Fast Company, “How the Astronomical Cost of Child Care is Forcing More Women to Quit their Jobs”
Child care now costs more than college tuition. For many parents, the gender wage gap means women are more likely to leave their jobs.
“Miller reports, “We currently pay $23,000 per year in child care, which is 10% of our salary.” When the second child is born, she says the cost will jump to $46,000 per year (or 20% of their two-income household’s earnings). This will exceed that 10% affordability guideline issued by the HHS.
Although costs vary according to where you live (a household with one 4-year-old in rural South Carolina pays $344 a month, but it jumps to $1,472 a month in Washington, D.C.), Miller’s not alone. She’s a member of the working parents platform It’s Working Project by Forty Weeks where other mothers and fathers have reported spending a similar amount and more on their child care.”
Fast Company, “What Marissa Mayer’s Maternity Leave Decision Means for Working Parents at Yahoo”
Despite Generous Paid Leave Policies, Examples Set By The CEOs Of Facebook And Yahoo May Have A Bigger Impact On How Much Employees Use.
“Mayer’s own post-pregnancy choices made it clear that it was perfectly reasonable to expect a new mother to return to a highly demanding role before her stitches even heal.”
Forbes, “When Parenthood Means Becoming Your Own Boss”
Rather than get “mommy tracked” into a dead-end or slow-growth job, some women are now deciding instead that they’d prefer to create their own career path in motherhood. They’re saying goodbye to big, corporate jobs and instead striking out on their own as entrepreneurs, consultants, or freelancers.
“There is something about this generation of parents that says, ‘If this does not work for me, I’m not going to be penalized,’” Julia Beck says. “When you are penalized, you are a victim, but when you pivot, you are picking up your things and going elsewhere. You’re evaluating your real-time needs and the demands of your current situation.”
Fortune Magazine, “Inside the Secret Society of Executive Moms”
A look at the surprising, off-the-radar ways working moms help each other balance families and high-powered careers.
“Moms who feel unsupported often end up quitting. Not only is replacing these executives costly, but when you “factor in her role as a leader, a mentor and a part of a thriving ecosystem” the departures hurt company morale and cohesion, says Beck.”
The Washington Post, “Netflix and parental leave: Today a PR move. Hopefully tomorrow, the norm?”
Is there a chipping away at the lack of paid-leave policies that don’t exist in this country? Piece by piece, perhaps, companies are finding ways to make work work for parents. And, more clearly, they’re learning that it’s getting them some good attention.
“A hugely profitable corporation paying to ship milk from a handful (at most) of women who are pumping and traveling? Not a big hit on the earnings reports. And yet, how much is the company getting from not only offering to do this, but also letting the world know?”
Huffington Post, “Another Way Companies Make it Harder for New Mothers”
There are things women can do to make sure they get the support they need, should they choose to breastfeed after returning to work.
“Even though she put together a schedule for pumping on her breaks, Lauren had no place to go. She shared an office — and it didn’t lock. She considered quitting nursing altogether, but then decided to talk to her school’s vice principal, who found her space in an electrical closet.”