Solo Parenting While Working Full-Time

Balancing solo parenting and a full-time job? Here’s my experience raising two kids in the U.S. without family nearby, plus practical survival tips that actually help.

Solo Parenting in the U.S. Without Family Nearby

When I was pregnant with my son, my husband started a new job that required frequent travel. At the time, we were living in Amsterdam. I worked full-time, had family nearby, and with one child, life felt manageable and structured.

I actually didn’t mind when he traveled. There were no “your turn” discussions in the middle of the night. I knew I was fully in charge, and that clarity made it easier. Tom was an easy baby, and because I was open about my situation at work, colleagues were understanding. If I joined a meeting a little late or had to juggle a sick child, it was okay.

Then we moved to the U.S. — and everything changed. Suddenly, there was no family around. No trusted babysitter. No neighbor dropping off dinner. Solo parenting abroad is a different experience entirely.

From One Child to Two (While Working Full-Time)

When I wasn’t working, solo parenting was still doable, even at 34 weeks pregnant, I managed three weeks on my own. But now, with two kids and a full-time job, it’s a different story.

Recently, my daughter started waking up during the night again, sometimes refusing to sleep unless she was in my arms. And when your toddler shows up at 6 a.m. full of energy, while you’re running on empty and still have a full workday ahead — survival mode kicks in.

Balancing full-time work and solo parenting requires constant adjustment.

The Hardest Part of Solo Parenting

Surprisingly, the hardest part isn’t when my husband is away. I’ve learned how to run the household solo. The hardest moments are the transitions.

When he leaves: My son misses him and becomes emotional. Goodbyes hit hard.

When he comes back: We all have to readjust again.

My son starts testing boundaries.
I have unspoken expectations (“Can you take over bedtime tonight?”).
My husband needs to find his place again in a routine that has been fully mine.

Add jet lag to the mix, and it’s… intense. The shift from solo parenting back to co-parenting is something few people talk about — but it’s often the most challenging part.

My Survival Tips for Solo Parenting While Working

Over time, I’ve learned a few strategies that genuinely make a difference.

1. Make Goodbyes Fun

Turn the departure into a “mission.”

When Tom was obsessed with mango cookies from Singapore, I joked that papa couldn’t come home until he found them. Suddenly, the goodbye became something positive, something to look forward to.

2. Lower Your Standards (Just a Little)

You don’t have to be a super-parent.

Breakfast on the couch.
An extra episode of Paw Patrol.
Simple dinners.

As long as your core boundaries stay intact, it’s okay to make things easier during solo weeks.

3. Give Everyone Time to Readjust

Transitions take time. There will be tension, mismatched routines, and tiredness on all sides. Not everything needs to be fixed immediately.

4. Accept Help

This one is hard, especially if you’re used to handling everything yourself.

But ask for the babysitter.
Plan the playdate.
Block your calendar for a workout or dinner with a friend.

Small breaks make a big difference when you’re solo parenting while working full-time.

Final Thoughts

Solo parenting is something you never fully “master.” But you do learn to navigate it.

You learn to prioritize.
You learn to let go.
You learn to be kinder to yourself.

And on the days it all feels overwhelming, remember: this season is temporary.