Which of the following are you trying to fit with your job/career? ________________________________________________________________________

Caring for young children (1-5 years)

How has COVID-19 impacted your job/work responsibilities? How has it impacted your responsibility to care for your family?

I completed my master's degree shortly before COVID-19 and, as result of the pandemic, continue to struggle to reenter the workforce not only due to the constricted job market, but also because both of my children and husband are home. My husband works full-time by day and is a PhD student by night. My older child is in middle school and my youngest just turned 4. The elimination of in-person school and in-person work for my family has resulted in a sharp increase in home-related responsibilities for me, which are understandable, but with the urgency of trying to reenter the workforce and, the bias of an expanding career gap, it feels wrong to slow down. My children are my priority, but here is a ticking clock always in my mind when it comes to my career. Nothing can give.

Was there ever a time when you felt there was an unspoken barrier or preconceived notion that interfered with your job or career? Please share.

As a mother who is actively interviewing, I have experienced on numerous occasions an unspoken barrier against the perceived ability for me to handle a career with my current family demands. While it may be simpler to focus on helping my family and then my career, in reality, the workforce is not tolerate of such flexibilities. There have been so many times where I have heard, "you don't have current experience within X years," or "oh, you're not working full-time." In reality, I am a much more qualified candidate today with an advanced degree and multiple certifications, all of which I got while raising my infant son. While we may all be going through the pandemic together, preconceived notions about mothers certainly exist.

What is one thing you wish your employer understood about you and your life?

That the current state of operating under urgent triage is not a reflection of my long-term ability or work outcomes and that without a chance to succeed now, it could severely impact my career ability for a lifetime.

If you could change one thing about your job to make it easier for you to fit work with your other professional, educational, or caregiver responsibilities, what would it be?

More provisions (return to work pathways, flexible work schedules, empathy and upgraded interview practices) which reward the dedication of mothers who take time to invest in caring for their families.

What is something your employer has done well to make it easier to fit work with your other professional, educational, or caregiver responsibilities?

My contract employer is amazing and leverages empathy to make sure all members feel respected for their contributions.

HOW EASY WAS IT TO PUT (AND MAINTAIN) A CHILDCARE/ELDERCARE ARRANGEMENT TOGETHER AND DID IT WORK FOR YOUR FAMILY?

No. We try, but everyone is too stretched thin with their expanding demands. If it slips through, it falls to me.

Of all your professional, educational, or caregiver responsibilities, which creates the most stress with your job/career? Please share why?

An inability to focus. Mom is the one who makes things better, which is such an important and meaningful role, but the constant interruptions result in being less efficient and more frustrated. I have to walk away, be present with my children's needs and push whatever I was doing to a time when I can focus, which is often late at night.

Thinking about fitting your job/career with your professional, educational, or caregiver responsibilities, is there anything that used to be manageable that no longer is? Is there anything that used to be able to count on, that you no longer can?

Yes, I used to count on a pause in home responsibilities which I used to focus on my career and educational goals. Now, everything happens at once.

[If pursuing education] What level of education are you pursuing?__________________________________________________________________________________

A certification in a specialized area

[If pursuing education] What motivated you to pursue education at this time, and what do you hope to gain?

A relevant skillset that will increase marketability.

[If pursuing education] What are the biggest hurdles you face completing your educational pursuit while fitting in your job/career your caregiver responsibilities? How do you overcome them?

Time to complete. I plan to overcome them by accepting it will take me longer, but remaining dedicated to getting it done.

[If caring for parents] What decisions are you weighing as you try to fit caring for your parents with your job/career? What support do you want from your employer?

N/A

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