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Advice for going part time during pandemic?
I'm deeply considering dropping down to part time to help support my family during this pandemic.
My husband and I work 100% remote with a 3 year old. My husband has a new job which has proven to be very demanding. So most of my sons needs fall on me and we do not feel comfortable sending our 3 year old to daycare right now. We live out of state from family and live in a hot spot area.
I was layed off for 3 months this summer, and my work has been light since. I'd rather be supporting my son and part time feels like the right move. I'd like my time put in to reflect my load more accurately. I'm scared of letting go of stability and how this might effect benefits (and other things that I don't know about right know.)
12 Comments
cwd
95
12/03/20 at 2:22PM UTC
in
Hi, COVID has changed so much for so many. I truly sympathize for what your family is going through! Take care for your family and your own needs first, absolutely. I feel you would make a good choice to go part-time in this case.
As far as the works side, check with your HR for those issues regarding benefits and etc.
As far as the finances, I can give you the best thing that have helped my family cut back. We have been down to essentially 1/2 an income since March as well. This book has been a life-safer in helping us adapt to a smaller income without depleting our savings etc. I recommend especially, "Miserly Moms" by Jonni McCoy - how to be frugal, not cheap.
This is such an unprecedented time, and your family will be strengthened by this time together. I wish you all the best.
Stacey K
324
12/03/20 at 3:58PM UTC
in
Also look into "Frugal Luxuries".
Alyssa Williams
52
12/04/20 at 4:57PM UTC
in
Thanks @CWD and @Stacey K. I've added both of those book to my list. I found Miserly Moms on Hoopla (yay! *clapping*)
Anonymous
12/03/20 at 2:46PM UTC
in
Well you almost have the answer yourself. You know that your son is your priority and if going part time is financially feasible then why not? COVID has taught us all to prioritise family and health. I am sorry I cannot comment on the benefits as I live in India :-)
The Career CounterCareer reinvention for moms
228
12/03/20 at 3:40PM UTC
in
Hi Alyssa,
I can empathize. I started a job literally four days before COVID hit. I decided to quit because of the reasons you mentioned. The income I would have made (it was part-time) would have gone directly to childcare.
I think it sounds like you know what you want to do. I understand the letting go of stability. I agree with the advice to check with HR regarding your benefits and you can even ask if there is the option to return to full-time later when things settle down.
It's important to remember you will still have many career options later on, even if you take a career pause or you step back from your paid work.
I've got resources on my site (thecareercounter.com) to help moms re-entering the workforce, like how to format your resume, cover letter, and LI profile, etc.
There are SO many moms / caregivers in the same boat! You are not alone. I think it's wise to make the decision based on what's best for you and your family.
The way I look at it, my career outside the home will still be there later on. My kids are only little for so long.
Good luck and let me know if you have any questions. I'm happy to help.
Karen Hale
21
12/03/20 at 4:16PM UTC
in
I echo what others have said. If you have the option of going part-time in your current job, you are lucky and I don't think this would ever hurt your chances of future employment...especially given the current world situation.
I transitioned to part-time in my job before covid, but still for many of the same reasons. I was recently laid off and have discovered that part-time is really hard to find in my field. With kids at home all the time, part-time makes more sense for me as well, but I just can't find it now. I think if you have the option now, and it makes sense for your family, it's a win-win. I certainly understand your concerns, though!
Alyssa Williams
52
12/04/20 at 4:48PM UTC
in
Thanks Karen for this perspective, this is a good reminder.
Tracey MorrisDirector of Talent Strategy at WVU
75
12/03/20 at 4:18PM UTC
in
Focusing on your family should definitely be a priority, and it certainly sounds like part time would be a great option. In order to determine the impact on benefits, you should contact HR to discuss. You might also have your husband check with HR at his place of employment, as they might offer benefits that can cover your family if shifting to part time means you will no longer be covered. Losing your benefits should be considered a qualifying life event so he can elect benefits whenever yours end.
Wendy C
14
12/03/20 at 4:36PM UTC
in
Family first; do go to part-time if you need to, but also ask your husband if he has any room to scale back his demanding job. If you are the one to cut back, do make sure you keep up good connections and stay current. As a wife, and mom, who has "cut back" on my career for the good of the family, I can speak to the challenges of making myself relevant in today's workforce.
Jane PeerPeople & Culture, Cleveland
155
12/03/20 at 4:40PM UTC
in
Part time can be a win-win. You get to continue building skills and have a professional career, but you also get the time to spend with your son. I went part time 10 years ago and it's been great. My employer used to say they got a full-time person at half the price. It wasn't that I worked full time, but I learned to be much more efficient in doing my job because I had to shut down work to be with my kids. At first the reduced salary wasn't as fun, but we found other ways to cut costs and because I worked 24 hours a week, I was still eligible for benefits including vacation and annual raises. The move to part time also helped my husband's career trajectory, resulting in greater financial growth over the long-haul. Good luck to you!
Alyssa Williams
52
12/04/20 at 4:51PM UTC
in
This is great encouragment Jane, I hope I can be as fortunate in the long run.
Cathy
15
12/07/20 at 1:27PM UTC
in
Ask HR if the CARES act FMLA benefit of being able to have a reduced work week for childcare impacted by COVID would still will apply into 2021. Ask if you could reduce your hours under this for 6 months then reevaluate , you may be able to keep more salary and it doesn't permanently change you to part time until you are 100% sure that's the option you want. Also put it all in writing so if you want to go back to full-time in the future you have what ever you decide documented. Good luck!
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