Career setbacks of parents during online learning

Question

There is much conversation around how parents fear their children’s education and development  will suffer due to online learning. Now let’s turn the tables- how do my FGB’s feel that their career will negatively impact in this time and why?

Kathleen Beeman · Answer

For me it is very hard because my partner is in Health Care and has very specific privacy laws that limit him being able to be interrupted by the kids so it is all on me. I worry a lot about being passed over for projects or high profile programs. I also find that I have trouble focusing because one ear/eye/brain half is on the kids and the other on my work. I'm trying to set clear boundaries and expectations with my manager but we are new to each other after a reorg and she doesn't have kids so it is hard to explain. I know this will really impact my ability to take on more and to be perceived as having it all together. I also know that other coworkers don't have the same problems because they have older kids or they have live in help.

Anonymous · Answer

Hoping companies will be more considerate, especially to single parents and to those with special needs children. Flexible work schedule and work from home options will be best.

Tanya Botten · Answer

This is active topic of conversation in our household as my husband and I are both looking for jobs after took a gap year from our careers to move to Italy so I could get my MBA. We debate on  how this could play out:
1. One of us should take an 'easier' role so that they can take a more active role in the online learning. 
2. Do we still strive for the same level roles but then hire someone to help a couple days of the week to ensure the kids get their learning done.
3. Could we safely in a pod situation rotate with other families so each of us takes one day to be present during learning. 
4. Do we ask a grandparent to move in with us to help?
5. Could we find a company that allows for flexible schedules as long as our work gets done? If the kids are in school 8-2pm the person works 2-10pm. 
The good thing is we have lots of options to evaluate and my husband is willing to take equal distribution of household labor. I just hope that hiring managers (without kids) are understanding of the requirements of parenting and don't use it to discriminate against in the hiring process.

Becca Carnahan · Answer

Such a huge concern for so many, especially with young children. I worry a lot about women in particular considering the gender wage gap and the math that male and female partnerships will be doing right now when considering options for work and childcare. Equal distribution of household labor will be crucial as well as employers seeing the need for flexibility to retain great employees.

M Elizabeth Ingram · Answer

It's definitely been interesting.  My husband works in a school, so I'll be on primary kid duty in a couple weeks with my work from home (he's currently it).  But we've had conversations in my office because I've been perceived as less professional for working in my bedroom (my office space is in the living room - not ideal for meetings) and having a kiddo on my lap at internal meetings.  It hasn't impacted my ability to get my job done & I tend toward over-communicating with my boss, so I'm not worried about my job per se.  It definitely adds to the mental burden when people don't think you're pulling your weight though.

Career setbacks of parents during online learning

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