Going to work with mom or dad used to be a big deal, but today lots of parents have flex hours, on-site childcare or the ability to work from home. A parent "heading off to work" has new meaning. Still there are curious kids that like to head downtown, meet mommy's co-workers or see where she spends a portion of her time. Do you take your tyke to the office on occasion?
Who doesn't love Chris O'Donnell? The happily married actor and down-to-earth father of five talked about his work and family in the June issue of Redbook, which hits stands on May 25. At the height of his career, Chris turned down the lead role in Men in Black to focus on family. He said:
I knew when I got into this business I couldn't have it both ways: I could live the playboy lifestyle, which is not a bad thing to do, or have a traditional family life, which is how I grew up. And that was more important to me.
Do you find men who make career concessions to benefit their families more attractive?
Source: Matt Jones
The tug of war between family and work can be challenging. Some women are anxious to get pregnant as soon as they find a partner to procreate with, while others enjoy couples life and pursue career goals before settling down to a life of three or more. Such is the case with Tiffani Thiessen and her hubby of four years. On the subject of babies, the 35-year-old White Collar actress recently said:
We’ve talked about it, but the show started, so we’re going to wait and try to figure out when the best time is. . . . I don’t want to spring a pregnancy on a brand new show that I just got on.
Did you put your family planning on hold for your career or vice versa?
"There is never a good time to leave, but there is a right time. It is the right time."
— Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, who made the surprising announcement yesterday that he is resigning. I find this quote very poignant. You could apply it to most any job, relationship, or other major life change. It's never easy, but sometimes, you gotta move on.
Working parents know that there are choices and sacrifices that must be made when juggling their home and office commitments. Our own Commander-in-Chief recently lamented the events and milestones he missed while on the campaign trail or attending meetings, but whether or not those choices define success in the business world is still up for debate.
As the number of dual-income families continues to rise, many employers are trying to help mom and dad maintain some sort of work-life balance with programs and tools designed to reduce their levels of stress. The White House has given aides with tots priority in receiving laptops and has offered for aides' children to use the newly installed swing set and swimming pool in hopes that parents will see their offspring more. Many private companies offer flex hours to allow parents to work from home or finish up work once the kids have been tucked into bed. What benefits would be most helpful to you as a working parent?
Voices of authority can often validate one's beliefs or make them feel empty. Jack Welch, a successful businessman and former CEO of GE, told a crowd of human resource specialists:
There's no such thing as work-life balance... There are work-life choices, and you make them, and they have consequences... We’d love to have more women moving up faster... But they’ve got to make the tough choices and know the consequences of each one.
Stay-at-home moms may find comfort in these words while a working mommy questions her nine-to-five routine. Working mother Alexandra Lebenthal, Chief Executive Officer of Lebenthal & Company LLC, took the time to respond to Mr. Welch's claims. To see what she had to say, read more
Layoffs are a result of the current economy. After receiving pink slips, many moms and dads are spending more time at home than usual. For some parents, the down time is an opportunity to reconnect with their kids, for others it is sheer stress. Has your family been affected by the economy?
Nobody forgot blond bombshell Gwyneth Paltrow, but when the Oscar winner swapped Hollywood for motherhood — she didn't look back. According to People, the starlet said:
"I really did not know if there would be a place for me," said Paltrow. "Jodie Foster was right, especially if you are a woman and especially if you are not 25. Hollywood is pretty cutthroat, and everybody has a short memory. There is always someone who is younger or hotter or prettier."
And, Tinseltown isn't the only place with a short memory. Most working moms deal with this issue. While they aren't competing with Scarlett Johansson, they are up against coworkers who stay at the office late, arrive early and don't have dependents. Running off to your daughter's recital, son's soccer game or getting caught in carpool doesn't exactly garner boardroom kudos in business environments. Even going on maternity leave can take its toll on a career. To read what happened to one woman, read more
