At HackerOne, we’ve witnessed our parents craft impressive solutions to blend their professional and personal worlds. We wanted to hear from our HackerOne parents and how they stay productive while balancing parenthood. Here are 10 tips and experiences they’d like to share, showing how they balance work and family life from home.
1. Schedule Downtime
Josh Jacobson, Director of Professional Services, California, U.S., emphasizes the importance of scheduling personal time. “Booking time into your calendar to officially decouple from work is important. You can set working hours in Gcal and put ‘Do not book’ blocks. This allows you to spend quality time with your family, which is just as crucial as work.”
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Taylor Ilacqua, Senior Enterprise Customer Success Manager, Arizona, U.S., shares a perspective that will resonate with many parents. “Being a working parent is like having two full-time jobs. It’s important to ensure you’re blocking time for your health or enjoyment. I set aside time for yoga a few times a week, but it could be anything that helps reset your mind and emotions.”
3. Integrate Family with Work
Tiffany Jones, Vice President of Go to Market Operations and Strategy, Washington, U.S., naturally integrates her family life into her workday. “I always bring my full self to work, which means often times kids pop into my meetings before summer camps, after school, or just when they are stuck at home. It’s good for them to see me working and prioritizing their needs over work when needed.”
4. Cherish Quality Moments
Esther Wolting, Senior Manager, Software Engineering, the Netherlands, finds that working from home enhances her ability to spend meaningful time with her daughter. “I love when she drops by my meetings to wave at colleagues and see what I do. This makes it easier to work in the evening, knowing we’ve had those shared moments during the day.”
5. Plan Ahead
Michaela Ricketts, EMEA Lead Recruiter, U.K., shares she works from home during summer holidays with her kids and stresses the importance of planning. “At the start of summer, I put together a spreadsheet to show where they are each day. When they’re home with me, I block my calendar and shift my work hours. Planning ahead allows us to incorporate something fun for them too. I also prepare a snack box and juice dispenser each morning to avoid constant interruptions.”
6. Know Your Limits
Jen Hague, Talent Strategy Partner, U.K., advises parents to be mindful of their limits. “On nights when my daughter wakes every hour, I cut myself some slack and do things that give me energy the next day. When I’m fully rested, I tackle the day full steam ahead. It’s tempting to try to be supermum every day, but knowing when to give your all or hold back is crucial.”
7. Embrace the Long-Term Benefits
Joey Labriola, NA Commercial Account Executive II, New York, U.S., says, “I always think about the long-term positive effects working from home will have on my two daughters. Being visibly present and not wasting time commuting is a huge win for their upbringing.”
8. Foster Interconnection
Jessica Sexton, Senior Director, Community, Indiana, U.S., highlights the value of blending work and home life. “Give yourself grace and enable a safe space for both sides of your life to interconnect. It’s beneficial for your kids to see you hustle and understand your passion for your job. It also humanizes us to our colleagues and paves the way for future parents to find their balance.”
9. Include Your Kids
Tom Hamersley, Senior Solutions Architect, U.K., suggests involving children in your work routine. “During an Ask Me Anything (AMA) or a listening-focused meeting, I let my 3-year-old son join me on camera. He practices counting and recognizing letters while seeing everyone’s faces. It’s a reassuring and inclusive experience for him and my colleagues.”
10. Leveraging Workplace Support
Kayley LoSardo, Senior Recruiter, California, U.S., shares her thoughts on the importance of having a supportive manager. “Successfully balancing work and parenting requires a delicate dance of gives and takes. Some days I need to step away for family, and other days I give extra to meet work goals. Having a supportive manager who understands this balance is crucial! HackerOne has created a flexible environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. That is truly the key.”
At HackerOne, we understand the challenges of balancing parenthood and work, especially in a remote setting. Our employees’ shared experiences and tips highlight the importance of planning, integrating family moments, and prioritizing self-care.
HackerOne was recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® for Parents & Caregivers in 2024.
