Yahoo Finance How to navigate career progression as a working parent
It’s notoriously difficult to be a working parent. Not only does the UK have some of the highest childcare costs in Europe, a lack of flexibility and outdated attitudes towards motherhood means many working mums are stuck treading water in their careers.
Although the workforce is made up of more mothers than ever before, women are still paying a high price for having children. One in five working mothers have considered leaving their jobs because balancing work with childcare duties is so difficult.
One in 10 have handed their notice in, rising to 13% of single mothers, according to data from TotalJobs.
And many women are stuck in roles that are far below their capabilities — and missing out on opportunities to progress in their careers. More than two-fifths (41%) have even turned down a promotion or career development opportunity due to concerns it wouldn’t fit in with their childcare arrangements.
Eloise Skinner, a psychotherapist and author who focuses on professional development, says some careers might require lots of travel or client networking, both of which can be problematic alongside childcare.
Read more: Can your employer force you to go back to the office?
“A lack of flexibility may mean that some employees miss out on important professional development opportunities,” she says.
“Childcare costs are huge, so any changes in working patterns can have significant financial impact. It may result in women leaving the workplace, or not being able to follow the same promotion path as those without similar responsibilities.”
Crucially, though, parents don’t consider parenting itself as a barrier. According to a report by Leaders Plus, half of a survey of 878 parents felt that becoming a parent has made them more productive. A further 86% would like to progress within the next five years.
So what can you do to progress in your career after becoming a parent?
Career progression is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when factors outside of your control are creating barriers.
But there are steps you can take to address practical issues and put yourself in a strong position for advancement.
Think about what changes you need
“Take time to figure out what, exactly, would work best for you. By working through your realistic schedule and plans, you can try to design the working life that would best compliment your personal life,” says Skinner. “From there, you can go into discussions and negotiations with confidence, knowing where your personal boundaries lie.”
Once you’ve worked out what you need, find the right person to speak to.
Read more: How 'fake flexibility' is forcing working mums out of work
“Once the issue has been discussed, there might be solutions that were not previously thought possible, so it's worth sharing concerns with a trusted colleague or empathetic manager,” Skinner adds.
It’s worth bearing in mind that while some organisations may require you to put in a formal flexible working request, others may be happy to make changes after an informal conversation.
Network
Emily Maguire, a career consultant and talent manager, advises building a professional network and support system.
“Building meaningful connections, especially with other working parents, can help you achieve your goals and advance your career,” she says.
“Networks can provide you with advice and practical tips for navigating the challenges of balancing working with parenthood. In sharing your experience, you can learn from each other's successes and failures and build a sense of community.”
There are lots of online networking groups for working parents on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Progression isn’t about climbing the ladder
When we think about career progression, we tend to imagine climbing the career ladder to senior roles. But it’s important to remember that advancement isn’t always linear — and progressing might mean taking on new projects, upskilling, or becoming self-employed.
“Being your own boss can offer more flexibility and allow you to arrange your schedule around your children's needs,” says Emily Maguire, talent manager and career consultant.
Read more: How to cope with 'mum guilt' as a working parent
“However, there are several factors to consider, such as irregular income, additional paperwork, no paid holidays, or a workplace pension, meaning it may only be suitable for some.
“Another option is to opt for a part-time job while your children are growing, giving you some stability while exploring self-employment with the safety net of employment to fall back on.”
Consider your skills
Self-doubt is something many parents grapple with, especially when you’re tired and run down. But as a parent, you’ll have acquired some valuable soft skills that are sought after by employers — and research shows these skills are invaluable when it comes to progression.
“These skills typically include time management, planning, creativity, problem-solving, communication, and negotiation,” says Maguire. “Therefore, updating and refreshing your CV and LinkedIn profile is essential.”
Employers need to support working parents to advance
Perhaps most importantly, though, employers need to support workers in order for them to feel able to progress and push for pay rises and promotions.
Many parents are deterred from applying for promotions because of unreasonable workload expectations and a lack of flexibility — so employers need to be proactive in supporting and encouraging people to progress.
Watch: Date announced for parents to apply for 15 hours new free childcare
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