Is It Possible To Homeschool And Work Full-Time?

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Can You Really Homeschool and Work Full-Time?

As a single, working, homeschooling mom, I often get asked how I manage to do it all. The short answer is, I don’t.

But I know that’s not entirely helpful, so let me go into all the details about how I manage homeschooling, working, and other life things without falling apart.

Before I dive in, though, I’ll be honest: homeschooling and working full-time in the traditional sense (you know, 9–5 job, school-at-home-style homeschooling) just doesn’t work very well.

I’m not saying no one’s ever done it, but my observation has been that those who try eventually realize how unsustainable it is. Rest matters, and trying to juggle two full-time systems at once doesn’t allow for any.

That said, I have found a way to support myself and my kids while homeschooling. It looks nothing like the conventional model, though. It’s more about creative problem-solving and redefining what “work” and “school” actually mean for our family.

Let’s talk about it!

Table of Contents

Homeschooling as a Single Working Parent

There’s a common misconception that homeschooling is only possible if there’s one parent who can stay home full-time. While it certainly helps to have one parent home, it’s not a requirement. I’m living proof of that!

One of the reasons this belief persists is that most people only know education through the lens of public school. They think homeschooling has to mimic public schools’ 6-7 hours of instruction, five days a week.

But once you release that idea, you’ll see that education can fit seamlessly into your family’s life. Trust me, it can be much more relaxed and manageable than you might think!

When we went back to homeschooling after a year of public school, things got easier in a lot of ways!

So, how do you homeschool as a working single parent? Here’s how I do it:

I Work From Home

I work from home, which gives me the flexibility to homeschool while also managing my career. When my kids were little and needed more attention, I worked in smaller chunks of time—during naps, when I had a babysitter, or whenever I could steal a few minutes.

Now that my girls are more independent, I can dedicate more time to work. But even so, I don’t work full-time in the traditional 40-hour-a-week sense.

For me, working from home means I’m always available for my children, but it also means setting boundaries. I’ve found that creating a flexible schedule helps me stay on top of both homeschooling and work. Some days, I get more done than others, and that’s okay.

The key is prioritization! I have become a master of prioritization. I sometimes feel like that’s all I do is ask myself, “Which thing can I take off my plate right now?”

But I’m telling you, doing one really important thing is worth 10 not very important things. I get so much more done now that I’ve mastered prioritization.

I Work for Myself Doing Things I Love

One of the biggest advantages of my lifestyle is that I work for myself. I run this website where I teach people how to create the homesteading life they dream of—growing food, making herbal medicine, homeschooling, and choosing other off-the-beaten-path ways of living.

Because I love what I do, work doesn’t feel like a chore. I would work on my business “just for fun” even if I didn’t need to bring home a paycheck. It’s a form of creative expression for me. If I had to work a job I didn’t enjoy, I’d need way more downtime to recover and would probably not be able to work as much as I do.

Another benefit of working for myself is that I get to decide how much I work. I’m not stuck trading my time for money at an hourly rate.

Of course, there are times when I have to take on freelance jobs to make ends meet. But even those jobs are much more enjoyable to me than having to work a regular 9 to 5 job.

While it doesn’t always work out perfectly, it’s empowering to know I have the potential to make a full-time income on part-time hours. And even when things don’t go as planned, I feel more in control of my time and energy.

We Live an Authentic Lifestyle

I’m very intentional with how we live. My priorities are healthy food, meaningful education, strong connections, and personal growth. We’ve chosen an alternative lifestyle that aligns with our values, and that has made homeschooling while working much more manageable.

We don’t spend money or time on things that don’t matter to us—like luxury cars or keeping up with trends. My focus is on creating a healthy, happy home environment, and that includes homeschooling. By simplifying our lives, I have more time and energy for the things that truly matter.

Of course, this doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy nice things when they come our way, but I’m not chasing after them. And you don’t have to either. The important thing is to get clear on your own priorities and make choices that support those values.

Community Over Independence

I’m fortunate to live with my dad and sister (and my mom before she passed), so I have support when I need to run errands or just take some time for myself. Living in a multigenerational household isn’t the norm for everyone, but it works for us. It’s allowed me to homeschool and work without burning out.

I also lean on my community—other homeschoolers, friends, and neighbors—when I need help. I used to feel guilty asking for help, but I’ve realized that homeschooling thrives when you have a support system. It’s okay to ask for what you need. In fact, it can make all the difference.

