Jacobs - A delicate balance: Making a difference at work and at home as a carer

Created by VERCIDA for Jacobs

Sam Mutters shares how Jacobs supports her to balance work and family responsibilities.

I have been with Jacobs for just over three years as a Principal Regulatory Professional within the Water Environment Team. I’m based in the Edinburgh office however, I am currently working from home because I am my father’s main carer. 

I am also qualified as a Project Manager (PRINCE 2 Practitioner) with over 20 years of experience working with users and stakeholders, delivering environmental projects, as well as regulating and enforcing environmental legislation within England, Wales and Scotland.  

A major change in circumstances

My job is demanding and when my personal circumstances changed I needed more flexibility at work. In 2017, I lost my mother quite suddenly and I’ve been helping my Dad ever since. At first, he was still independent and working as an architect, however he needed help with the paperwork that my Mum used to look after. He retired as an architect on his 88th birthday in 2018 after an amazing career. In October 2020, he was diagnosed with moderate Alzheimers.
Since the pandemic, his condition has declined. In December 2020, he came to stay with us for Christmas and he never went back home. Nowadays, he needs a lot of help with daily tasks – I prepare his food for him, help him get up in the morning and get washed and dressed. Sometimes he's not sure of his own name or what day of the week it is, but he is still able to go for walks. His main passion is music – he enjoys listening to music and he can still play some tunes on the organ; he was a Masonic organist who used to play in the Grand Lodge in London.

Important adjustments at work

I had been working full-time for Jacobs however, looking after my father was taking up more time. Things were taking longer, such as 15 minutes to take him to the bathroom rather than five minutes. In May 2022, I took the decision to reduce my work pattern from five to three days a week. This has helped to provide enough time to support my Dad as well as having some ‘me time’. For example, on Wednesdays, Dad goes to a lunch club and I have four hours to do some things for myself. On Fridays, we go for lunch or a picnic somewhere, so we can spend some quality time together.

Jacobs was completely supportive of my request to go part-time. We have had a three-month transition period and I feel it’s going well. Jacobs was certified in December 2021 as a Carer Confident Active Employer by Carers UK, which recognises the company’s efforts as an inclusive employer for people with caring responsibilities.

Going part-time has also not affected my ability to develop in my career; I have recently become a Chartered Environmental Scientist and Jacobs supported me through that process.

Making it work every day

It can be challenging at times to balance my work and family responsibilities however, I am making it work. When I’m working quietly, he will often sit in the room with me and sometimes has a little sleep. Working from home really helps, because carers and sitters are very hard to come by. Dad doesn’t have many medical appointments however, when he does I can arrange them for the days I don’t work.

I have a routine where I’ll take a walk in the morning to set myself up for the day, start work in the time I used to spend commuting and spend half an hour getting Dad up in the morning. I take an hour for lunch and go for a walk with Dad, as well as making his lunch for him. It’s quite structured and sometimes it can be a longer day than when I was going into the office however it allows me to stay on top of my work.

As well as having flexible hours, I am part of Jacobs’ ACE Network, which stands for “Access, Connect, Empower". Through the network, I can talk to other employees in a similar situation to mine – people who are primary or secondary carers or people who have been carers for family members who have sadly passed away – we are all part of the carers’ community. I have been able to give back too. For Carers’ Week in June I gave a presentation to Jacobs colleagues about my experiences with my Dad and gave tips to help people who are carers or might be in a similar position to me in the future.

I know it’s important to take some time out for myself too – I like to go fishing (I’m also a Salmon fishing instructor), play golf and garden. I’m glad that with Jacobs’ help, I have found that balance. 

For further information on Jacobs’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion programme and initiatives please click here.