Dear Rising Leader,
“It takes a village.” If you’re a working parent this is a phrase you probably say often because the juggle is real. Recent research shows:
- About half of both men and women say being a working parent takes away from their ability to be a good parent. But it’s working mothers who are more likely than employed fathers (39%) to say that being a working parent makes it more difficult for them to get ahead in their career.
- It gets more complicated for working mothers: those who work part-time (57%) are more likely to say that being a working parent makes it more difficult for them to climb the ladder at their job than for those who work full time (47%). Then again, it cuts both ways: the full-time mothers are significantly more likely (57%) to say that being a working parent makes it more difficult for them to be a good parent (44% for part-time working moms.)
- Either way you slice it, you lose out on one end or the other.
That’s why the upcoming S.H.E. Summit conference will be dedicating a track to equip working parents with stories, mentorship and tools on how they can not only advocate for themselves but also fuel what I call the flexibility movement, which promotes flexibility, caregiving, returnship and a healthy balance for working parents and caregivers.
Whether you’re a new, seasoned or struggling working parent, here’s what we hear often and will provide empowerment for at S.H.E. Summit.
- How do I ask for flexibility…getting 1-2 work-from-home days would be game-changing?
- I struggle giving both my work and my kids the best of me and we all lose out…I need to hear from mentors and role models on how they did it.
- I finally have the job, the recognition I’ve worked so hard for…but I am exhausted and overwhelmed with all there is to manage.
- Should I pivot? Start my own business or freelance? If I leave my job will I ever get back in?
Let’s rise together,
Claudia
