Hellobee Boards

I agree with @mrs. wagon: that the employer/boss dynamic is what really sets the tone for your work-life balance. I work 8-5, but there are periods where I have to come in late, leave early, or adjust my schedule due to DHs travel. My boss doesn't bat an eyelash because I'm available when needed and my work gets done. I tend to feel guilty if I need to call in, and the response I get is always the same, "Family comes first. Period."

As far as ideal careers for working moms, I would say a full-time college professor. They are required to be on-campus for 15-20 hours a week, and the rest of their work can be done from home.

I'm taking up to a year off, but I'm in special education. I get all school holidays and vacations, and because of the nature of my work, (I have service hours, rather than have my own classroom), I'm out of there when school is dismissed. Of course, I occasionally have meetings or paperwork after hours, but for the most part, it's a pretty cushy schedule.

@shinymama: I totally agree with this. I think in any industry, the right management plays a huge role in work/life balance. My company is huge, and while I love my job... I have co-workers in other departments who hate their jobs because their managers are awful. Micromanagers are the worst.

@Mrs. High Heels: She may not be entirely biased. I read that from income reports that PA's make more which doesn't make sense to me because nurses have so much more experience starting out than PA's do. It's as big as a 15-20k difference. I am curious why there are discrepancies when essentially they do the same work.

I'm a nurse and I think it's a great career for a mom. It pays well and It's very flexible from a scheduling standpoint (I work two 12-hour shifts a week) and can pretty much pick which days. It's a little tough in that once I am assigned a shift I really have to be there (I work in critical care) whether there's a blizzard or M is sick or what. I have to really rely on DH and our babysitter.

One hard part is knowing that I will be away from my family for lots of holidays (it's my turn to work Christmas this year), but I think in the long run it's worth it.

I've thought a lot about this issue since we started trying.

I'm considering becoming a University lecturer because I think it would be an ideal job for a working mum. You kind of work for yourself, but also have the support of a traditional workplace, with sick leave etc. You usually have a lot of flexibility with your hours and you always have school holidays off. Except for when you are actually giving a lecture, and your set "office hours" (which is usually a couple of hours per week on set days/times where you have to be in your office and maker yourself available to students), you can work from home.

The other aspect of the job is of course researching and publishing, but again that is done on your own time.

Basically, it's all of the benefits of being a teacher, with none of the pitfalls and much better salary.

I like the idea of not having to be at work M-F all day. I like the idea of being able to drop my kids off at school and pick them up after school and spend the holidays with them, but also have a profession.

Anyway, that's my goal.