Most Working Parents Say Traditional Jobs No Longer Fit Family Life, New Survey Finds
75% of U.S. parents say that their current work arrangement does not match their ideal situation. This is according to a national survey from New America, which has found a widening disconnect between the realities of modern family life and traditional workplace structures.
Nearly 90% of parents surveyed said they want to remain employed in some capacity, but many are seeking arrangements that allow them to spend more time with their children and manage caregiving responsibilities.
Around 72% said having more quality time with their children would improve their lives, while 66% pointed to higher wages as a key factor in improving family wellbeing.
Work schedule stability also played a major role. Parents with consistent schedules were far more likely to prefer full-time employment, while those with rotating or unpredictable hours were less likely to want traditional full-time work.
Childcare Costs And Caregiving Demands Add Pressure
The survey showcases the growing strain on families balancing work, childcare, and financial pressures. Childcare costs consume roughly 10% of the average annual income for married couples and about one-third of income for single parents.
Parents with young children are also increasingly part of the “sandwich generation,” managing care for both children and aging relatives. More than one in four parents with children under six reported regularly caring for an older family member as well.
Preferences also differed between mothers and fathers. Fathers of young children were more likely to prefer full-time work, while mothers were more likely to favor part-time or flexible arrangements during their children’s early years.
A Workplace Model That Better Reflects Family Needs
The findings add to the ongoing debate over return-to-office policies and workplace flexibility, suggesting many parents are seeking jobs designed around greater choice, stability, and family needs.
For employers, the research underscores the importance of offering predictable schedules, flexible work arrangements, and policies that recognize the growing complexity of modern caregiving responsibilities.
