Working Parents

If you just turned a parent, and rush to home after a day’s work everyday, you might be having problems balancing work and home. Firstly, you need to understand that working doesn’t mean that you are neglecting your child’s needs, and staying at home doesn’t imply a boring chore. A lot of parents have absolutely no trouble doing both very well. Some questions you should be asking yourself are:

• Should both parents work ?
• Can your family be sustained on a single parent’s income?
• Is part-time work or work from home possible?
• Are you getting medical benefits from your job?

Many parents seem to dwell on the theory that both parents working will bring in more income. But if one considers the cost of child care today, the cost of commutation to work place everyday, taxes and other miscellanous expenses such as lunch and clothes, it bites off a considerable chunk of the income. But of course, work isn’t just about the money. Work will keep your career moving, your social interactions will be active, and will keep you confident. These are just factors to consider to decide what is right for you and your family. The following might help you decide better:

• Be clear about your purposes and priorities. This will make your task of deciding enormously easier.
• Talk to your spouse about working, how you feel about it and how it may affect your child.
• If you are serious about work, consider part-time, 3 days a week jobs, and work from home options.
• Consider both your child’s needs and yours.

Remember, there is no need to feel guilty about leaving your child or depressed for sacrificing work life for your child. A decision taken in this regard can always be changed later. You can start or stop working anytime.

Share this with your friends: