It’s unfortunately a big part of modern life in Ireland, the rate of families where both parents work is on the increase and with the current economic climate and household prices as high as they are; it is a trend that will continue. But thankfully, companies that understand this situation are also on the rise.

What can you do to spend more time with your family?

Flexi Time: Is your boss okay with you working different hours? You won’t know till you ask.

Rather than working from 9 am to 5 pm it may be possible to work from 7 am to 3 pm. If both parents are working with flexi time you can possibly schedule it so that one is there in the morning and one in the evening. The downside is the impact on spending time as a whole family but in some cases it may be the best option.

Work From Home: With office space becoming increasingly more expensive a lot more companies are willing to put their trust in staff and let them work from home. This can be a great way of cutting down on commute times and gives you the freedom to be home when your kids are.

Part-Time: Crèche fees are high and after school clubs can be just as expensive! Are you really more financially better off by having both parents working full time? Is a part-time role more beneficial to the family dynamic? If you are in the lucky position where this is feasible, then why not give it a try? A career can wait, a family can’t.

Start a new career: Are you reading this at work right now? Is this really what you want to be doing? Maybe it’s time to start looking at new options, or maybe it’s time to change careers to a company that will let you work from home or is more flexible. It will be hard work but getting the career that makes you happy and provides you with the essentials you need for a better family life is worth the risk.

Start a new business: Do you have a passion for something or an idea that you believe in? This could be something you can turn into a business. Find something you enjoy and you’ll never work a day in your life. Being a small business owner is another big risk but if it takes off then just imagine what it will do for you and your family. Creating the perfect work life balance is hard. To all the working parents out there, keep Trying and think about all the great things you and your family have achieved so far this #WorkingParentsDay