Balancing Act

Working moms continue to have a tough time trying to juggle work and family. According to ClubMom's® 2 nd Annual Voice of Mom Poll, sixty-six percent of these moms find this balancing act to be difficult. The poll also reveals that working moms feel guiltier about missed time with family than missed time away from work. Only nine percent complain of missed job opportunities or promotions because of obligations at home and only six percent are jealous of the careers of their childless friends. Of all moms, working and stay-at-home, only eight percent would work full time if money were no object. Working moms think they are doing a better job as an employee than as a mom. Sixty percent give themselves and “A” on their job as an employee and only forty-five percent say their job as a mom deserves an “A.” Despite the difficulties they face, most working moms feel their kids aren't paying the price. Fifty-seven percent of working moms say that children of working moms do just as well as children of stay-at-home moms.

WonderGroup's Perspective
Working moms have a tough gig. It's natural for them to feel stressed out and have a sense of guilt. It's nice to see that they are placing greater importance on family time than their jobs. Finding more family time will always be a priority for working moms, and no matter how much more time they do find, it will never be enough. The prevalence of flex time, telecommuting and on-site daycares will continue to grow as employers seek to keep talented working moms in the workforce. There is also a definite opportunity for success for companies that can offer products and services that simplify the duties of working moms and give them more time to spend with their families.