Constructing Family-Friendly Careers: Mothers' Experiences

✍ Scribed by Aaron P. Jackson; Janet S. Scharman

• Book ID: 102287437
• Publisher: American Counseling Association
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 174 KB
• Volume: 80
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1556-6678
• DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2002.tb00181.x

✦ Synopsis

This study explored the experience of 26 married mothers who had developed family‐friendly careers. Family‐friendly careers were defined as careers that required less than 30 hours per week and were structured to allow the participants to spend “significant” amounts of time with their families. Guided interviews were used to obtain in‐depth descriptions of the participants' experiences. The interviews were transcribed and interpreted using a synthesis of qualitative methods. The themes extracted were partner/family decision making, creative pioneering, work satisfaction, pleasant stress, ambiguous preparation, peaceful trade‐offs, surprise feelings, and partner career flexibility. The findings suggest how counselors can support their clients in considering alternative approaches to blending work and family life.