What’s in YOUR workday?

I’m reading a massive article from the Atlantic about maternity leave for women.

Here’s a quote:
the focus on maternity leave gives the impression that if only America had a reasonable policy, women would be able to participate fully and equally in the workforce, they’d climb the ranks of management, and there would be more female senators. Our interviews revealed that while working parents would welcome improved paid parental leave, it’s only the tip of a very large iceberg: The real challenge is everything that comes after those hazy newborn days.

Um. Yeah. I get a little frustrated hearing people rhapsodize about the European countries that allow massive maternity leave, even REQUIRE it!

Thanks, but I want to work. I want to have a team of people help me and my family. I want to use my brain and my people skills.

It makes me happy.

I am wondering if I need to bring the pregnant professional past just the moment of pregnancy. That LOOOONNNGGGG moment of pregnancy, which pales in comparison to the Long LIFE of parenthood.

Couldn’t it be different? Couldn’t the efforts of the knowledge workers (this in the information age, after all) that are what most workers do, couldn’t that be changed to make more sense? It would be great if families were really regarded as equally important to the workplace.

Workers are hard to find and hard to keep. There are a gazillion studies about worker retention.

But respecting and helping balance our life is lagging.

There has to be a better way. I believe that women deserve a chance. Why do we have to so easily sacrifice ourselves because of parenting?

It doesn’t have to be that way.