Do any of you remember the controversial article written last summer, Why Women Still Can’t Have it All, by Ann-Marie Slaughter. Just recently I stumbled upon it again – and thought – I’ll just give this another read. And, honestly my reaction was the same as the first time I read it. Why tell anyone they can’t have it all? Who says my “all” is the same as your “all,” anyway?
Slaughter’s article was written after she had spent two years working in US government (on a break from her regular job as a college professor), which meant she traveled each week from her home in NJ to Washington, DC. During that time her husband did the weekday parenting while she had lots of late working nights. By the end of it all she felt like it didn’t work – too much time away from her kids and finding a balance was not possible.
Do You Have it All? by Loren Ridinger
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The thing is, by claiming that women still can’t have it all, she forgets about the millions of successful working moms out there who do feel like they have it all. What about the moms who live for both the hugs and kisses from their kidsand figuring out a way to make the late nights at the office work? She forgets about the moms who work as a mom – and feel totally content – like they “have it all.” What about the moms who work from home or the moms who travel – but still already feel like they have it all?
I work, a lot, and I am also a mom. I love spending time with my daughter and I love my work. And, I definitely feel like I have it all. The bottom line is this: if you feel like you have it all, then you do. And don’t ever let anyone tell you different.
How about you – do you feel like you have it all?
