Summertime Confession - There are those very rare and glorious summer days, when things are falling perfectly into place. I’ve completed all my projects. Deadlines are met. All FedEx packages have been dropped off.  It’s Friday morning, the weather is perfect and I’ve had a conversation with my employer regarding the status of my projects.

Women’s roles have evolved considerably over the last half a century, not only in society, but in the working and domestic realms as well. We are no longer expected to remain exclusively at home; yet many of us with families and careers are viewed - by ourselves and others - according to how well we balance the two, and excel in both areas. In the following guest post, Mom Corps CEO Allison O’Kelly shares why “having it all” has many definitions, and provides a framework for creating work situations that align with our lives.

When your alarm went off this morning and you got your kids ready for school/daycare and yourself ready for work, did you feel like it was another manic Monday?  Even pre-kids (yes, there was such an era in our lives) Mondays were manic.  Without fail, there would be dozens of emails and voicemails to address and return before that first cup of coffee went cold.

The Bangles coined it best...

While the rest of us have been trying to "have it all" and "balance" our lives the most famous designer on earth is quietly releasing her fall collection. 

When I returned to work after having baby number one, I was both pleasantly surprised and shockingly disappointed. 

Remember the late 80's/early 90's sitcom featuring teenage braniacs?  The comedy showcased the ups and downs of being a gifted high school student.  Yet even these gifted students had issues: love, social ineptness and getting caught in various schemes.

When returning to work post-baby, the last thing moms feel like is "head of the class".  In fact, many working moms perceive themselves to be better suited for the slow class, back row or requiring extra tutoring.

 

I love back-to-school season. Always have. And as my boys prepare to start "big boy" school, I am abuzz with excitement for the great memories and new adventures that await.

 

Does this conversation seem familiar to you?

 He Says:  She's always nagging me to do something! I work 40+ hours during the week. When I get home from a long day at work all I want to do is relax! All I get are complaints from her! It's "Why do you sit in front of that T.V. all the time?" Oh yes,we can't for get the "You love that television more than me!" I especially hate that on weekends when there's a ball game on! That's when she wants to go out and do stuff together. I ask her repeatedly to cut me some slack,but all I get is more drama! What's a guy to do?

The entry of women, and mothers in particular, into the workforce is not a new concept. For decades now, mothers have ventured out of the home and taken on the dual roles of parent and income earner for their families. Yet despite this change, many workplaces have yet to follow suit, and still lack a system or structure that facilitates work/life alignment. In the following guest post, Allison O’Kelly examines the history of women in the workforce, and recommends a plan of action for those looking to shift the workplace demographic – and achieve a work/life scenario that works for them.

Women and guilt go hand in hand.  It's like chocolate.  We just can't live without it.  The longer women are away from the workforce, the more guilt that builds. 

And this guilt is REALLY unhealthy.  Very fattening.  Bad for our hearts.  Bad for our minds.  Bad for our souls. 

In order to return to the workforce successfully, we need to lose the guilt - one pound at a time.