Women of the Pandemic: Career vs. Childcare Dilemma

Unemployment skyrocketed amidst the global pandemic.

At the height of the pandemic and lockdown restrictions, the unemployment rate in the U.S. soared to nearly 15% in April. Thankfully, as many American businesses reopened their doors and Americans got back to work, the unemployment rate has declined rapidly. August’s unemployment rate dropped to 8.4%, crushing expectations for 9.8%.[1]

However, the headline monthly unemployment numbers aren’t telling you the whole story.

Did you know that women’s participation in the workforce has dropped to levels not seen since the 1970s? Back in December 2019, women held roughly 50% of the jobs, but the coronavirus pandemic wiped out about 11 million jobs that were held by women between February and May.[2]

The reality is that women hold jobs in the industries that were hit the hardest from the pandemic. We’re talking about the travel and leisure, hospitality, service, retail and education industries. Ongoing restrictions in many parts of the country are ensuring that these jobs will remain lost in the near term.

We also need to consider that women are often the primary caregivers for their children. The Census Bureau revealed in August that about 32% of working mothers between the ages of 25 and 44 took a leave of absence or quit their jobs due to a lack of childcare amidst the pandemic.

There’s also the fact that many schools did not reopen their doors or are using a hybrid schedule of in-school and remote learning. So, many women are still putting their careers on hold in order to take care of their children and monitor in-home learning. Others who are working remotely or even back in the office are left juggling childcare and education responsibilities as well as job expectations.

In an attempt to ease the childcare burden, the House passed the Child Care Is Essential Act back in late July. The Act will offer $50 billion in grants to help childcare facilities reopen, as well as train personnel and improve sanitation efforts.[3]

Still, until this money actually trickles down to the childcare facilities and schools reopen their doors, working mothers (and fathers) are left with few solutions to the job versus childcare dilemma.

Here at Nicollet Investment Management, we understand that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially in the current environment. Everyone’s needs are different right now. But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with childcare, remote learning and career responsibilities, here are a few thoughts and tips…

Communication is key. Be up front with your employer about your situation, including childcare, remote learning and your current workload. Discuss ways that you can fulfill your job duties, as well as ways that your employer can better accommodate your situation at home. In the same vein, speak with your child’s teachers and school district to better understand what resources are available and what the expectations are for the current school year.

Maintain a daily schedule. Routine will play a key role in your success at juggling a job and your children’s needs right now. Consider creating a detailed schedule of your children’s remote and in-school learning, as well as your daily job responsibilities. Prioritize tasks. Block out times for your remote and in-office work, and study and schoolwork times for your children. And be sure to schedule in extracurricular activities that you and your children can both enjoy and look forward to, because as they say, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

Consider your childcare options. Many families are facing similar circumstances. Are there are friends or family members who have children of the same age and can tag-team the online learning and childcare responsibilities? Look into local nannies who can not only watch your children but also support remote learning. And check into which childcare facilities have reopened in your areas and consider what resources they are now offering.

Create a quiet space. This is important for you and your children. Consider establishing an area in your home for your children to study and do their online learning, as well as an area where you can work remotely. Ensure that these spaces are equipped with the tools and resources necessary for you both to be successful.[4]

Be flexible. You’re facing unprecedented circumstances. No matter how well you’ve planned to tackle your job, childcare and in-home learning responsibilities, unexpected issues will pop up and likely derail the best-laid plans. So, be prepared but flexible and willing to take on each new challenge as it arises.

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[1] https://www.wsj.com/articles/august-jobs-report-unemployment-rate-2020-11599166207

[2] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/08/03/coronavirus-pandemic-sets-women-back-amid-unemployment-child-care-crisis/5573123002/

[3] https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/29/house-passes-bailout-for-child-care-industry.html

[4] https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/managing-childcare-during-coronavirus/