Working parents: how can you plan when there is no plan?

According to a University College of London study, parents paid the heaviest price during the last lockdown. More specifically, mothers.

The UCL study spoke to 3500 families and found that mothers were more likely to have left work over the last few months, or to have had their hours reduced. It also found that those mothers who had continued to work were more likely to have carried out the majority of childcare at the same time. 

We already know that there is a gender imbalance in the business world and in the home, but the recent period of lockdown only seems to have intensified this.

Are you one of those who has had to firefight through the last few months? Perhaps scrambling to look for more work? Or having to pay the very fine (ok, let’s face it the almost impossible) balancing act of caring for children while trying to hold down a full time job?

You’re not alone. I’ve spoken to a number of women in this position recently, and one thing is for sure - they don’t want to go through it again.

Many women have also stated that even though schools are open again - for now - managing everything is still a challenge.

For those parents back at work, childcare is still an issue. Schools might be open, but many are not offering the usual before and after school clubs; essentially meaning that even if a parent can send their child back to school, they still can’t make it into work on time due to later operating hours. Many nurseries, after months of closure, are reporting that they may have to close altogether due to financial issues.

Evidently, even without the threat of another lockdown and of schools closing again, parents are still facing problems when trying to return to work.

So what happens next?

No one can predict what the future holds. There’s no clear path out of this, and with ever-changing rules and regulations, it’s extremely hard for working parents to know what to do.

If I can give you one piece of advice, it would be to achieve multiple income sources which will in turn allow flexibility of your time.

There are many ways to do this. Perhaps you want to start selling art on Etsy? Teach English as a foreign language? Rent out a spare room in your home? All are valid ways to up your income and flexibility.

But the way to really make some money is by offering your professional skills to multiple businesses. This is what an HR consultant does. They offer their services to many businesses, assisting with varied HR requirements.

Working across many different businesses eliminates the need to rely on any one sole income. It also allows you to pick and choose when you want to work, and where you wish to work from.

Something that will likely prove very useful for working parents at this time.

Given the turbulent business market, there is a real need for more HR consultants at the moment. Flexible work and multiple income streams are out there waiting for you, all you have to do is find them. 

If you’re an HR professional wanting to make a change, I’d love to help. I’ve helped 40+ people through the process during 2020, and will do the same for you. All you need to do is make that first step - book some time into my diary and let’s chat about your options. 

If you would like to read more about how to move from Corporate to HR Consulting my book will be on sale on November 5th. Click here to register your interest so you know when the Pre- order is available.