i have worked through the last 20 years and brought up 2 fantastic bpys, now age 20 and 12 and have always worked and supported them as a single mother i dont have family and have always had excellent childcare, its not easy but the time i have with my boys is always good and long periods of family hols help.... Yes you are more restricted to your hours and days but i am now looking at my son going off to uni and thinking wow i did that.... SO YES you can work and have a family and not struggle financially as long as you plan !!!!!!