Like many of you, a few of our team members have been forced to navigate the difficult world of parenting while working from home. Samantha Krause is one of them. This is her perspective on the last year along with some tips and tricks that have allowed her to adapt to this “new normal.”
When I first started working as a Communications Expert for Cormack in February 2021, Ontario (where I live) was seeing high COVID numbers, but we still weren’t in a full lockdown situation. That allowed me to ease into starting this job while still spending time with my daughter while my son was in school. That slow transition didn’t last long, as schools soon switched back to online learning.
Having been through this twice before, I knew we were in for a rocky road, but I tried to remain optimistic.
Our previous experience with online learning and balancing work felt like a disaster. I struggled to entertain my daughter while ensuring my son stayed on track with school, all while trying to keep up with my job. This time, I was determined to do things differently.
My first step was reaching out to my boss. As soon as full-time online learning was announced, I called my manager. We openly discussed the challenges and created a plan together. This was a game changer—it allowed me to build a schedule for my family and better manage everything.
Ultimately, everyone is trying their best during these challenging times. Many families are facing unique struggles throughout the pandemic. One thing is certain—everyone is dealing with something, regardless of how it may appear.
Be kind to yourself and to others. This is an extraordinary time, and we are all doing what we can to get through it.
