Virtual Vocations - Parent Remote Job Search Survey Results 2021 - New Remote Jobseeker Statistics Amid COVID-19

Parent Remote Job Search Survey Results 2021

What do parents need from a remote job? Has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced how parents view remote work and general job security? Which remote job industries are most sought after by parents? The data is in, and we have answers to these questions and more in our Parent Remote Job Search Survey Results report for 2021.


As part of our sixth annual National Work and Family Month celebration, Virtual Vocations surveyed more than 250 parents interested in new remote job options. We wanted to learn more about what parents want from their job searches and, ultimately, their work-at-home careers.

CEO’s Statement on the 2021 Parent Survey

“As a parent who has worked remotely since my children were young, the value of schedule flexibility and autonomy over my work hours has been key in my success as both a mother and a professional.

Parents who have recently experienced the benefits that remote work offers them and their children, in large part due to COVID-19 restrictions, are now considering how to make the best of both work and parenting responsibilities on a long-term basis through continued remote work. This shift should be welcome to employers who support mental health and employees’ personal values as crucial aspects of retaining top talent and a thriving workforce.

Working from home throughout my children’s formative years allowed me to be there when they needed me, not just when I was available, and there is a big difference between the two. In today’s tech-driven world, parents should not have to choose between supporting their children versus keeping their jobs, especially when it has been proven time and again that they can accomplish their work and maintain high career productivity levels at the same time.”

Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations CEO and Co-Founder

Parent Survey Data Analysis

Respondent Demographics

  • All respondents confirmed they are at least 18 years of age.
  • All respondents confirmed they are the parent of at least one child aged 18 or younger who lives with them in their home.
  • All respondents confirmed they are either out of work or would prefer a new job.

ARE YOU CURRENTLY OUT OF WORK?

Yes

47.29 %

No, but I would prefer a different job.

52.71 %

Survey respondents’ answers, which are detailed below, are divided into the following groups, depending on their answer to the question above, “Are you currently out of work?”

  1. Parents Who Are Out of Work (47.49%).
  2. Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job (52.71%).

Parents Who Are Out of Work

This data set provides survey responses from Virtual Vocations members who stated that they were out of work at the time of the survey. The data for unemployed parents has been sub-divided into the following categories:

  • Demographics
  • Workforce Experiences
  • Remote Career Preferences
  • Remote Job Search Habits

Demographics of Unemployed Parents

Key Demographic Statistics for Parents Out of Work

  • Most respondents (61.54%) are from the Millennial generation.
  • The majority of parents out of work are female (51.69%).
  • 71.80% have earned a professional or advanced degree or certification.
  • Nearly half of parents out of work (47.46%) are experienced professionals; only 16.10% classify themselves entry-level workers; 30.50% are management or senior-level management professionals.

WHAT IS YOUR AGE RANGE?

Gen Z: Born in 1996 or after

11.11 %

Millennial: Born 1977 – 1995

61.54 %

Gen X: Born 1965 – 1976

17.95 %

Baby Boomer: Born 1946 – 1964

7.69 %

Silent Generation: Born 1945 or before (1.71%)

2 %

WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?

Female

51.69 %

Male

44.92 %

Nonbinary or gender non-conforming (3.39%)

3 %

Prefer not to answer

0 %

WHAT IS YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION?

High school diploma or GED

10.17 %

Associate’s degree

11.02 %

Bachelor’s degree

35.59 %

Master’s degree

6.78 %

Doctoral degree (2.54%)

3 %

Professional degree or certification

16.1 %

Some college

15.25 %

Some high school (2.54%)

3 %

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER LEVEL?

Entry-level

16.1 %

Experienced

47.46 %

Manager

18.64 %

Senior-level manager

11.86 %

Executive-level

5.93 %

Workforce Experiences of Unemployed Parents

Key Workforce Experiences Statistics for Parents Out of Work

  • 48.72% of unemployed parents have been out of work for less than six months.
  • 28.21% of respondents have been out of work for at least one year, with 8.55% unemployed for more than five years.
  • One-third (33.90%) exited the workforce due to the COVID-19 pandemic; this was the primary reason parents cited as to why they are unemployed.
  • Aside from the coronavirus pandemic affecting employment situations, the second-most cited reason parents left the workforce (14.41%) was due to insufficient opportunities to use their skills and/or education.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE WORKFORCE?

