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Guest Column

How School Can Equip Single Moms for Business Success

Being a stay-at-home mom isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when you’re single. Although you get to experience the joy of spending every day with your child, you have to juggle the dual responsibility of homemaker and breadwinner, and sometimes the pressure is intense. If you’ve dreamed about pursuing new opportunities, but you’re thwarted by the thought of leaving your youngster with a nanny, there’s good news — you can go back to school, start a business, or do both, all while still staying at home with your child. Find out how a return to school could even equip you with the skills you need to succeed as an entrepreneur in the following guide:

Learn Valuable Business Skills at School

According to research, 29% of people who become entrepreneurs do so because they want to work for themselves. Indeed, when you’re a single stay-at-home mom, it’s practically impossible to surrender control of your schedule to an employer. Even if you find a job with set hours — or a flexible schedule — you’ll always face the stress of coordinating work and child care.

That’s why so many moms have sought out other ways to gain business experience and learn professional skills. If you plan on eventually going back to work or you want to start your own business, going back to school can provide an opportunity for professional learning and growth without the pressure of working for somebody else.

There are many degrees that can boost your business savvy, too, including obvious options like a Business Administration or Economics major. A liberal arts degree like English could even be beneficial because it emphasizes communication skills and critical thinking. You should look for a degree that aligns with your entrepreneurship goals while strengthening your skills.

Enjoy the Flexibility of Online Degree Options

Another great advantage of earning a degree is the flexibility that you can enjoy. If you’re worried about going to school and caring for your child at the same time, there are online options that make it easy to do both. This means you can even go to school while starting your business, too. Find balance by creating a schedule for work, family, and school obligations.

When you’re researching schools, there are a few important qualities that you should look for. In addition to flexible online classes, you should find a school that offers tuition rates that are competitive. There are many ways to make school affordable, including scholarships, grants, and student loans with low interest rates.

Finally, make sure that the school you choose is fully accredited. You can verify this by researching the regional accrediting council that the college falls within and checking to see if it is accredited. In some cases, individual degree programs may be accredited by specific professional organizations, too.

Learn About Business and Sharpen Your Skills

Going back to school can be a daunting prospect if you’re a single stay-at-home mom, but it can also open the door to new opportunities that improve you and your child’s life. If you want to learn new skills and dive into entrepreneurship, earning an online degree may be the best way to do so. Find a school with affordable tuition, flexible schedules, and accredited programs so that you’re ready to succeed when you start your own business.