Going Back to School as a Single Parent on a Budget

Who said that back-to-school excitement was only for the children? As summer winds down and seasons change, there’s anticipation and new possibilities that mark the back-to-school season. While the kids pick up new backpacks, gather school supplies, and ask for lunch goodies, you can embark on a new school adventure too.

As a single parent, going back to school might seem unattainable, but it’s possible to achieve your career goals and do so on a budget. Whether you want to enhance your skill set in a career you love or you’re ready to pivot and enter a new career field, here are seven ways you can make going back to school as a single parent attainable.

Prioritize and Make a Game Plan

What values are most important to you? This question will guide all the decisions you make as a single parent working on your school endeavors. When you determine your non-negotiables, you will have a game plan that fits your specific needs and motivates you to take the next step. If you’re ready to transition to a new career in the next twelve months, you can map out how many hours a week you will need to dedicate to your coursework, earn your credential, and apply for jobs. Whatever is important to you, write it down and map out how you can achieve your goals and stay true to your values.

Make a Budget and Stick to It

Budgeting is often thought of in terms of finances, and while managing your income and expenses as a single parent is crucial, it’s also important to consider the value of time in the equation.

• Budget Your Time

  • Twenty-four hours are allocated to you each day and how you spend it will vary depending on your priorities. Budgeting your time as a single parent is especially important so you don’t burn out. Be realistic with your ambitions. Slow, steady, consistency over a period of time will reap rewards that being fast and furious can’t achieve if you never finish. Schedule in time for sleeping, eating healthy meals, spending time with your child(ren), and completing your schoolwork. Each time management system is unique so if something isn’t working for you, shift things around until you find something that works for you and your family.

• Budget Your Money

  • While time is indispensable when it comes to achieving your career goals as a single parent, so is money. Set a budget for the total amount of money you are willing to spend on your schooling and stick to it. Consider what areas in your overall household budget you may need to cut back on or sacrifice for a period of time so that you have resources to put toward your schooling. Whether it’s making home-cooked meals or canceling one subscription service, decide how you want to stretch your money.

Consider Quality Over Low Price

When searching for school supplies, consider quality over cheap, low prices for items like a backpack or standing desk. While the upfront cost may be higher, if it’s made well, it will last you longer and prevent more out-of-pocket expenses later on. If you’re wanting to achieve both quality and low cost, visit a thrift store in your area and see what you can find. As a single parent, you can even make this a special outing with your child(ren) for some quality bonding time while you embark on a scavenger hunt.

Plan for Additional Costs

Living on one income as a single parent can make unexpected expenses stressful. When budgeting for back to school, allocate a section of funds for unseen costs. Then when something comes up, you are prepared. And if you don’t use it, that’s extra money back in your bank account! Textbooks and certification exam fees are among the extra expenses that can be important for succeeding with your coursework and standing out among other applicants when applying for jobs.

Embrace Your Community

If you need a night to relax or an evening to study, ask a trusted family member or friend to spend time with the kids instead of hiring a babysitter. Not only will your child(ren) enjoy spending time with someone they know and love, but when that family member or friend needs help, you can return the favor!

Find the Right Study Space for You

As a single parent, finding a space to study is necessary for focusing on your coursework. While the kids work on homework, you can transform the dining room table or back patio into a work desk and set a time frame that everyone knows is study time. If you need to get out of the house, going to the library or a coffee shop with your child(ren) are other free or low-cost options that provide a new environment for achieving your career goals.

Start a Career Training Program

There’s no one size fits all for going back to school on a budget as a single parent, so your career options shouldn’t be either. Blackstone Career Institute offers flexible, affordable programs to elevate your career dreams and prepare you for the workforce in an industry you love.

With pacing that fits your timeline and affordable payment plans that make budgeting easier, you can finish your coursework in less than eighteen months. All career training programs are accredited, with some offering externships or the necessary clock hours to sit for national certification exams.

Whatever path you decide to embark on as a single parent, Blackstone Career Institute is here to help you achieve those goals. While your kids step back into the classroom, you can take your next step to find a career you love.

Written by Laura Conaway