The Struggles of Women Having It All and Work-Life Balance

After years of being the norm, stereotypical views of the traditional roles of men and women are drastically changing. Women have come a long way, and they are currently playing an active role in all types of careers. But what kind of work-life balance do women have? What exactly does this mean for the private sphere? And where do men fit in all of this?

As women are increasingly achieving successful careers, and more than ever, are finding themselves in higher positions, finding a work-life balance is becoming an even bigger struggle. Some claim that women can't have it all, but society should ask itself why is it that women have to be the ones to mediate this balance?

It all comes down to the stereotypical roles of women and men in society. If both a husband and a wife work full-time, the woman is still the one generally held responsible for child care and housework. It is difficult to achieve this work-life balance because one or the other typically has to suffer. While men might be able to put in longer hours, go away on a greater number of work trips and be able to focus more on their careers, a number of women, after working long hours, have to put on their mommy hat when they get home and take care of the household.

With current shifts in the economy and numerous industries predominantly associated with males now suffering, women are becoming more and more responsible for taking over the breadwinner role. There is an increasing number of Mr. Moms who take care of the household and children while their wives are working. However, this is happening not because society's views about traditional roles are changing, but out of necessity. This doesn't mean that men aren't good in the traditional roles of women. Studies show that they are just as good. However, in marriages where both parents are working, women are getting the short end of the stick because they have to assume most of the responsibility of the private sphere. Therefore, a work-life balance seems like an unachievable task.

In order to achieve work-life balance, men would have to take on more responsibility in the private sphere. This would result in women having more lenient expectations to fulfill. On the other hand, men also have to deal with work-life balance, but if they are not able to do so, it isn't seen in as negative of a light as with women.

Even though society's view of women in the workplace has changed significantly, women are still suffering with finding work-life balance. Women who are able to achieve high levels of success in their career are still seen as the main keeper of the household. This prevents women from fully dedicating themselves to work, and they are also not able to be present as fully in the lives of their children.

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net