American single mum shows how to be your own boss after divorce
February 22, 2012
Following her divorce in the 1990s, Becky Rainey from Ohio found herself in the same position as many divorced single parents: in need of an income but with sole day-to-day responsibility for her baby.
Not wanting to leave her son with a childminder she decided to think along alternative lines to a conventional 9-5 job and quickly realised that her best option was to start her own business.
Having some money from the divorce, she invested it in a rundown Victorian house and set about refurbishing the property, opening The College Inn Bed and Breakfast in 1996. Nearly 20 years on it is a thriving business, constantly booked and attracting many complimentary reviews.
Ms. Rainey has since featured in articles about entrepreneurial women and attributes her success to several pivotal factors: the choice of enterprise must be a passion; serious background research is essential; ensure sufficient expertise to further the project; assess what professional help is needed; accept advice and, probably most important, learn how to market the business.
Striking out alone and launching a business, particularly following a divorce, can be daunting but working in your own business has several advantages.
The incentive for many divorced parents to start their own business is to eliminate or reduce the need for childcare, particularly when the children are small but, the greatest advantage of running your own business according to Ms. Rainey, is the freedom to be your own boss and organise the day to suit yourself.
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