The New Mommy Track

October

Anyone see the recent issue of U.S. News & World Report that says more moms are finding smart ways to blend work and family? I kindof “borrowed” mine from my doctor’s office (one reason I haven’t been blogging: forgive me—hurt my back and been a bit under the weather).

But I digress. The good news: is that women today are rejecting the “supermom” image from the 80s as well as the “soccer mom” stereotype of the 90s and today are more likely to negotiate flexible schedules at work and demand more participating from their partners at home. Nearly 26 percent of working women with children under 18 work flexible schedules, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared with 14 percent in 1991. Most of us, when pressed, would rather have the “part-time ideal,” but if you can’t get that, it’s good to know that we’re all in the same boat (I say this after my boss has been SUPER nice since I hurt my back: thanks ML!).

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 4:33 pm by Jeanne Muchnick.
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2 Responses to “The New Mommy Track”

Rona October 18th, 2007 at 4:43 pm
I’m not surprised. I’m seeing more and more moms making things work their way. Often they have to give up their original careers but they find something that’s at least partly as fulfulling, and lucrative, in exchange for flexibility and shorter hours. I’ve seen moms become real estate agents, candle party sellers, teachers, office assistants, hotel clerks, part-time library assistants and many other things. It’s fabulous that they can let go of one of identity and happily try another so they can be around for their kids.
Amanda November 5th, 2007 at 9:21 pm
Hey, you don’t have to peddle candles to find a mommy-job these days. I’m a corporate attorney who has just returned to work after a seven-month maternity leave, and I work three days a week. With a hot job market and communications technology that makes us almost instantly accessible to each other, employers have had to make a lot of concessions to allow a flexible work schedule. I have to field emails and calls on my “days off” but mostly I spend time with my son and it’s wonderful. Sometimes, all it takes is asking your current employer for a part-time gig.

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