Getting a new job is a momentous event in one’s life. You will go through a roller coaster of emotions filled with highs and lows. Job seekers tend to focus solely on the prize of new employment, but sometimes forget how it can impact their family.
Before accepting a new job offer, you want to ensure that your significant other and children are on board with your decision. If you have a family, it can offer emotional stability and encouragement throughout the process. Knowing that your family and spouse approve of your job switch can increase your job satisfaction and motivation. The requirements of a high-powered job can be all-consuming, so you will need a support system.
Having A Support System In Place
The anxiety associated with the job hunt and the commencement of a new position can be ameliorated by having a loved one there to offer encouragement, a sympathetic ear, reassurance and an outside perspective to help during this transitional period. Being secure in the knowledge that your family is cheering you on and believes in your abilities can boost your confidence. When your family is on board, it provides the flexibility and understanding needed while you settle into this new phase in your career.
Communication is paramount. Discuss each other’s expectations and preferences and what you will be willing to compromise on. Sharing chores and supporting one another can be the key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance when both parents work. Start by listing all the tasks that need to be done, including cleaning, cooking, laundry, child care, school drop-offs, pick-ups and other activities.
It’s also essential to prioritize self-care and take time for yourself, whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book or practicing meditation.
Practical Matters To Keep In Mind
Since an employment decision affects your whole family, you must consider several practical matters. Will the new opportunity merit switching jobs? After taxes, will the change in compensation be enough to warrant uprooting both you and your family’s life? Check to see if you can roll over your 401(k) plan. Find out if you will be forced to leave behind stock, bonuses and vacation time.
You need to ensure that the health insurance benefits at the new company will cover your family and not be too expensive. Inquire if the plan will offer the same doctors and level of care. If the commute is significantly longer, it may take a toll on you. Leaving early in the morning and coming home late at night will burden your family. The long commute can quickly make you regret the move as the driving time and costs make you bitter and angry, which may affect your at-home life.
How Companies Can Help With Encouraging A Work-Life Balance
By offering family support, employers can increase job satisfaction, improve work-life balance, reduce absenteeism, improve retention and increase engagement. This can ultimately lead to a more productive and happier workforce.
Before you accept a job offer, make sure the corporate culture is supportive of a work-life balance. Ask your employer if they lead by example by not expecting employees to always be on and take calls, emails, videos and texts outside traditional working hours. Managers should encourage their team to use their paid time off and set realistic boundaries.
A crucial added benefit would be offering help to dual-working parents with child-care assistance. The company can help pay some of the costs and offer an approved list of child-care centers near the office building. By acknowledging and catering to the child-care needs of working parents, it shows that you understand their concerns. The attention paid will make workers feel appreciated and help improve their mental and emotional health and well-being.
Maternity and paternity leave policies go a long way in making parents feel appreciated. They would be more apt to be highly engaged upon their return. The company can offer flexible schedules so working parents can enjoy school plays, events, sports and other activities without feeling guilty or reprimanded.
Source: Forbes
