Changing our perception about working mothers

The Washington Post recently ran an article listing the Five myths about working mothers.  I was a little surprised to see how some these negative perceptions about working mothers persist, considering that nearly two-thirds of mothers now work outside the home. 

It makes me wonder if even many of us working mothers continue to buy into these myths too.  Clearly, there's still some resentment about mothers who work outside the home, despite how commonplace - and  necessary - our contribution is to the workforce and our family's financial stability.  Maybe some of us resent feeling like we have to make that choice.

Here are the five myths the article identified:

• Mothers today spend much less time caring for children than did their parents and grandparents
• Women's jobs interfere with family life more than men's
• Mothers with college degrees are more likely than other women to opt out of the workforce
• Women who work are less likely to have successful marriages
• Parents don't experience discrimination in the workplace

The first three myths had statistics that proved otherwise, demonstrating that that these are culturally-shared perceptions that have little basis in fact.  The fourth myth about marital well-being was more circumstantial, based on "egalitarian attitudes (seen in shared decision-making, chores and child care.)"  And the fifth was only partly true.  I personally found it laughable. Even when a company has a policy regarding work-life balance and equality for parents, how they are treated individually by supervisors may vary.  I knew a senior-level executive who waited until she after she had gotten a much-coveted (and deserved) promotion before starting a family, because otherwise she would have been passed over.

If I were to compare my work experiences, I would say most of the myths do not ring true.  The only exception is the second one about women's jobs interfering with family life.  When I did travel for work - generally two or three times per month - it definitely had an impact, particularly after my daughter was born.  My work schedule dictated how long I was able to breastfeed.  My husband had to care for an infant and an older child on his own after working all day.  My own responsibilities at home piled up, awaiting my return.  It wasn't always the best situation, but it wasn't the worst either.  

I think too that the "always on" nature of many jobs has made it more difficult for women - and men - to shut off and be fully present when they're at home.  PDAs and email are competing for our attention and jobs are never left at work; they travel home and on vacation with us too. 

What has been your experience?  Do you feel that any of these myths ring true for you?  What have you or your family done to allow you to be successful in your career with minimal fallout?

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