The rise of online jobs and remote (or at least flexible) working has transformed how society operates, and this is no different for parents, especially fathers. Instead of spending hours commuting or missing crucial moments like the big football game or dance recital, parents who work flexible jobs can be there for every special moment. While only some have the opportunity to work remotely, many professions still offer these benefits, and many professionals would prefer these jobs over one that demands 100% office attendance.
The Importance Of Work and Parenthood
Work and parenthood are two sides of the same coin. You need to work to provide for your child, but you also need to be at home to support your partner and be a parent.
The more you work, the more money you can make to put food on the table and keep a roof over your family. But this can also be a double-edged sword, as working too much out of the house means you may miss big moments and feel like an absent father.
You want to give your child the best support and upbringing, so finding ways to be there and earn enough money to provide a good life is essential.
Why Flexible Work Can Benefit Dads and Kids
This is where flexible work comes in. Instead of leaving before the kids wake up and coming home after they’ve gone to bed (especially when they are young), dads can feel like they are not doing their fair share of the work.
Flexible and remote work changes all of that. Since you are not expected to be in the office from nine to five, you can be there for your child and partner, providing a wide range of benefits, ranging from support and bonding time to better time management, less stress, and improved health.
Being There For Your Child
Every parent wants to be there for their child, but some careers can make this difficult. Flexible and remote work enables you to balance your responsibilities as a father with your responsibilities at work.
You can spend more time at home, so you also get to spend more quality time with your child. This gives you the chance to provide support, such as changing diapers or feeding them, while boosting your bond so that you don’t feel like a stranger to them.
Financial Boosts
It’s no secret that having a child is expensive. From clothes to food to other essentials like diapers and (possibly) daycare, parents need all the financial support they can get. In the past, families were able to live comfortably even if only one parent worked, but the modern world is much different.
Flexible work means you enjoy the best of both worlds. You don’t need to take a sabbatical to look after your child. You can do all your work from the comfort of your home, allowing you to continue to earn a wage. This also means you don’t have to pay for daycare (although some daycare will still benefit your child), especially if your partner also works. As long as there is at least one parent in the household at all times, you can enjoy the benefits of remote working.
Less Stress
No one wants to spend hours commuting, especially if they have kids. Flexible work eliminates the commute, meaning you don’t have to spend time in traffic. This also means you can improve time management. You have more hours to work with, so you can start and finish when you like and spend quality time with your child as well as ensure you can attend check-ups and appointments without disrupting your day.
Improving Your Well-being
Remote working also improves your well-being. You can sleep longer and feel more energized, which greatly boosts your health.
Working from home also means you can focus more on healthy eating since you don’t need to pick up fast food because you’re too tired to cook.
Furthermore, an exercise routine is easier to maintain. You may not be able to go to the gym, but you can take the child on walks or even runs if you purchase a running stroller.
In conclusion, remote work for dads can benefit your home life and help you be there for every special event in your child’s life. It has become a crucial tool for managing work-life balance, enabling dads everywhere to stay at home without becoming a traditional stay-at-home parent. Instead, they can continue to work while also having the chance to take their child to doctor and dentist appointments, pick them up from school, and spend quality time with their kids, which is all any parent wants.