Less than six months

48.72 %

Six to 11 months

23.08 %

One to two years

11.97 %

Three to five years

7.69 %

More than five years

8.55 %

WHY DID YOU EXIT THE WORKFORCE?

The COVID-19 pandemic closed my office or forced a layoff.

33.9 %

Insufficient opportunities to use my skills/education

14.41 %

I chose to stay at home with my child/ren.

13.56 %

An illness or an accident left me temporarily unable to work.

8.47 %

Other (please specify)
Written responses include company restructuring, retirement, caring for a family member, budget cuts, working a non-renewable contract, and the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

7.63 %

Inadequate pay and/or benefits

6.78 %

Toxic company culture

5.93 %

My last job was a short-term gig to make extra money in between jobs.

5.08 %

I was not valued by my manager or employer. (1.69%)

2 %

No upward mobility (1.69%)

2 %

I was fired. (0.85%)

1 %

Remote Career Preferences of Unemployed Parents

Key Remote Career Preferences Statistics for Parents Out of Work

  • Out-of-work parents also cited the COVID-19 pandemic (33.33%) as the number one reason why they want to work remotely; the pandemic showed them how quickly employment situations can change, and they want more job security via remote job opportunities.
  • The top remote career industries sought by unemployed parents are: information technology, healthcare/medical, customer service/tech support, all tied at 11.30% favorability among respondents.
  • 50.00% of all parents out of work want a full-time job.
  • The majority (58.47%) of unemployed parents also want a permanent position; approximately one-third (33.05%) ideally want to be classified as independent contractors/self-employed professionals.
  • Only 10.17% of respondents, who are the parent of at least one minor child who lives at home with them, do not want to talk on the phone for work; the rest (89.93%) would agree to make work calls from home, at least during certain times of day.
  • The majority of out-of-work parents (54.24%) want to work morning hours, beginning around 8:00–9:00 a.m. or earlier; one-quarter (24.58%) need a completely flexible schedule.
  • 64.65% would agree to periodic or annual work travel or attend on-site events; only 35.34% of out unemployed parents do not want to travel or appear on-site.
  • Once they secure a remote job, the top childcare plan among unemployed parents (38.46%) is to work while their child/ren attend in-person school; only 2.56% plan to utilize daycare services provided outside of their home.

WHICH OF THESE OPTIONS BEST DESCRIBES WHY YOU WANT TO WORK REMOTELY?

The COVID-19 pandemic showed me how quickly things can change, and I want to feel more secure in my job.

33.33 %

I want more control over my schedule and how I spend my time.

23.08 %

Working from home is best for my personal well-being and/or unique health needs. 

20.51 %

I need to be with my child/ren during the day.

11.97 %

I am more productive without office distractions.

6.84 %

I am tired of commuting.

4.27 %

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING REMOTE CAREER INDUSTRIES WOULD BE IDEAL FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE AND FUTURE PLANS?

Information Technology

11.3 %

Healthcare/Medical

11.3 %

Customer Service/Tech Support

11.3 %

Product/Program Management

9.57 %

Education/Teaching

6.96 %

Administrative/Virtual Assisting

6.96 %

Financial/Accounting

6.09 %

Writing/Blogging

6.09 %

Graphic Design

6.09 %

Human Resources (3.48%)

3 %

Non-Profit (3.48%)

3 %

Marketing/Advertising (2.61%)

3 %

Human Services/Case Management (2.61%)

3 %

General Management (2.61%)

3 %

Sales (1.74%)

2 %

Account Management (1.74%)

2 %

Project Management (1.74%)

2 %

Social Media (1.74%)

2 %

Business Operations (1.74%)

2 %

Consulting (0.87%)

1 %

DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS?

Full-time

50 %

Part-time only

25.42 %

Part-time, but in a job that could transition to a full-time role

24.58 %

WHAT TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS DO YOU NEED FROM A REMOTE JOB?

Permanent Employee

58.47 %

Independent Contractor/Self-Employed

33.05 %

Temporary/Seasonal

8.47 %

Considering you are a parent of minor children, think about your home-based work environment. ARE REMOTE JOBS THAT REQUIRE YOU TO BE ON THE PHONE OKAY WITH YOU?

