Combining work, study and family life can be a real challenge for many families and single parents. Many people think about family life with burning questions such as “Do I want children?”, “Will I have enough money to support a child?”, “What will happen to my job?” or “What will my future be like?”. People often think that once they have a child, the rest of their lives will come to an end and they will no longer have the time and energy to work, study or meet their friends. For these reasons, having a child is often portrayed in a negative light on social media. However, it is possible to reconcile studying, working, and having a family. Reconciling career, family and studies requires a family-friendly and non-discriminatory working life, equal responsibility for care, home and related meta-work, and quality early childhood education and other family services and support networks. It is therefore possible to dream of a new career and other things that matter to you, even in a family with children. Parenthood can create new and different goals and dreams. Creating a family does not have to mean breaking off a career or giving up dreaming.
We conducted a little survey of parents who were studying at the same time. Our first question was about applying for a career in care. All respondents agreed that the care sector offers a good employment situation, their own interest in the sector and also the people-oriented nature of the sector came up in their answers.
Having a child during studies was not perceived as a major problem, even though studies were postponed. Some had already completed courses in advance. Majority of the respondents are not currently in employment. 75% of the respondents felt that their own ability to cope was satisfactory and 25% good.
We also asked about time use and need for help. All respondents needed a lot of help with their children. Help comes from for example their own parents. Time management is perceived to be good, although there is little contact with friends and other social life. In the care sector, pay has recently been in the headlines in the media. Most respondents felt that a carer’s salary is not enough to support a family. However, the combined income of themselves and their spouse is enough to support the family. People feel that they miss out on their children’s development when they are at school and working.
Here’s another list of tips for coping with peak years
1. Boost your self-esteem, for example by listing your successes.
2. Recognise your limits and strengthen your resources, for example by identifying what makes you more resilient and energetic.
3. Increase your self-esteem, for example by making a list of your strengths.
4. increase your self-compassion and see the good side of things, for example by keeping a diary in which you write down three things every day that you are grateful for or that you think have gone well.
5. Don’t be alone, seek support from your family, networks or society.
Sources:
https://www.mothersinbusiness.fi/tyo-ja-perhe-eri-elamantilanteissa