August 15th 2024.
Balancing our social lives, family obligations, and work commitments can often lead to overwhelming levels of stress. With the abundance of delicious options like poke bowls, burritos, and takeout sushi, it's easy to question whether the classic British sandwich can still hold its own in the office lunch scene. But fear not, because not only do we have a whole week dedicated to celebrating sandwiches in May, but recent data has shown that they are making a comeback after a brief decline during the pandemic. And it's not just the traditional bread and filling sandwiches that are gaining popularity, but also wraps and flatbreads.
While British workers certainly enjoy indulging in a tasty sandwich for lunch, the reality is quite different for those who fall under the category of the "sandwich generation". Coined in 1981 by academic Dorothy Miller, this term refers to individuals in their late 30s and 40s who find themselves caught between the demands of caring for their aging parents and raising their own children. It's a constant balancing act that can often lead to a great deal of stress.
But how did we get to this point? The average age of first-time mothers and fathers has been steadily increasing since the 1970s, reflecting broader social and economic factors. The average age of mothers giving birth in England and Wales is now 30.9 years, compared to just under 24 years in the late 1960s. This delay in starting a family can be attributed to advancements in addressing inequalities and discrimination, such as the abolishment of the "marriage bar" that prevented married women from joining the civil service until 1973.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of activists fighting for maternity leave, equal pay, and women's rights, we are now living longer and healthier lives. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of people who fall under the sandwich generation category, with the Office for National Statistics estimating that 1.3 million people in the UK are part of this group. And while both men and women may take on caring responsibilities, studies have shown that women are more likely to do so and feel a greater pressure to meet these duties.
For sandwich generation women, the juggling act can often feel like an impossible task, with many feeling guilty for not being able to do enough for their parents, children, and their own health and wellbeing. And as if that wasn't enough, they also worry about neglecting their careers. During the pandemic, remote work provided some much-needed flexibility for balancing these responsibilities, but as we move towards a hybrid working model, it's important for companies to consider the needs of the sandwich generation. While structured hybrid schedules may work for some, it may not be feasible for those who require more flexibility to manage their competing priorities.
If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to communicate your concerns with your manager and explore potential solutions. Unfortunately, not all companies may be able to offer the level of flexibility that you need, in which case it may be necessary to consider your options and look for a job with a more family-friendly and accommodating work culture. The Metro Job Board offers hundreds of opportunities across the UK, so it's a great place to start your search for a role with better pay and benefits.
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