Searching For a Job With Kids at Home

Question:

I need to look for a job but I've put my job search on hold because my school-aged children are at home attending virtual classes. What can I do?

Answer:

This is a tough scenario that parents are facing across the country. While some schools have begun to reopen, others have not, which is preventing many parents from being able to go back to work. Although you may be limited with your job search at this point in time, here are some strategies you can use to find a job that meets your needs now and in the near future.

Develop A Plan

Before you jump into your job search, brainstorm about what kind of job you'd be able to work. Full-time or part-time? In-person, remote, or hybrid? Are you looking for a stop-gap job or something related to your career? If you did get hired, what will childcare look like? What salary will you need to pay for childcare and cover your basic expenses? By answering some of these questions, you'll filter out jobs that wouldn't make sense and devote the limited amount of time you do have to the right ones.

Explore Remote-Only Options

Working remotely has increased since the pandemic, so explore permanent work-from-home job opportunities. There are some websites you can use at a limited capacity such as Flex Jobs or Remote.co to find both in-person and remote-only jobs. Remember that even remote jobs carry the same work expectations as in-person positions. Working from home doesn't mean you'll be able to have unlimited breaks and still help your children while working. Look for remote-only jobs that will fit your availability to work.

Utilize Your Support System

Depending on your situation and what type of support system you have, friends, family, and/or community members may be available to assist you with finding a job in your industry, or providing childcare while you job search or go on interviews. If you do have successful interviews and believe it will lead to a job offer, discuss that with your support system to see how and when they might be able to help.

If you have older children that are responsible, explore ways that they can help while you perform job search activities. Perhaps they can complete chores while you are job searching or babysit after school while you are working. Lastly, utilize your own support system or try to find a group of parents who have started or are willing to work together to divvy up responsibilities. During the pandemic, a lot of groups have popped up on sites like Facebook and Meetup to provide assistance. If you don't have a reliable support system, check out these online communities that provide support and are a great way to connect to resources.

Set Up A Routine & Explore Childcare Options

Since the school year has already started, hopefully you now know what your kids daily schedule looks like and have identified the areas in which they need the most help. At those points in the day when you don't have to take an active role, carve out time for yourself to complete job search activities. Try to see what in-home childcare services are available in your area. Also, you might be eligible for governmental or grant assistance that supports childcare programs.

Find A Flexible Employer

The last tip would be to look for an employer who is going to be flexible. If you can, research the company you're interested in applying to ahead of time by browsing their website or social media platforms. Check out how they are handling COVID-19 and see if there's anything mentioned specifically about working parents. If not, make sure that's one of the questions you ask in your interview. For instance, are they providing any support or flexibility in schedule to working parents during this time?

If you get the job offer, be sure you understand the work schedule - Will you be going into a physical location, will you be remote-only for a certain amount of time, or will the arrangement be some combination thereof? Once you begin working, try and set up a meeting with your supervisor to develop a plan that supports your needs as a working parent during this time - as well as the employer’s needs and expectations.