Consultant
Q&A
Question:
I am a 28-year-old professional, wife
and mother of a two-year-old boy. I recently entered the
workforce after finishing my master's degree in
Union/Management Relations. I am in human resources in
the public sector now, with a very flexible work
schedule. However, my career goals include leaving the
public sector and finding a higher paying, more
responsible private sector position.
Now I am taking steps toward that goal by taking on
freelance work-including consulting and training. I am
struggling with that decision, because I know it will
mean less time with my family and longer, less flexible
working hours. In addition to my career, I have recently
started an investment club and book club for women in my
area, and I volunteer for several other organizations.
Additionally I still have my home responsibilities:
caring for my son, cleaning, cooking, laundry, paying
bills, etc. I know most working women share this story,
but I feel an overwhelming drive to keep moving up, yet I
don't want to take time away from my family
responsibilities.
What advice or help can you offer regarding
striking a balance between my home life and work life?
And how do I balance my ambition and drive to succeed
without neglecting my most important priority-my
family?
Sarah Haucke
Management Trainer
Hamilton County Department of Human Services
Cincinnati, Ohio
H. James
Harrington Responds
Joan Goldsmith
Responds
August 2000 NFC
Homepage
Issue Highlight -
Homeward Bound
