by Marie N. Riddle

Created on: January 07, 2009   Last Updated: July 04, 2009

First and foremost, many women do not even have a choice in this matter. There are numerous households in which a single income is simply not enough to pay for everything. The idea that women who must work to feed their families are less capable mothers is laughable; part of being a good mother is doing what must be done for your children, is it not? There is little doubt that women are just as capable of balancing family and careers as men.

This would not be in question at all, except that women are perhaps held more responsible for childrearing and home management than men, including to themselves. With gender equality proven on so many levels this viewpoint is not realistic. Men can make as nurturing and detail-oriented parents as women and women can be just as productive in the workplace as men.

If the same method of raising a family worked for everyone there would be no need for so many career choices, we would all simply do the same thing. The trick is to find what is best for your own family and make it happen. The only way to discover this for certain is trial and error. Every parent and every employee will make mistakes, whether they are playing both roles or only one. This doesn't mean it can't be done or that it shouldn't be done.

There is no doubt that trying to balance work and a family is more stressful than merely picking one, but it can be very rewarding too. Most of us derive great satisfaction from completing an important work project well. And to most parents there is nothing to equal a handmade valentine from their first grader. Why should someone have to choose between those feelings merely because they are female?

Balance is the key. If you find yourself missing all the important events in your child's life because you are working or if you aren't completing assignments because you are at calling out sick once a week for home situations, then you aren't balancing. Evolve your strategy before it turns into a serious problem.

A working mother's best friend is flex time. Make sure when you choose a career you choose one that molds around your family, because trying to do the opposite is not usually possible, and certainly not healthy. Alot of us feel like we are stuck in our current job because it is all we know, but you might be suprised what you are capable of when it comes to your families well-being. You can sacrifice a little of your time now and train for something fits you and your family. You will also need to be very paticular about your childcare. There is nothing more important than your childrens saftey. You will not be able to remain productive at work if you are worried about what the babysitter is up to.

It is your life, and as long as you are not traumatizing your children you should be able to get what you want out of it. You may not even want to work, or you might not want a family, but ultimately this is your own decision and no one else can decide for you. It will take careful planning, but if it is what you want it will be worth it.

Learn more about this author, Marie N. Riddle.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.