree in hand by the time your son is 18.

    As far as dating, if nothing changes financially then I’m not sure you have the time right now. I’d hold off until your son has graduated HS and is either moved out or financially contributing so that it frees you up a bit timewise.