Five things working parents need to think about now

Autumn’s approaching! As working parents work out what their offspring will be getting up to in the autumn term, it can also be a chance for them to look at what they want to achieve too.  

When you’re managing work and a family, September can be just like January, only better. There’s no giving alcohol or losing weight to worry about for a start! It’s a time for reflection but like anything, you need to be organised about it.

Whether that’s dusting off your CV and updating current skills and experience or thinking about your five-year life plan, September can be the perfect time to focus on goals and be inspired for the future.  

1. Are you all happy with current childcare arrangements?

Perhaps your children are becoming old enough to walk themselves to school. Will this affect what after school care you had compared with last year? If you have a child starting secondary school, have you made transport arrangements? Now can be a good time to review your options.

2. What clubs and activities will your children be doing next term?

Do you need to get your children down on any waiting lists? Perhaps it’s time to admit defeat with that musical instrument and go in a new direction? Gentle encouragement might be needed to get your children to think about this now so you’re on the right lists for the new term.

3. Are there any changes you’d like to make in your life this autumn?

Perhaps it’s a case of finding time to develop your own extra-curricular achievements – whether that’s training or career development that will help you do your current role better. Maybe you fancy broadening your horizons and learning a new skill like a language or a sport? If you have one, talk to your employer and see what learning, mentoring and volunteering opportunities the company offers.

4. Are you happy with your existing workplace?

Now here’s a bigger question. Would you like to change your role altogether to make your work-life balance a bit better? If you’ve been in your role for more than 26 weeks, you can put in a flexible working request. Perhaps a day of remote working would improve your ability to get on top of the house as you maximise your time with less of it being wasted on commuting.

5. Would you like to find a different role altogether?

If it’s time for a total change to your working day, you could register with our flexible and part-time recruitment agency. We find flexible career roles across all sorts of industries and sectors. It doesn’t mean your ambition has to be limited either – many of the businesses that work with us offer career progression and embrace the benefits of flexible working full stop.

September isn’t far away, so the sooner you get organised the better. In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine and good luck with the school holidays. And remember, if you’d like a fresh direction in September, flexible recruiter Ten2Two will be more than happy to help.