According to a survey, women are more likely to choose to have an online job because it’s more likely to offer a healthier work-life balance.
Sure, we’ve made considerable progress towards gender equality these days. Still, more women are expected to care for their children and aging parents while having regular jobs. The exact expectations do not apply to men.
As such, whether you are a working mom at a traditional job or a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) with a remote job, here are a couple of tips that might help you in balancing remote work and caregiving.
Create a Set of Rituals
Start by making rituals (which are essentially just a routine) that you can follow every day.
Having a routine makes everything easier. This is because you already know what to expect.
For instance, you know what time to get up, when to eat breakfast, when to take a break, etc.
A ritual might even be something to look forward to at the start and end of each day.
Give Yourself Some Time Off
One of the trickier parts of working remotely is feeling like you have to be online 24/7. This is an unfortunate side effect of a work-from-home setup since you don’t exactly see your coworkers physically.
As a result, there tends to be an unhealthy attachment to technology, especially with various communication channels.
However, don’t fall into this trap. Establish boundaries at work and let your boss and coworkers know that you won’t be available after certain hours
Furthermore, develop a habit of not checking your phone for any emails or messages after clocking out.
Let yourself disengage from your workload and focus on what needs to be done at home.
Communicate With Your Team About Your Caregiving Responsibilities
Often, your boss might not have an idea of what you are going through at home. As such, it is vital that you speak up should any issues arise.
For example, if you need some extra time off to tend to your kids or parents, let your supervisor know.
Talking about your caregiving role also sets expectations as a remote worker. It allows your manager to see you as more than a corporate employee, and an actual human being with other responsibilities outside of work.
Focus on Your Health
It’s so easy to lose yourself when you have so many roles.
So much so that you might neglect yourself. In all that you do, don’t forget to take a break from caregiving and give yourself some me-time too.
Though many remote workers tend to work even when ill, listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort, it’s best to get it checked out before it gets worse.
Remember, you only have one body. Don’t abuse it.
Have a Back-Up Plan
You truly never know what’s going to happen in the future. As such, make sure to prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
As previously mentioned, this is why it’s important to divulge your role as a caregiver at home to the people you work with.
When your boss and coworkers are aware of your situation, they will be more likely to understand why you might have to duck out during a work day.
You may also want to establish rapport with some of your coworkers so that they can cover for you if any urgent tasks need to be completed in your absence.
Unsung Heroes
Female remote workers are often the unsung heroes of today’s generation. They juggle so many responsibilities aside from working a job.
And truly, remote work gives them the freedom and opportunity to achieve their career goals while taking care of their loved ones.
If you are a woman who is looking for a work-from-home (WFH) opportunity, look no further! Remote Staff has a regularly updated job listing.
Remote Staff is a pioneer in the remote staffing industry and at its helm is our very own Rica Jankoluvski. Remote Staff has given countless female Filipino remote workers an opportunity to expand their careers while carrying out their many responsibilities inside and outside the office from the comforts of their own homes.
Curious to know more? Register today!
About Rica Jankulovski
As the Co-Founder and General Manager of Remote Staff, Rica Jankulovski has been helping small-to-medium sized companies grow sustainably and steadily by matching them with hard-working, English-speaking Filipino remote talent.
Having been born and raised in the Philippines and currently living in Australia, her unique experiences and perspectives on both cultures allow her to constantly empower both her clients and remote talents to make a meaningful difference in work and in life.
Thank you for sharing these tips . Very informative and very helpful tlga 🥰