Last Updated: May 18, 2020

Our employees are experiencing unique situations as they balance working from home, and caring for children and family members. It's important that we recognize what others are going through, so we can find the right solutions to offer.

"Finding work/life balance is difficult."

“My only free time right now is being used still for work which makes getting any type of work-life balance/separation extremely difficult. With schools, daycares and summer programs being closed we don’t have any other options or family support since both of our families live in other states." - Mother of a 4yr old.

"I feel like I can't be a good parent or employee."

One mom who’s still breastfeeding her 11-month-old said the fact that the baby and her three-year-old need constant supervision or attention said it’s been extremely difficult to focus or be productive when they are awake since they are constantly needing something or interrupting her even when it’s their dad’s “shift.”

“My husband is very involved, but the kids tend to want to come to mommy when they need anything,” she said. They don’t nap at the same times, so we are always busy with at least one of them, and then we need time to prepare the next meal or clean up after a meal or tend to laundry. I tried working after everybody went to bed during the early weeks of this situation, but it left me too exhausted. I often end up passing out after putting the kids down without even realizing it, sometimes with lights still on or my daytime clothes on, because I’m just so tired from the busy day. I feel like a bad parent and bad employee. My teammates have been very understanding, but I feel guilty all around, and I can’t wait to have more quiet time to really focus on work. My mom is furloughed and I finally made the decision to fly her in to help with the kids so we can find a bit of balance.”

"My older kids need a lot of my time and my support."

“I have two kids in high school. People may assume that older kids don't require any extra effort. But it's not easy for them to transition. One is very social and misses her friends. My son is a senior in Seattle Public Schools and has had virtually no school, and will not have graduation. I've taken extra time to make sure they get out of bed, take lunch breaks, and go outside. I've had to find other activities (including chores) for my son to give him structure. I try to line up breaks so I can have lunch with my daughter, and to go outside and walk or bike with her when classes are over.” - CEO

"I'm also caring for a non-traditional learner."

“When people ask me the age of my daughter and learn she's a teenager I feel my concerns are dismissed because she's "older". But my child is neurodivergent and a non-traditional learner. She requires a lot of support and attention, so it's difficult to find consecutive hours of work."

"This is causing an emotional and mental toll on everyone in the house."

"It takes a toll on my emotions and our family dynamic. I find my fuse is shorter and so is his. He is also lonely. He's an only child and other than video games, he doesn't have a ton of ways to interact with his friends. He also misses learning at school, especially when he is waiting around for me to have a break to help him finish an assignment." - Single mom with 11 year old.