It’s the question most every working mother inevitably asks herself: Can I have it all?

Princeton University professor and former State Department policy director Anne-Marie Slaughter turns the question on its ear in a new article just out in the Atlantic magazine: “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.” A high-powered working mom who left a big job so she could be more present for her two teenage sons, Slaughter says that that while she believes having it all is ultimately possible, it’s not possible in today’s economy and society—at least until big policy changes are made in how companies shape employees’ schedules. “Being able to work from home—in the evening after children are put to bed, or during their sick days or snow days, and at least some of the time on weekends—can be the key, for mothers, to carrying your full load versus letting a team down at crucial moments,” she asserts in the article.

While working in the Obama administration and away from her family except on weekends, Slaughter found that her home life, particularly her relationship with her eldest son, was suffering. With a husband who was pulling “the lion’s share” of household duties, she still struggled to find her balance and happiness. Having it all, she concludes, hinges on what type of profession you’re in, which explains why high-power moms are leaving highly demanding jobs. She also says that the “having it all” mantra is rife with pressure: “Working moms need to stop blaming themselves for feeling that they fall short when the bar may be set too high."

The article comes fresh off the heels of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s comments of a higher-harder-faster model of female achievement in the workplace, which were widely construed as criticism of working mothers rather than inspiration for them.

Working Mother has long been an advocate for flexibility in the workplace as well as paid parental leave. For more than three decades we’ve fought to help working moms and their families find their path towards a fulfilling career and an equally satisfying family life. The Working Mother 100 Best Companies and our other initiatives show that workplaces today are offering family friendly benefits like paid parental leave and flex schedules that indeed make it possible for working moms to have it all—according to what that means to them.

In response to the idea that working moms are melting down, Working Mother Media President Carol Evans says, “Many working mothers are successfully balancing career and family every day. Anne-Marie Slaughter’s piece makes important points but doesn’t acknowledge the millions of women who are doing it all today and making it work.” Many work for companies that are supportive of working parents and offers strategies like fully utilizing flex and offering ways to talk about workplace pressures.

The definition of the word “success” needs to be redefined, adds Working Mother Editorial Director Jennifer Owens. “The vast majority of households with children under 18 have all parents working, whether single or dual parent. We as a country—as employers, managers and co-workers—need to support this stressful reality.”

What do you think of Slaughter’s and Sandberg’s stances? Let us know in the comment section, below.