Talking on the phone for work would be okay during specific times.

46.61 %

Yes, I am willing to talk on the phone.

43.22 %

No, I would prefer a non-phone job.

10.17 %

GENERALLY, WHAT TIME WOULD YOU PREFER TO WORK?

Morning (beginning around 8:00–9:00 a.m. or earlier)

54.24 %

Evening (beginning around 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.)

21.19 %

Night (beginning around 11:00 p.m. or midnight)

19.49 %

It varies day-to-day, so I need a completely flexible schedule.

24.58 %

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TRAVELING FOR WORK OR APPEARING ON-SITE FOR TRAINING AND EVENTS?

Travel and/or in-person work appearances are okay annually or a few times per year.

43.1 %

I want a 100% remote job and do not want to travel or appear on-site.

35.34 %

I would enjoy business travel and on-site events as needed. 

21.55 %

WHEN YOU SECURE A REMOTE JOB, HOW WILL YOUR CHILDCARE PLANS LOOK?

My child/ren will attend in-person school during work hours.

38.46 %

I will handle childcare on my own while I work.

18.8 %

My partner works from home so we will share childcare duties.

15.38 %

I have a stay-at-home partner who will be responsible for childcare during my work times.

12.82 %

I will opt for in-house childcare provided by a family member, friend, or other recruited childcare provider.

11.97 %

I will utilize daycare outside of my home. (2.56%)

3 %

Remote Job Search Habits of Unemployed Parents

Key Remote Job Search Habits Statistics for Parents Out of Work

  • Within the last month, 43.22% of unemployed parents have found at least one job that fits their career interests.
  • 19.49% of respondents have found no jobs that suit their needs, and another 8.47% said they are not actively searching for available positions.
  • Preferred job search methods vary among unemployed parents; the most popular method was a general web search via Google or a similar search engine (27.97%).
  • One-quarter of out-of-work parents (24.58%) prefer to search for jobs on a job board like Virtual Vocations; only 7.63% utilize the services of staffing agencies or head hunters.

DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH OVER THE LAST MONTH, HOW MANY JOBS DID YOU FIND THAT FIT YOUR CAREER INTERESTS?

One or two jobs

43.22 %

Three to five jobs

17.8 %

More than five jobs

11.02 %

None

19.49 %

I am not actively searching for jobs.

8.47 %

WHEN JOB HUNTING, WHAT IS YOUR MAIN SEARCH METHOD?

General web searches via Google or another browser

27.97 %

Job boards like Virtual Vocations

24.58 %

LinkedIn or other social media sites

17.8 %

Attending virtual or in-person job fairs

12.71 %

Professional networking and referrals within my industry

9.32 %

Staffing agencies or head hunters

7.63 %

Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job

This data set provides survey responses from Virtual Vocations members who stated that, at the time of the survey, they were employed but would prefer a different job. As with our data set on out-of-work parents, survey results for employed parents who would prefer a different job have been separated into the following categories:

  • Demographics
  • Workforce Experiences
  • Remote Career Preferences
  • Remote Job Search Habits

Demographics of Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job

Key Demographic Statistics for Working Parents Who Want a New Job

  • Like those from the unemployed parents group, most respondents who are employed but would prefer a different job (63.79%) are from the Millennial generation.
  • The majority of employed parents who want a different job are female (56.38%).
  • 73.78% have earned a professional or advanced degree or certification.
  • Half of employed parents who would prefer a different job (50.21%) are experienced professionals; meanwhile, 29.63% are managers or self-level managers with only 11.93% classifying themselves as entry-level professionals.

WHAT IS YOUR AGE RANGE?

Gen Z: Born in 1996 or after

10.29 %

Millennial: Born 1977 – 1995

63.79 %

Gen X: Born in 1965 – 1976

16.46 %

Baby Boomer: Born in 1946 – 1964

8.23 %

Silent Generation: Born 1945 or before (1.23%)

1 %

WHAT IS YOUR GENDER?

Female

56.38 %

Male

38.68 %

Nonbinary or gender non-conforming (4.53%)

5 %

Prefer not to answer (0.41%)

0 %

WHAT IS YOUR HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION?

