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Working and parenting: finding a balance

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a revised focus on the importance of work/life balance. In particular, the freedoms flexible working affords parents who, pre-pandemic, may have barely seen their children in the week. 

Carry on reading for advice on how to find the perfect balance between your work life and being a parent.

Make the most of flexible working 

If your current role allows you to work from home, use this opportunity to spend more time with your children, whether that be going to the local park on your lunch break or working earlier so you have time to pick your little ones up from school. 

Have a separate working space

Switching off at the weekend can seem almost impossible when you’re sitting in the same room you’ve been working in all week. If possible, create a designated office space so that anything work-related can remain out of sight and out of mind, outside of office hours. Alternatively, you could take your laptop to a cafe as an excuse for getting out of the house. 

Make the most of going to the office

While working from home means you get to spend more quality time with your family (and avoid that pesky commute), it is also important to spend some time away from the home and socialise with other adults. Plan ahead so you know which days you’ll be in the office and plan childcare accordingly. Remember, balance is key!

Set boundaries 

It is very realistic to be a superstar in your role at work and in your role as a parent. However, be kind to yourself and learn through trial and error what works for you. If you go into both work and parenting all guns blazing, then you will eventually burn out. Be transparent with your boss about what is manageable and consider going hybrid if you haven’t already. The same goes for your home life – communication is everything, so make sure you are open with your other half and work as a team to make life easier! If you’re a single parent, make arrangements with close family and friends for childcare now and again so that you can enjoy your life outside parenthood too. 

Although parenting and working may seem like a complex juggling act, it can be achieved with the right strategy, clear communication and support. 

What if I can’t find childcare? 

While it’s easy for us to sit here and tell you to find childcare, we appreciate that the UK is currently facing a childcare crisis due to staffing shortages. Parents up and down the country are struggling to find qualified childminders since Brexit drained the talent pool. And with babysitters coming in at around £15 an hour, many people have had no other choice but to work fewer hours or even send their kids to live with relatives.

One of the perks of being in an interim role is that it usually comes hand in hand with flexible hours and the option to work from home. Speak to our team today on 0203 929 4000 and we can help find you a job that suits your busy lifestyle!

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