The Past, Present and Future of Work Life Balance for Working Moms
Today is National Working Moms Day, and I couldn't think of a better time to look back on the strides made by working mothers in the professional realm and contemplate the future possibilities that lie ahead.
From the early 20th century to the present day, the journey of working mothers has been marked by challenges, resilience, and significant advancements, underscoring the importance of acknowledging their contributions and advocating for continued progress. Review any decade of time, though, and you'll see the continuous effort to juggle career aspirations with familial responsibilities.
The emergence of working mothers in the early 20th century, often in physically demanding roles, signaled a shift towards independence and financial stability for many women. Despite facing obstacles such as long hours and poor working conditions, these pioneering women laid the foundation for future generations of working mothers.
Fast forward to the Women's Liberation Movement of the 1970s, which brought a new era of advocacy and empowerment for women. This movement led to increased recognition of the valuable contributions of working mothers in the workforce.
The enactment of the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993 represented a significant milestone, providing job-protected leave for new parents and acknowledging the importance of supporting working families. Keep in mind, though, this was only thirty years ago!
In recent years, we've witnessed a growing emphasis on policies and initiatives aimed at supporting working mothers. The rise of paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements has provided working mothers with greater flexibility and support in managing their professional and personal lives.
Additionally, the emergence of the "mompreneur" exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of working mothers, as they forge their own paths and create businesses that offer both flexibility and fulfillment.
As we look ahead, I fully believe that the future holds promise for working mothers, but there's still work to be done. As working moms, we are paving the way for ourselves and future generations of working mothers. What we do today to advocate for our needs directly impacts young women in the workforce who will one day become working moms (even if it's not currently on their radar!).
We have such a unique opportunity to advocate for ourselves and shape the future of work. By sharing our experiences, supporting one another, and advocating for policies that prioritize our well-being, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all working mothers.
I invite you to dive deeper into this topic with me and listen to my most recent podcast around the past, present and future of work life balance. Click the button below to listen!
Happy National Working Moms Day!
