Juggling it all- having a career as a lone parent

My name is Anna and I would like to share my personal social mobility story.

So, I am a lone parent to 4 children, and am eternally grateful to have my 4 beautiful girls. Statistically speaking, I guess some would say I’m unlikely to amount to much. I am often the victim of unconscious bias and prejudice in society.

Those questions at children’s birthday parties-

“How many children?”

“What does your husband do?”

People I meet who don’t know me generally assume that, with having the 4 children on my own, I do not work.

In fact, work is a massive part of my life.

Being a lone parent, as for any parent, can be very challenging. It can be tiring, overwhelming, too much. Housework, meal preparation, social events, activities, play dates, the list is endless. What I try and tell myself when things are getting on top of me, is that life can be challenging for everyone- due to health, caring responsibilities, relationship problems, addictions, grief, loneliness etc. – the list goes on. I think that all we can do in life- is support each other as much as we can- and be kind. I try to spread kindness and positivity as much as I can and I am proud in the DWP in addition to my role as a Social Mobility ambassador to be both a Mental Health First Aider and an Ambassador for Fair Treatment.

I became a lone parent not long into my DWP journey, having started in the Department in 2016. I can truly say I feel lucky to work for an employer where I have been supported to develop, despite my challenging personal circumstances. I attended Summer School in 2017 and after having worked as an EO in a front facing role in operations for some time, I have recently secured a new HEO role in Change and Resilience and am looking forward to a new challenge in 2022. I am not interested in grade chasing, only setting a good example for my children, achieving my potential and making a difference in society. Being able to continue to establish a career and being supported in doing so has helped me maintain my identity as Anna and not just a parent. Outside of work I am Mum 100% of the time and I actually class my work as self-care!

I wanted to share my story to inspire others who may feel a bit stuck within their personal circumstance, be it lone parents, parents in general, those with other caring responsibilities or other socio-economic factors holding them back.

We can do it together.