It can be hard to maintain a positive frame of mind when it seems that you aren’t doing enough to please your employer, not spending enough time with your children and perhaps it would be easier to ease off and do something more traditional. But, as mothers, aunties and sisters, we serve as role-models to the next generation.
“I want my children to see that they can be smart, they can be ambitious, they can be soft, they can be loving, all in the same person – there are no restrictions. If Mummy can do it, so can they.”
In Australia we have opportunities that aren’t yet available in some parts of the world, but the value of education for women is on the world agenda:
“…the woman is the center of the family, and if the girl is educated, the whole family is transformed.” (Cooper, 2006)
There are many options for maintaining your career and raising
a family. Many women find it difficult to be with children full-time when they
are used to technical or professional jobs. You may find that a balance of
career and kids will help you retain your sanity!
|
Option |
Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Switch to part-time or shift work | • Retain position in company • More time with family |
• May have to shift to lower level position |
| Extended maternity leave | • May be able to double maternity leave entitlements if on half pay | • Can you survive on half pay? |
| Family and friends to care for children | • You know the people that will be caring for your children | • Need to be careful not to overload or take advantage of the carers |
| Day care centres | • Children get to socialise and will be involved in educational programmes | • Expense – be careful that you don’t spend all your pay on childcare |
| Study | • Take the career break as an opportunity to add to your qualifications | • Babies know when you need to study – you may need extra help around assignments and exams |
Cooper, Helene (2006) “Starting Up the Ladder, From Below the
Bottom Rung”, New York Times, March 2, 2006
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