Does financial freedom feel impossible as a single parent? Here’s how you can change that.

Sometimes, YouTube videos spark motivation, while at other times they leave you thinking, “Not possible for me.” 

Lately, I’ve found myself watching many videos about building multiple income streams. I keep returning to this topic every few months, and it’s finally pushed me to reevaluate my situation.

With the state of the economy, my full-time job, and my financial situation, I had to ask myself:

• As a single, full-time working parent—can you really diversify your income?
• Do you have the time (or energy) for a side hustle?
• What happens if you do nothing?

My Reality as a Single Parent

• I’m exhausted most of the time, constantly juggling my demanding full-time job, and I’m the sole provider for my three kids (ages 4-11).
• One of my kids has special needs, which takes a lot of my mental and emotional energy.
• I feel completely tapped out most days. 

And yet, I know that if I don’t make a change, nothing will change. I’ll be here a year from now in the same situation. 

The Cost of Doing Nothing

If I stay on this path, nothing will change—and my salary will continue to fall behind inflation. My company does layoffs multiple times a year, and I can’t afford to wait until I’m laid off. This year is also not looking so great and we are only in Quarter 1. 

Budgeting Realities 

This month, I sat down to budget and realized that even after cutting back on extras, my expenses continued to rise. Groceries, electricity, and propane costs have gone up, and what used to be manageable surprise expenses now feel overwhelming. A few years ago, unexpected costs were a minor inconvenience; now, they disrupt my entire budget.

We had a tough flu season and went to the doctor multiple times. Not to mention we had some routine annual procedures and visits already pre-scheduled. Medical deductibles restarted on January 1st and all these visits hit me hard. By mid-February—I have almost hit my annual deductible. On top of that, I can’t afford and can’t save for the routine home repairs that keep piling up—every unexpected expense now feels like a major setback. 

“The worst thing one can do is not to try… to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized—never knowing.”

Jim Rohn

What If I Take Action?

When you’re struggling, it’s easy to be upset. It’s also easy to just not do anything and let it be. However, something felt different this go around and I started asking myself different questions:

• What if you start building income streams?
• What if you carve out time for a side hustle?
• What if you can change your financial future?

Of course, doubts creep in:

• Do I have the time?
• Where do I start?
• What if I fail?

But then I asked myself: What is the cost of inaction?

“There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction.”

John F. Kennedy

Every time I’ve thought about starting a side hustle before, I’ve talked myself out of it:

• “I’m already stretched too thin.”
• “What if it takes too much time away from my kids?” 
• “What if I invest time and energy into something that doesn’t work?”

All the success stories I’ve seen are primarily from people who aren’t in my situation—single parent, working full-time, and sole provider for my family. 

Can I find a path to financial freedom that fits my current reality and leads to success?

I’ve gone down that rabbit hole before and let it stop me. But this time, the risk of doing nothing feels scarier than the risk of trying and failing.

So, Here I Am. Taking Action.

Back to my original question: 

Does financial freedom feel impossible as a single parent?

Honestly, it feels like a lot. But I’m here to try and make it happen. 

This post marks the beginning of my journey. Right now, I’m gathering insights, researching strategies, and mapping out a plan that will eventually pave the way to financial freedom. I’m starting this journey while still working full-time and solo parenting full-time.

While I’m still in the planning phase, I’m committed to sharing every lesson learned along the way. Stay tuned for my upcoming posts, where I’ll outline my roadmap and the first small steps I take to change my financial future—through figuring out freelancing, side hustles, and long-term income diversification. 

I have a lot of hopes and dreams as I start on this journey. My first goal:

To become 100% debt-free and secure a better future for my family. 

Hoping to one day realize the elusive “financial independence and freedom” that others talk about. 

This journey won’t be perfect, but I hope sharing my wins and struggles will help other single parents take that first step.

Join Me on This Journey

• Are you a single parent trying to diversify your income?
• Have you started a side hustle?
• What’s holding you back?

Let’s figure this out together. Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you.

👉 Next post: Developing My High-Level Plan & Action Steps