Employment as a parent/carer

 

While many people work for financial reasons, employment offers more than income alone. It provides a sense of purpose, supports mental health, and fosters social inclusion. It is ok, and often beneficial, to work for reasons like personal growth, connection, and fulfilment. Acknowledging that caring responsibilities will influence how you work is an important first step. Blending your caring role with your work identity makes it easier to balance and manage responsibilities.

Employment as a parent/carer
Acknowledging that caring responsibilities will influence how you work is an important first step.

In recent times there have been positive changes in the workplace that can benefit someone balancing a career with being a carer.  These are outlined below along with some tips to consider when thinking about your roles. 

You can also listen to CFI member and parent of a child with CF, Julie Bernard, speak to Carewell Conversations, sharing her story about managing a careerer while being a carer: You can also download Julie's article at the bottom of this page.

Take a Portfolio Career/Life Approach
  1. Consider the different types of work that you have experience in, including being a carer
  2. Work can serve different purposes (income vs. non-income)
  3. Manage career over time; avoid hasty, binary decisions
  4. Own your time and negotiate at work
  5. Plan using 168 hours/week, not just 24 hours/day
  6. Manage energy as well as time; include energizing activities
  7. Be creative with flexible work models; negotiate beyond standard options

 

Seek Support
  1. Use available leave without guilt
  2. Share your story at work if comfortable to build understanding
  3. Work with supportive managers; escalate or move if needed
  4. Explore structured supports:
    • Caring Employers Programme (Family Carers Ireland)
    • Workplace support groups for carers
    • Peer support (informal chats)
  5. Monitor pension impacts of reduced hours or leave; seek financial advice
  6. Negotiate childcare and working hours with partner proactively
  7. Recognize emotional challenges of genetic illness and pregnancy; seek support
  8. Address mental health challenges; use workplace or CFI counselling

 

Recognize What Carers Bring to the Workplace
  • Enhanced planning and time management
  • Growth mindset from continuous learning
  • Empathy for colleagues
  • Big-picture perspective and balance
  • Self-reflection and emotional awareness
  • Advocacy skills
  • Appreciation for research and data analysis

 

Combining work and caring for a child with Cystic Fibrosis - Julie Bernard Download