High school diploma or GED

6.97 %

Associate’s degree

10.66 %

Bachelor’s degree

37.3 %

Master’s degree

10.25 %

Doctoral degree (1.23%)

1 %

Professional degree or certification

14.34 %

Some college

18.85 %

Some high school (0.41%)

0 %

WHAT IS YOUR CAREER LEVEL?

Entry-level

11.93 %

Experienced

50.21 %

Manager

17.28 %

Senior-level manager

12.35 %

Executive-level

8.23 %

Workforce Experiences of Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job

Key Workforce Experience Statistics for Working Parents Who Want a New Job

  • The number one reason employed parents want a new job is that they want to work from home (22.13%).
  • Additional reasons for preferring a different job include seeking schedule flexibility to have more control over how they spend their time (19.26%), needing to be at home with their children (17.21%) or desiring increased wages/better benefits (17.21%), and realizing that the COVID-19 pandemic inspired them to pursue better job options for themselves and their families (13.93%).

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS IS NEAREST TO YOUR PRIMARY REASON FOR WANTING A DIFFERENT JOB?

I want to work from home.

22.13 %

I desire schedule flexibility so that I can have more control over how I spend my time.

19.26 %

I need to be home with my children.

17.21 %

I would like increased wages and/or better benefits.

17.21 %

The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired me to seek better overall job options for myself and my family.

13.93 %

I want to feel valued at work.

4.51 %

I would like to be able to earn a promotion and/or stay with a company long-term.

4.51 %

I have never felt professional satisfaction but I would like to find meaningful work. (1.23%)

1 %

Remote Career Preferences of Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job

Key Remote Career Preferences for Working Parents Who Want a New Job

  • These parents also cited the COVID-19 pandemic (44.44%) as the number one reason why they want to work remotely.
  • The top remote career industries sought by employed parents who would prefer a different job are: information technology and customer service/tech support, which are tied at 9.54% favorability, followed by financial/accounting (7.47%), healthcare/medical (7.05%), and education/teaching and administrative/virtual assisting, which are tied at 6.22% favorability among respondents.
  • 62.30% of employed parents who would prefer a different job want a full-time role, compared to only 50.00% of out-of-work parents who would prefer the same.
  • 69.55% want a permanent position, compared to only 58.47% of out-of-work parents who would prefer a permanent role.
  • Only 9.92% of respondents, who are the parent of at least one minor child who lives at home with them, do not want to talk on the phone for work; the rest (90.08%) would agree to make work calls from home, at least during certain times of day.
  • The majority (56.97%) want to work morning hours, beginning around 8:00–9:00 a.m. or earlier; one-quarter (19.26%) need a completely flexible schedule.
  • Working parents who want a new job are more open to business travel with 72.13% stating they would agree to periodic or annual work travel or attend on-site events; meanwhile, 27.87% of employed parents who would prefer a different job do not want to travel or appear on-site.
  • When working from home, or once they secure a remote job, the top childcare plan among working parents who want a new job is to work while their child/ren attend in-person school (38.27%); only 7.41% plan to utilize daycare services provided outside of their home.

WHICH OF THESE OPTIONS BEST DESCRIBES WHY YOU WANT TO WORK REMOTELY?

The COVID-19 pandemic showed me how quickly things can change, and I want to feel more secure in my job.

44.44 %

I want more control over my schedule and how I spend my time.

26.34 %

Working from home is best for my personal well-being and/or unique health needs. 

13.17 %

I need to be with my child/ren during the day.

6.58 %

I am more productive without office distractions.

5.76 %

I am tired of commuting. 

3.7 %

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING REMOTE CAREER INDUSTRIES WOULD BE IDEAL FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE AND FUTURE PLANS?

Information Technology

9.54 %

Customer Service/Tech Support

9.54 %

Financial/Accounting

7.47 %

Healthcare/Medical

7.05 %

Education/Teaching

6.22 %

Administrative/Virtual Assisting

6.22 %

Writing/Blogging

5.81 %

Product/Program Management

5.81 %

Sales

5.39 %

Human Resources

5.39 %

Human Services/Case Management

4.98 %

General Management

4.15 %

Marketing/Advertising (3.73%)

4 %

Social Media (3.73%)

4 %

Account Management (3.32%)

3 %

Graphic Design (3.32%)

3 %

Non-Profit (2.90%)

3 %

Project Management (2.07%)

2 %

Consulting (2.07%)

2 %

Business Operations (1.24%)

1 %

DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME BASIS?

