Search Results: choosing between two women

I've been babysitting for a few years now, so I've had plenty of time to observe how difficult it can be for people to juggle them.

I come from a pretty traditional family, so I've been sort of "taught" to want a family, a house, and all that "American Dream" stuff. But I was also raised to work hard, I often find myself more able to work harder and endure more hours than most people my age. I was also raised to do well in school. education is will always be my number one priority until I get my degree(s).

As a woman who does want kids but also wants a strong career, I find myself having to almost choose between the two. Sure, I could do both but I've seen people attempt to juggle both and its pretty clear that you career will not be as successful as it once was.

Having a family does slow down your ability to get promotions because of all the time you need to invest in caring for your kids (this is factor is more geared towards women, since men don't typically take as much time off for their kids). It also puts you at risk for divorce and all that nice stuff :P

I'm on the fence of three options, I don't see me choosing either route any time soon. I've got a couple of years before I need to make a decision.

Where do you stand? Career? Family? Attempting both?

I've always had trouble choosing my career. I have options, but nothing jumps out at me as being the thing I want to do. Except being a housewife and stay-at-home mum.

My parents did this and it didn't work out for them. My father was controlling and a bit of a womanizer really - he expected her to work at home through the day and then in the evening too while he relaxed in front of the TV. I wouldn't want that. I'd want to work around the house while he's at work, then when we're both at home we could split the tasks. That seems pretty equal to me. I don't think it's fair for one person to be working ALL day ALL week and the other one to only be working 9-5 most of the week.

I'm a nurturer at heart, I always have been. I want to nurture the home, nurture my husband and nurture my kids. But, it's 2011. Practically speaking, I guess you could go into the issues about what happens if we get divorced or he dies, and then I'm out of an income. But even apart from that... I'm curious to know what most people think of that these days. Are the only guys willing to go into that sort of thing old-fashioned chauvinists who want to have the final say in everything and just have a maid they can sleep with? Or do some see it as just another way that any given couple might divide their duties as housemates/parents?

I've had the argument that women fought for the right to choose to work etc etc... well yes, they did. They fought for the right to CHOOSE to work. It used to be that they weren't allowed to. Of course, many loved being housewives, but it wasn't fair on the ones who wanted to go to work. So they fought. Only now it sort of seems to be the other way around, where women who want to be housewives are seen as lazy golddiggers. Surely we should be able to choose between the two to suit us?