The art of balance: tips for primary carers in higher education

When you’re a parent and a working professional, you play dual roles in your own life. From playroom to boardroom, primary caregivers are constantly juggling multiple tasks. Taking care of loved ones can be rewarding, but it can also be incredibly stressful. 

For caregivers who work in higher education, it can be particularly demanding. We have to switch between educator and carer roles, sometimes multiple times a day. Balancing tasks such as lesson planning, assessment and classroom administration with caregiving chores such as attending medical appointments or providing emotional support is not easy.

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Working in higher education means I’m always looking for fresh ideas to inspire my students, and I’m often involved in projects that need my full attention. But I have to balance my rigorous work commitments with the demands of my family life – it’s a constant struggle. 

Emotional flood: Always being the go-to person for your loved ones when in need can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. It can lead to anxiety and depression, which often go unnoticed.

Career empowerment: Being in higher education can come with a lot of expectations and responsibilities. You may not be able to focus on career advancement because of demanding dual roles. Besides, we all know how important continuous learning is in the higher education sector.

Physiological wellness: Long hours of standing for lectures in a synchronous context or prepping for long asynchronous sessions might induce physical strain. As a result, we must recognise and prioritise our own health, otherwise we risk exhaustion and burnout.

Lack of support: Primary caregivers frequently feel helpless and unrecognised. They often find themselves grappling with tasks on their own, leaving them feeling alienated.

Institutional expectations: Universities and colleges usually have high requirements for faculty performance, such as publishing research, receiving funds and serving on committees. These expectations can conflict with family obligations.

Empowering primary caregivers in the workplace not only fosters a balanced work-life culture but also opens a path for professional development. It’s critical to establish a conducive workplace environment for a professional to thrive as a caregiver.

How can we achieve that? Here are some pointers:

• Circle of support: Identifying a couple of people in the team who can extend their support is crucial. A helping hands network promotes openness, collaboration and lessens one another’s workload when needed. Also, introduce a huddle system once a week so team members can share their needs, concerns and requirements. This makes delegating tasks much more straightforward.
• Fluid scheduling: Having a versatile work schedule not only boosts productivity but saves the time required to complete a task. This technique, also known as blendable routines, can be essential for primary caregivers. If you are working from home, the nine-to-five approach may not be the best fit for you. Determine which schedule best meets the demands of your family while still allowing you to fulfil your professional commitments. In higher education this could come in handy, since the lectures can be done online. 
• Self-nurturing rituals: Indulge in some soul-soothing activities. Most universities offer ample recreational options, since they’re student-oriented places. Even academics and staff working there can take part in some short meditation or workout sessions.
• Professional alliances: Who doesn’t like a partner in crime? Having someone who can hear you out and scream with is a blessing. Identify someone in your professional space to share that bond. You might be surprised to discover that they’re facing the same challenges. This can bring strength and hope.
• Project management: Prioritising chores and establishing clear boundaries between work and family life might help you manage your time effectively. For professors and administrators in higher education, splitting tasks based on importance can be beneficial.
• Employee assistance programmes: It’s always a good idea to seek support from your university’s existing programmes, such as counselling services and support for mental health. They can help staff manage stress and improve their emotional health.

Academics and university staff who are balancing the demanding role of caregiver with the stress of their career demonstrate their dedication and perseverance every day. Using these strategies, that balance can become a little easier to maintain.

Monika Shukla is an instructional designer at Singapore Institute of Technology.

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For more resources on this topic, go to our spotlight collection How to factor family into higher education.