So I’ve been interviewing quite a few top level women executives this past week, and I heard a disturbing theme. Many of them thought the fact that they did not have kids or a husband worked to their advantage. They had no one to answer to and could travel endlessly if need be for work, or work long hours. A family, they said, would have kept them down. They were perplexed how women with children were able to make it up the Corporate ladder.
Men, on the other hand, didn’t have to worry about such things because it would be their wives who would pick up the load at home.
I don’t think we expect enough from men sometimes.
If it were truly seen as a partnership a person’s ambitions would be endless, no matter what they pursued.
What’s your take?
February 18th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
you are right, we do not expect enough from our men. women typically have to choose, kids or career, men on the other hand don’t even have to consider it.
i could go on for days on this topic.
February 19th, 2007 at 9:37 am
i could also go on for days.
here’s a slightly different take on the situation by Matthew Moran, author of “Information Technology Career Builder’s Toolkit: A Complete Guide to Building Your Information Technology Career in Any Economy”, who I’ve interviewed in the past. interesting take..check it out:
http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/pm/career/archives/trading-away-a-spouse-for-success-14580
Some more info on Matt:
He is also the author of “If Mom Were President” (http://www.IfMomWerePresident.com) and with his wife, Laura, runs the website, LaughterandTears.com (http://www.laughterandtears.com) promoting healthy parental perspectives on ADHD.
February 20th, 2007 at 12:56 am
the world needs more men like Matt……
i am sure that there are some people that choose a career over family. i wonder though, what happens when those people turn mid 50’s 60’s and realize that thier careers dont provide the comfort and companionship that family does when you are sitting on the deck in the evening drinking tea watching the sun set…….
February 20th, 2007 at 6:49 pm
It certainly sounds like something that should be addressed before a relationship becomes a marriage: Both parties need to be upfront about what their expectations are regarding raising children. If either spouse can’t commit to truly assisting with child care (or if he/she enters the relationship thinking it will be the other person’s primary responsibility), then they need to rethink — fast!
February 20th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
No, I disagree with the original comment. I am a single mother working long hours sometimes with my daughter in my office. I have her grandmother (ex-mother-in-law), aunts, and uncles to thank for all of their support. I have to say I have a beautiful daughter. I’ve been waiting for the day she “acts out”, but she is sixteen and still very grounded. Also, I have received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and am currently working as a Director of Nursing which is currently a 24 hours, 7 days a week job. Nothing can stop a determined, goal oriented woman.
February 26th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
I’m single; no husband, no kids, but my reason isn’t because I’m consumed with work. It’s just what works best in my life right now. I do look at mothers who have high-profile careers AND KIDS and wonder how they do it.
I found your website via your link on BlogHer. Welcome!
Zandria - Keep Up With Me
BlogHer blog
February 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
hello zandria,
welcome to my blog. and i’m excited about finding blogher. (feel sort of out of the loop that i didn’t know about it earlier.)
anyway, it is amazing how high profile women juggle work and kids. i think it can be done but the key is a major support system.