Guidance for Parents to Counteract the Challenges of Part-Time Employment
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In today's fast-paced world, balancing family and career can be a challenging task for many. However, there are valuable tips and strategies to help navigate this juggling act.
One such voice of wisdom is Evelyn Wurster, a mother of twins, systemic coach, and organizational consultant. Wurster writes extensively about leadership, teamwork, and finding balance in personal and professional life. She uses the analogy of a gas stove with four burners to manage competing priorities – work, family, friends, and self-care.
Wurster's advice is not just for employees but for all parents. She emphasizes the importance of finding a clear identity when working part-time, whether as a primary worker with long-term ambitions or a parent with an additional job.
Transparency in communication is key. Wurster suggests being open about work hours, flexibility, and the need for external support. Teams should cultivate a degree of "give and take," and networks, including grandparents, babysitters, or agreements with other parents, can be invaluable in managing family and professional challenges.
The book "Smile, then you'll be much prettier" by part-time feminist Heike Kleen also emphasizes the importance of finding balance. It highlights the significance of shared parental responsibilities, with many men expressing a growing interest in being more involved in fatherhood.
Tandem applications, where two people share a leadership role, can bring stability and flexibility. Openly discussing concerns and experiences with employers about parental responsibilities can help address prejudices.
Realistic expectations, good planning, flexibility, and acceptance of imperfection are essential for balancing career and family. Parents should communicate openly with employers about needs such as flexible hours or home office, organize family routines through clear agreements and shared calendars, and arrange reliable childcare early.
Having at least one long workday per week can provide relief and increase productivity for working parents. Routines, such as fixed shopping days, simple meal plans, and reliable routines, can free up mental capacity. Wurster advises against trying to do everything perfectly at once, suggesting that sometimes family comes first, and the career burner can run a bit smaller.
By adopting these strategies, parents can find a harmonious balance between their family and career lives, ensuring they can excel in both aspects.
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