Following news that the gender pay gap widens for women after starting a family, our experts share their advice on balancing childcare with a career
Know your parental rights
Women who are employed, either full-time or part-time, are entitled to 52 weeks statutory maternity leave, and men in the UK now have the option to take paid shared parental leave.
Things are less straightforward if you’re self-employed or on temporary work contracts, but mothers who work in this way are entitled to maternity allowance. “To qualify you will need to show 26 weeks of employment in the 66 weeks before your baby is due,” says Katie Wood, legal officer for Maternity Action. “You will also need earnings over £112 per week to qualify for standard rate maternity allowance of £139.58 per week.” Similar options are available for parents who are adopting a baby or child.
Calculate how much money you need
Sometimes, parents of young children are left with few options due to the high costs of childcare. A recent UK report found that 29% of mothers and 14% of fathers find it is simply too expensive to return to work. “The cost of childcare can be like having another mortgage,” says Sarah Archer, co founder of CareerTree. “However it’s worth remembering that as your kids hit school age your childcare costs generally reduce, so keep in mind that it isn’t a permanent outflow of money.”
Juliet Turnbull, founder and chief executive of 2to3days.com, says that if there are two parents, you need to discuss career options and childcare costs together. “Sit down with your partner and talk about what you both want from your career and family life. Be clear about how much you need to earn to afford the lifestyle you want.”
Strike a work-family balance that suits you
“You don’t have to choose between a career and being a parent,” says Danielle Ayres, solicitor at Gorvins Solicitors. One way to balance work and family life is for parents to request flexible working hours to fit in around childcare. “Most employers will be happy to help and support working parents, where they can,” says Ayres.
Though it can be a challenge to find advertised part-time roles, says Julianne Miles, managing director of Women Returners. “However, research has found that most employers are open to negotiating flexibility for the right candidate, even if they rarely state this in the job advert.”
When you approach an employer looking for someone full-time, think about the business case for working part-time, she adds. “It can also sometimes be easier to negotiate other forms of flexibility, such as altered start and leave times, home working and extended holiday leave.”
“Companies are increasingly becoming more open to offering flexible work to employees,” agrees Kate Headley, development director at The Clear Company. Headley recommends starting your job search with websites such as timewise and workingmums that focus on advertising part-time work.
But … be flexible with your plans
It’s sensible to be open to your feelings changing after birth, says Miles. “Some parents love being at home with their baby, while others feel a pull to get back to work.”
“A lot goes into starting a family, and it doesn’t always happen according to our plans,” agrees Dr Joanna Martin, coach for women business leaders. “For career and parenting to work it has to be approached in partnership with our family needs.”
Louise Webster, founder of Beyondtheschoolrun.com, adds that thinking about what is best for your wellbeing is really important: “It goes hand in hand with your work, so focus on yourself and your mindset, and what you need to do to create positivity for you and your family.”
Keep your career goals in focus
“Don’t think that when you start a family you need to take a step down in your career,” says Turnbull. “My company is working with a vast array of companies who are actively offering mothers and fathers senior positions.”
Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s chief operating officer, has said “don’t leave before you leave” – Lisa Barnwell, founder of Bumps and the Boardroom, agrees: “Be mindful of your future plans but also live in the here and now.” Increasingly, employers are also offering senior positions as job shares, which allows parents to continue to progress while taking care of young families.
There are no rights or wrongs
Think about what works for you, your family and your career – what suits someone else won’t necessarily be the best option for you, says Miles.
Turnbull agrees that there are no wrong decisions. “You make the best decision you can at any given moment. Also recognise that the needs and demands of a family change hugely over the years. Often parents change around their working patterns over time, so don’t feel that a decision has to be final.”