The world has been turned upside down in just a few short weeks, and life as we know it has suddenly and drastically been altered. Society, on a global scale, is learning to cope with a “new normal” that is anything but normal. With so many families sheltering in place and cabin fever already settling in, it’s become a huge challenge balancing work, life, and family all under the same roof.
As a single working mother supporting two young children on my own, I am feeling this strain tremendously. My time is completely restructured, usual routines have fallen away. Every day feels like I’m falling further behind. A particularly painful point for me is schooling. We are navigating totally new territory with complete online learning. The question has quickly become, “How do we find a work-life balance with the whole family at home?”
Recommended Stories
There are numerous challenges with this new dynamic. Possibly the most obvious being that we all need the appropriate technology to complete our tasks. Fortunately, I do have a personal computer and a laptop. However, I have three people in my house that need to constantly be on a computer for either work or school. So I’m already at a disadvantage. What if I had more children or less technology to begin with, as is the case for many others? I have seen social media posts from parents asking if anyone has an extra laptop. Students will fall behind due to lack of technology resources if this issue is not appropriately addressed.
Students are expected to start online learning immediately. However, there are huge technological hurdles to overcome before actual learning can even begin. Parents have to learn to navigate unfamiliar platforms and set up accounts while many of the necessary links aren’t even working. Younger children need more guidance and assistance throughout the whole process. This puts an enormous strain on parents who are also trying to complete their work.
Once we overcome the technology hurdle, we now have to deal with space constraints and limits on concentration. There are already plenty of distractions to keep us from focusing, but now add being confined at home with the whole family to that list. There are endless questions, constant needs, and relentless sibling rivalry. It’s enough to make even the strongest person beg for mercy and cry for help — especially for the single parents out there.
As of now, I don’t see balance in anything, especially work and school. I know that these concerns are not unique to me. I also know that these are only, but slight concerns relative to the big picture. People are losing their jobs, businesses are shutting down, and people are dying. Every facet of life is being impacted.
In these trying times, there is great comfort in knowing that we’re not facing these new challenges alone. Through the challenges that we are all collectively battling, I am looking forward to being inspired by the stories of generosity, love, and self-sacrifice that ultimately always shine through. It is in these difficult times that our true humanity is shown. We are truly stronger together.
Michelle Arguello is an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and co-host of the podcast, Style Your Life.
