Striking A Balance Between Life And Work

Finding balance as a working parent (or pawrent) can be a constant struggle. Long days and sleepless nights may often be the reality. We spoke to some amazing colleagues about how they manage their daily lives as a working parent/pawrent in Singapore. 

Meet Illysha Natasha, Eugene Sun, Geraldine Khoo and Lisa Baskaran, parent and pawrent Wildlifers at Mandai Wildlife Group! Read on to find out what their daily routines are like, the challenges they face and how they overcome these challenges to find the right balance that works for them.  

Illysha Natasha – Supervisor, Animal Presentation 

What does typical day in your life look like? 

My daily routine starts as early as 6 am, when I prepare breakfast for the kids and get them ready for school before seeing them off. Then, I prepare myself for work, which starts at 8.30am and ends at 6pm. While at work, my responsibilities extend to my work “kids”, involving tasks such as preparing their meals, ensuring that they are cared for, and closely monitoring their behavior and health, much like how I would care for my kids at home.   

What were the challenges you faced having to juggle work and time with your kids? 

Always being the first one up in the morning and last one to head to bed can be a tad tiring. I do also miss out on public holidays sometimes as the parks are always open. 

However there are times when my kids will come over and visit me at work! This enables me to show them around and let them meet the other "kids" I care for at work. My kids are very understanding, and proud of what I do!   

How has your colleagues or work environment helped you cope? 

My colleagues are very supportive particularly during the days when I would need to rush off to attend to my kids when they are sick or when I need to be absent from work to take care of them when there are no other alternative arrangements. They are also very understanding, ensuring that I do not have to cover some of the night events so that I will be able to come home and see my kids. 

Do you have any advice for fellow working parents and pawrents? 

Juggling work and home can be exhausting and draining, but it can also be very fulfilling. To be able to succeed and make a difference both as being a parent and when I am at work makes it all worth it. 

Lisa Baskaran – Manager, Night Safari Park Operations 

What does a typical day in your life look like? 

I have a structured routine, whereby I wake up early to ensure my son is ready for school, before taking the opportunity to catch up on sleep before breakfast and exercise. I also spend time bonding with Ivy, my lovebird. It is heartwarming when I get to play with her and have her perch on my shoulder while I do chores.  

At work, I’m dedicated to ensuring smooth operations at the park, promptly addressing any issues that may arise. And I end my day by spending time with my husband, catching up over hot drinks. 

What were the challenges you faced having to juggle work and time with your kids? 

There were moments when work demands would spill over into family time, requiring me to find ways to prioritize and delegate tasks to maintain a healthy balance.  

Communication and setting boundaries were crucial in navigating these challenges, ensuring that both my work and family obligations were met without sacrificing one for the other.  

How has your colleagues or work environment helped you cope? 

We have a culture of teamwork and understanding, where we support each other in managing workload and accommodating personal responsibilities. My colleagues are always willing to lend a hand or provide coverage when needed, allowing me the flexibility to attend to family matters without feeling overwhelmed at work. 

Do you have any advice for fellow working parents and pawrents? 

My advice for working parents or pawrents is to prioritize, communicate, and find balance. Organize your time, set boundaries between work and home life, and delegate tasks when needed.  Remember to take care of yourself and be present during quality time with your family and pets. 

Eugene Sun – Senior Manager, Park & Attractions Marketing 

What does a typical day in your life look like? 

Like with most parents, my workday starts with waking my 3-year-old up and getting him ready for school, before getting myself ready for work.  

I'd typically start my day by browsing a few of my favourite websites for inspiration and to keep abreast with industry happenings. After which, I'd engage the team on their respective tracks of work and getting through emails/meetings for the day. I'd be out of the office by 7pm on a typical day, after which I’ll reserve some time for my family and myself.  

What were the challenges you faced having to juggle work and time with your kids? 

My wife and I welcomed our first kid in 2021, and the addition meant that we had to tweak our lifestyles to cater to his needs. When it came to juggling work and family time, I had to be more disciplined in making sure that work would not take time away from my 3 year old - so I'd typically get off work by 7pm, spend time with the family till 9pm (that's when he goes to bed), before I restart (but only if necessary!).  

Weekends are strictly for the family! When I must come back to the parks on a weekend, I'd involve my family and use the opportunity as a family outing :) 

How has your colleagues or work environment helped you cope? 

Both my colleagues and bosses have been very supportive and respectful of my schedule. Many a times, they would make sure that I’m wrapping up on my last task by 6pm, so that I can avoid the peak-hour traffic and get home to my kid by 7pm!  

Additionally, Mandai Wildlife Group practices autonomy across all levels, which empowers employees to manage their workload based on their capabilities, which in turn also encourages a stronger sense of ownership/responsibility. 

Do you have any advice for fellow working parents and pawrents? 

Focus on what matters the most, there is always another time to 'chiong'! 

Geraldine Khoo – Restaurant Manager, Food & Beverage 

What does a typical day in your life look like? 

If my morning shifts start at 7 am, I will have to leave the house by 5.30 am and will back home around 6 pm or 7 pm. As part of our nightly routine, my daughter and I will have our night routine of storytelling before she sleeps  

If I work late, my daughter goes to bed first, and sometimes wakes up when my husband and I return home so that I can read to her for the night.  

What were the challenges you faced having to juggle work and time with your kids? 

There are times where I must work longer hours, and my kids are asleep by the time I reach home. While I may not always have the time to spend with them, I am lucky to have the support of my helper at home and husband.   

Both of my husband and I are very hands-on parents and alternate between looking after the kids during working days. I think it’s important so that we don’t become emotionally or mentally drained. 

How has your colleagues or work environment helped you cope? 

Having a supportive environment at work is a great help! My team of awesome co-managers are always willing to switch shifts or trade off days with me, ensuring that I don’t miss important milestones of my kids. Their support means a lot to me! 

Do you have any advice for fellow working parents and pawrents? 

Try to spend quality time with your kids while they still want to spend time with you. They grow up too fast, so try to be there for all their milestones.  

Work is important but your family is important too.