Can a career in tech help you become a more present parent?
In a recent poll of 2,000 Americans who have taken parental leave, respondents were asked which of the nation’s 15 largest industries would best support family life if they were to switch careers. According to the results, the tech industry was considered the most family-friendly, with 15% believing it to be the most accommodating.
Similarly, tech was the top choice when it came to offering a flexible work schedule, with 17% of respondents selecting it — an essential requirement for many parents today.
The survey, commissioned by TripleTen and conducted by Talker Research, highlighted the challenges of juggling work and parenthood. Forty-three per cent of parents said they frequently felt they had to prioritise work over their children.
Moreover, 55% had considered leaving the workforce for an extended period to focus on raising their children, well beyond the standard maternity or paternity leave, and 59% of those surveyed had actually done so, stepping away from their careers to dedicate time to their families.
In fact, 74% of parents said they would change their career path if it meant their employer would be more accommodating of their family life.
Parents also shared that their current jobs lacked modern benefits such as four-day work weeks (44%), unlimited paid time off (30%), the option to work primarily from home (30%), excellent health insurance options (26%) and on-site childcare facilities (25%).
Sixty-nine per cent of respondents would consider changing industries if it provided “at least half” of the benefits they needed to support their family.
Many parents see a career in the tech industry as the solution. Twelve per cent of those surveyed already work in tech, and of these, 61% believe the industry allows them to spend more time with their families than previous jobs had.
Eighty-one per cent of these respondents would recommend a career in tech to other parents due to the family-oriented perks.
“It’s dangerously easy for parents to prioritise work when that’s what’s taking up the most amount of time in their day,” said Maggie Elentukh, VP of Communications and Brand at TripleTen. “But the end result of that prioritisation is missing out on critical moments that no parent ever wants to miss. Parents are entitled to spend as much time with their children as they can, and their careers should support that focus.”
The survey further revealed that 42% of parents feel they do not spend enough time with their children during a typical working day, and 58% said their children have asked them to spend more time together.
Over half (56%) of parents reported having missed important events involving their children due to work commitments.
Nearly all parents (96%) admitted feeling guilty for putting work before their kids, with many recalling instances where they missed out on activities such as school trips (46%), sports events (45%), parent-teacher evenings (38%) and meals (38%).
Four out of five (82%) admitted they had called in sick or left work early to avoid missing out on their children’s events.
A third of respondents said they had lied to their bosses to get time off work — and 64% of those said they did so without feeling guilty.
“There’s a lot of potential for familial support in modern working industries, such as the tech sector,” Maggie continued. “The tech industry is a leading example of what a good work/life balance can bring — an efficient level of productivity seen in the workday, as well as making sure parents have the resources and infrastructure in their workplace to ensure they never miss a moment of their child’s life.”
What are parents missing due to work?
- Attending a school trip – 46%
- A sports event – 45%
- School conferences/parent-teacher evenings – 38%
- Meals – 38%
- A sports practice – 37%
- Family outings (e.g. a day trip) – 32%
- Celebrations – 31%
- A music recital or theatre performance – 28%
- Their child’s birthday party – 17%
- A family holiday – 15%
