Balancing Work and Family Post-Pandemic

After the pandemic, there is a growing acceptance of accommodating family needs, enabling more parents to balance work and parenting duties. This development is particularly beneficial for mothers with young children.

Elizabeth Terhune, shown with her children in Santa Fe, N.M., utilized remote work to stay employed when her youngest child was born during the pandemic. Photo credit to Brad Trone for The New York Times.

Kerry Donovan, a trial lawyer, faced challenges in considering motherhood due to her demanding career. The pandemic shifted her perspective.

Though Donovan’s work hours remain long and unpredictable, she supports her family financially. She relocated to care for her parents after her father suffered a stroke. Despite these challenges, having children became feasible thanks to remote work options available because of the pandemic.

Donovan now has two children, aged 4 and 2. She visits the office several days a week. However, her ability to work from home allows her to maintain both her career and her family life, she notes.

This change is also marked by a cultural shift at workplaces. “During the pandemic, people suddenly discussed their families more openly — whether about young children or sick parents — which eased the situation,” Donovan explains. “The pandemic has been pivotal in allowing me to continue this job.”