Natural Learning: Homeschooling Through Real Life

For us, homeschooling doesn’t mean sitting at a desk for hours each day. We embrace natural learning, which means that everything we do has the potential to be educational. My girls learn from books, videos, playing Minecraft, tending to our garden, and caring for our animals. They pick up so much just by living life.

It doesn’t look Pinterest-perfect, but that’s not the point. Learning is woven into the fabric of our daily lives, and it’s fun! I don’t need to be their teacher 24/7. They are independent learners, exploring the world around them, and I’m here to support their curiosity.

I also involve them in my work. My daughter loves watching over my shoulder when I’m writing or designing pages for my website. It’s hands-on learning, and it gives them real-world skills that traditional schooling might not offer.

How to Homeschool and Work Full-Time

I don’t technically work a full 40-hour week, but I do support myself and my kids financially, so in that way, I am homeschooling and working full-time.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Change Your Mindset About Full-Time Work

You don’t have to work 40 hours a week to make a full-time income. Books like The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris have helped me change how I think about work. You can create a schedule that works for you and your family, even if it’s unconventional. Explore side gigs, freelancing, or passive income opportunities that allow you to work fewer hours while still making enough money.

Change Your Mindset About Education

School doesn’t have to look like it did when you were a kid. Education can be flexible and integrated into everyday life. One of the best things I did was deschool myself—letting go of the belief that education has to fit into a rigid schedule. If you can shift your mindset, you’ll see that learning happens naturally and doesn’t require hours of structured lessons.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to lean on family, friends, or your homeschooling community. We weren’t meant to do everything alone. I’ve found that asking for help strengthens relationships and creates a sense of community. Homeschooling and working are easier when you have a support system. Find support on your state’s homeschooling website.

Let Go of Guilt

It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough, but trust me, you are. Your child’s learning journey doesn’t need to look like traditional school to be valuable. Let go of the guilt and embrace a more flexible, natural learning approach. It’s enough, and so are you.

Create a Routine That Works for You

You don’t need to follow a strict schedule, but creating a loose routine can help. Maybe you hit the library on Mondays, do co-op on Fridays, or read together in the evenings. Find what works for you and your family, even if it looks a little different from the norm.

Self-Care for the Work-From-Home Homeschooling Parent

Taking care of yourself is just as important as homeschooling and working. I make sure to carve out time for self-care, as I know everything begins and ends with my nervous system being regulated!

It’s easy to neglect yourself when you’re juggling so much, but you’ll be a better parent, teacher, and worker when you take time to recharge.

Here are some ideas to incorporate into your day for self-care:

Morning Stretch or Quick Meditation: Start your day with gentle movement or a few minutes of deep breathing.
Nature Break: Step outside for fresh air, whether it’s a short walk or time in the garden.
Enjoy a Mindful Tea or Coffee Break: Take a moment to savor a hot drink in peace.
Creative Expression: Engage in something fun like drawing, knitting, or another hobby you love for 15 minutes.
Listen to Music or Podcasts: Boost your mood or get inspired while doing simple tasks.
Gratitude or Journaling: Reflect on the day or jot down a quick gratitude list for positivity.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to delegate or reach out for support when needed.

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve become a prioritizing machine! It didn’t happen overnight, but learning how to prioritize changed everything for me. I used to sit in the overwhelm, not knowing where to start. But now, I’ve realized that, at any given moment, one thing is more important than another—even if it’s just by a little bit.

For example, when you have a big deadline looming, work might take priority for a few days. Don’t worry—your kids won’t forget everything just because you’re busy! But when two siblings are arguing while you’re checking emails, their needs will take priority in that moment.

Learning to prioritize helps you feel more in control and creates a sense of calm. It’s like having a plan for every moment, even when things feel chaotic.

Final Thoughts: Is It Possible to Homeschool and Work Full-Time?

Yes, it’s possible! It’s all about finding the right balance for your family. Homeschooling and working may not be easy, but with some mindset shifts and support, it can be done. Give yourself grace, be flexible, and remember—you’re creating something beautiful for your family!

If you found this article helpful, I’d love for you to share it with someone who might enjoy it too!

Is It Possible to Homeschool and Work Full-Time? An Honest Perspective