The Female Lead’s Post

They expect men to do same. The difference is men are not expected to father like they don’t work. Unless it’s the same treatment at work, women will continue to have lower salaries than men. So it’s not necessarily women who should work less, it’s more men who should have equal involvement at work, home and with the kids.

I am almost sure this applies to parents in general. Unfortunantely it's socially more acceptable for men to work like they don't have children and do less parenting. If we change those expectations for parents in general we can give men equal opportunities to be more involved with their children as well. Parenting is a 50/50 thing, just as working/building a career in my opinion.

Just treat everyone like they have a personal life and responsibilities at home no matter if it's children, parents, a demanding Hobby or a dog. It's about your contribution, results and level of impact you have at work, not the amount of hours you spend in the office. Never had any issues, when coming back after my babies because of great employers that understood the difference!

Sorry. Just do it. We just saw the documentary #SheRisesUp and maybe we can learn from women who are all in! Women return to work for 2 reasons: they love their job or career; they must provide and get paid. Simple. The USA tragedy is lack of affordable child care. It was in 1980 and still in 2024. Women can fix that but don’t. Why women vote against supporting other women is beyond me. But watch that movie. You will see 3 women who defy stupid laws and regulations to succeed! The lesson you will learn? Support yourself. Have a job or business and do not rely on a partner for you livlihood.

…and act like a lady, think like a man, and work like a dog.

Without adequate support from a partner (most likely a man) and from senior management (currently, most likely men) its impossible to thrive undertaking challenging roles outside the home and be there when it matters for your babies. Key is surrounding yourself with people (most likely men) who understand and are fair, thats the challenge we face. Doing the things that matter most, at the time they matter most is how I manage it. Sometimes I will be watching sports day or a school play at 9am, sometimes I'll be working away on a project until 1am because my brain is popping off and I just cant put it down. Our time is precious 🔎 . Will fill in the research, cant wait to see the results.

And childfree women are expected to work like they don't have a family at all.

This quote captures a profound and often overlooked reality faced by many working mothers. The expectation to perform at their best in their professional roles as if they have no family responsibilities, while simultaneously being expected to fulfill their duties as mothers as if they do not work, creates immense pressure. This dual expectation can lead to stress, burnout, and a feeling of being perpetually overwhelmed. It underscores the need for more supportive workplace policies, greater societal understanding, and a shift towards valuing the full spectrum of contributions made by women in both their professional and personal lives. Recognizing and addressing this issue is crucial for fostering a more equitable and sustainable work environment for everyone.

Could not be truer! If you want to progress your career whilst also being a great parent, there isn't a lot of room to breathe. Great employers understand this and are able to provide true flexibility (whether for parents or whatever else may be going on in people's lives) - I believe this pays back tenfold in hard work and loyalty!