Reimagining work: A living wage for part-time hours - Empowering single parents

I’ve always wanted to do something like this, but it wasn’t until earlier this year that I found the courage to speak openly about it. I started writing this article in mid-October, unsure if it would ever leave my drafts. But then at The Business Show I met a gentleman from Yurtle and the ladies behind @prosperacoaching - two businesses already doing some of what I aspire to. And just for good measure, the universe decided to show me a reel on Instagram this morning by a married man celebrating his wife’s efforts with their toddler while she was away on an 8-day work trip. As sweet as the post was, it got me thinking about the stark contrast: while this father experienced a temporary challenge, single parenting - being solely responsible for a child day in and day out - is an everyday reality for millions

This article is about those parents who, at 10 p.m., realising there’s no milk for breakfast and must make one of three choices:

? A) Knock on a neighbour’s door and ask them to watch your sleeping children.

? B) Leave your children sleeping, run to the shop, and hope for the best.

? C) Thank the heavens you have bread… Toast it is.

Raising children is emotionally and financially taxing, but for 3 million single parents in the UK, it’s also an all-consuming challenge. For 5.7 million unpaid caregivers and 15 million individuals with chronic illnesses, the stakes are equally high. Yet, even in a world that embraced flexible work post-pandemic, traditional job structures rarely accommodate these realities.

Parenting, Entrepreneurship, and the Invisible Labour Crisis

I’ve been navigating single parenthood since my second trimester, 13 years ago. Back then, I was a whirlwind of emotions: proud yet overwhelmed, hopeful yet ashamed. I was the single girl still dreaming of love, the expectant mother terrified of what lay ahead, and the friend trying to explain how a fleeting romance turned into a lifetime commitment.

Embracing the challenges, I turned to entrepreneurship. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s allowed me to be present for my children during their formative years. Along the way, I’ve seen countless parents struggle - Not because they don’t want to be there for their kids, but because rigid work structures don’t allow for it. Assemblies, sports days, meet the teacher meetings - these are the moments that shape a child’s life. And yet too many families are forced to miss them.

The Real Culprit Isn’t the Kids

Let me be clear: my children (yes, I didn’t stop at one) are not the problem. They never have been.

The real issue lies in how we structure work. Society has long valued hours clocked outside the home over the invisible labour that keeps households running. Even post-pandemic, roles that could easily fit within school hours often require parents to be physically present elsewhere. This one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work for everyone - especially not single parents.

For years, I’ve juggled school drop-offs, assemblies, emotional support, and unpaid “labours of love” alongside the demands of running a business. Add in the pursuit of mental wellness, fitness, and personal growth, and there’s simply not enough time - especially not for myself.

A New Vision: A Full-Time Wage for Part-Time Hours

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve asked: What if we could rewrite the rules of work and how?

Here’s my vision: A payment structure that offers a full-time wage for part-time hours.

For many single parents, the school day - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - defines their availability. Without family, friends, or wraparound childcare, those six hours are all they have to balance work and life.

What if we stopped stretching them thinner?

At On a Stick London, I’m exploring ways to make this vision a reality. From franchising opportunities to flexible hourly roles, here’s what it could look like:

1. At-Home Franchise Opportunities

Parents could run a franchise from home, leveraging established delivery partnerships with Uber Eats or Just Eat and fostering links within the the business community to establish trust locally. This allows them to earn income without sacrificing family time.

2. Flexible Employment

Employees could earn a full-time wage for part-time hours, with the flexibility to rearrange shifts as needed. For example, a parent with a sick child could work evening shifts when childcare becomes available.

3. Beyond Pay

Beyond financial stability, I want to empower single parents through access to professional training, mentorship programs, and personal development resources. The goal? To help families leave On a Stick not just stable but thriving - and excited about their futures.

Why This Matters

This model acknowledges the invisible labour single parents contribute to society every day. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty for single parents while giving them the breathing room to raise thriving children and care for themselves.

This isn’t a handout - it’s a hand-up. It’s about valuing parents for doing their best and showing up for their families and communities.

The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about single parents. Unpaid caregivers, individuals with chronic illnesses, and anyone juggling substantial home responsibilities face similar struggles.

How can we create a workforce that works for everyone - not just those who fit the 9-to-5 mould? Flexibility, fairness, and empathy must guide the way.

If this resonates with you, let’s have a chat. Honestly, this idea is still in development, and I’d love your input to help bring my dream out of the clouds, onto solid ground, and give it the legs to grow.

#Futureofwork #Workplaceinnovation #Flexibleworking #Empoweringparents #LeadershipMatters #Socialimpact #EquityAndInclusion #Workingparents #Breakingbarriers