Full-time

62.3 %

Part-time only

16.39 %

Part-time, but in a job that could transition to a full-time role

21.31 %

WHAT TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT STATUS DO YOU NEED FROM A REMOTE JOB?

Permanent Employee

69.55 %

Independent Contractor/Self-Employed

25.51 %

Temporary/Seasonal

4.94 %

Considering you are a parent of minor children, think about your home-based work environment. ARE REMOTE JOBS THAT REQUIRE YOU TO BE ON THE PHONE OKAY WITH YOU?

Talking on the phone for work would be okay during specific times. 

47.52 %

Yes, I am willing to talk on the phone. 

42.56 %

No, I would prefer a non-phone job.

9.92 %

GENERALLY, WHAT TIME WOULD YOU PREFER TO WORK?

Morning (beginning around 8:00–9:00 a.m. or earlier)

56.97 %

Evening (beginning around 4:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.)

25.82 %

Night (beginning around 11:00 p.m. or midnight)

13.93 %

It varies day-to-day, so I need a completely flexible schedule.

19.26 %

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT TRAVELING FOR WORK OR APPEARING ON-SITE FOR TRAINING AND EVENTS?

Travel and/or in-person work appearances are okay annually or a few times per year.

58.2 %

I want a 100% remote job and do not want to travel or appear on-site.

27.87 %

I would enjoy business travel and on-site events as needed. 

13.93 %

WHILE WORKING FROM HOME, WHAT ARE YOUR CHILDCARE PLANS? (If you do not currently work remotely, please answer with what you plan to do once you secure a remote job.)

My child/ren attend in-person school during work hours.

38.27 %

I handle childcare on my own while I work.

16.87 %

My partner also works from home so we share childcare duties. 

14.81 %

I have a stay-at-home partner who is responsible for childcare during my work times.

13.99 %

I opt for in-house childcare provided by a family member, friend, or other recruited childcare provider.

8.64 %

I utilize daycare outside of my home.

7.41 %

Remote Job Search Habits of Employed Parents Who Would Prefer a Different Job

Key Remote Job Search Habits Statistics for Working Parents Who Want a New Job

  • Within the last month, 47.13% of these parents have found at least one job that fits their career interests.
  • More than a fifth of respondents (21.31%) have found no jobs that suit their needs, and another 3.28% said they are not actively searching for available positions.
  • Preferred job search methods vary among employed parents who would prefer a different job; the most popular method was a general web search via Google or a similar search engine (33.75%).
  • Only 2.92% utilize the services of staffing agencies or head hunters.

DURING YOUR JOB SEARCH OVER THE LAST MONTH, HOW MANY JOBS DID YOU FIND THAT FIT YOUR CAREER INTERESTS?

One or two jobs

47.13 %

Three to five jobs

20.08 %

More than five jobs

8.2 %

None

21.31 %

I am not actively searching for jobs. (3.28%)

3 %

WHEN JOB HUNTING, WHAT IS YOUR MAIN SEARCH METHOD?

General web searches via Google or another browser

33.75 %

Job boards like Virtual Vocations

18.75 %

Professional networking and referrals within my industry

16.67 %

LinkedIn or other social media sites

16.25 %

Attending virtual or in-person job fairs

11.67 %

Staffing agencies or head hunters (2.92%)

3 %

About Virtual Vocations

Virtual Vocations, Inc., founded in 2007, is a private, family-owned, and 100% distributed company. Co-founded by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations is dedicated to connecting jobseekers with legitimate remote job openings that have been screened to ensure the highest quality standards. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than four million jobseekers find flexible, remote work options.

In addition to managing and curating a database that, at any given time, houses more than 30,000 current, hand-screened remote job openings, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches, including exclusive, self-paced e-courses, career guides for popular virtual job industries, downloadable worksheets, job coaching, and resume and cover letter writing services. Virtual Vocations also releases multiple data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

Inquiries about “Parent Remote Job Search Survey Results 2021” report can be made to Michelle Rawlings, Public Relations Specialist, at michelle (at) virtualvocations (dot) com or via phone at 1-800-379-5092, ext. 703. Please visit Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for additional remote work content and conversations.

Image credits: Kimberly Back; Canva

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