Blogpost by Elizabeth Ribons
A little over a year ago – when we could all gather – I was at a dinner party and spoke with a young woman, newly married and planning to start a family in the coming year. Her job was in LA and she expressed wanting to move an hour outside of the West LA area with her husband to a more affordable area located closer to both their parents. The idea of the commute from the new location (if any of you know the traffic and the stress of driving in LA) was daunting.
How could she make it work? Her current job and pay were what she felt was acceptable but it didn’t align with her goals and the next phase of her life.
I brought up the idea of working remotely – at least 2-3 days a week. At that time, it was out of the question. She said if she could work for a company that offered flexible work, she would leave her employer in a hot second.
Over a year later, things changed as we all know. She and her husband were able to move closer to the family because the pandemic catapulted businesses into realizing that flexible work is feasible. Sure, there are bumps and glitches to overcome and there are no perfect solutions but she is now able to remain employed and start a family. Add to it, they can live affordably compared to a very expensive apartment in the city.
A decade ago when the economy collapsed, I had to close my office and let people go. I then had to scramble to meet the needs of my clients while not having support from employees. I was able to connect with women who worked remotely and could deliver the support I needed – virtually. During that time, my business was suffering – everyone was feeling it – but I was able to stay afloat because of skilled people willing to work remotely.
The remote support I was able to secure were mostly women with young children and they fit in the work around their schedules. The quality and punctuality were amazing. I also liked that I did not have to manage them and keep them busy. I could expand when the work was flowing and contract when it slowed. This was key during an economically uncertain time. And the women were happy to have the work. I shared them with my network so they too could flourish during difficult times.
Now, as I prepare to interview a woman for my podcast who has built a successful business offering Virtual Assistant services to entrepreneurs and small businesses, I cannot help but think this is hopeful for so many reasons. Her employees work flexibly and can enjoy affordable housing, lifestyle design, the ability to continue to earn, have a family life, time to invest in their community, and more.
A good example is shown in this video from the World Economic Forum. You can read more about it in the article. Ireland is progressive in its measures to breathe new life into outlying areas, keep people employed and help families to afford homes and living expenses reachable.
She said if she could work for a company that offered flexible work, she would leave her employer in a hot second.
I am not alone in these concerns for young adults making their way in this world and wanting the basic things in life – if they choose. Or for those in the workforce who have been “aged out” but have valuable experience, knowledge, and have marketable skills.
Add to it, the loss of potential and growth our country is experiencing as a result of all the women leaving the workforce in the past year – as discussed in a powerful podcast interview with Founder of Sway workplace, Denise Brouder "The Future Of Work"
It means that we can remain relevant, engaged, and earning.
Remote and flexible work does not mean working from home all the time as we have in the past year. It means working from café’s, libraries, flexible workspaces and occasionally at the office, less commuting, less pollution, less stress. It means that we can remain relevant, engaged, and earning.
Whether we work for ourselves – such as a consultant, virtual assistant, freelancer – or we work flexibly within a company, the opportunity to design career & life is extremely appealing – especially for women who have had to make tough decisions about personal responsibilities versus career.
Statistics show women deposit savings more often but because of pay disparity and the stopping and starting of work to answer personal responsibilities - women are saving 30% less than men for retirement.
It is important to seek out solutions to keep working, engaged, and earning. I know there is never a perfect answer and there are gaps where people could be exploited. Structures and learnings have to be put in place to buoy this next phase.
With the staggering number of women who have left the workforce over the past year and many families struggling, we must be willing to rethink the options. Consider this viable - and tested - solution of flexible work. It makes sense to leverage this change we have all experienced and create a positive outcome by utilizing this vast potential and valuable resource in a way that works for the future for all of us.
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