Working moms: It's getting hectic out there (but what else is new?)
Filed under: Budgets, Home, Kids and Money, Recession
Companies downsize. Employers cut staff. CEOs lower wages. But what do moms do when the economy tanks? They roll up their sleeves and work even harder, that's what.
Recently, Office Depot asked more than 500 working mothers how they were coping with the downturn. While many said they were struggling with hectic schedules and more demands on their time, the overwhelming majority continued to pile on more responsibilities -- both on the job and at home. In fact, two out three working moms said they're now having trouble keeping track of it all.
The survey, conducted in January among employed women with at least one child under 18 at home, found as many as 87% said the added pressure was forcing them to get better organized for the year ahead. Though many were cutting back on household spending, 65% believed they could save money by running a tighter ship.
Yet, for many moms, that's proving to be an uphill battle. Roughly half of the survey's respondents had forgotten to pay bills on time, or lost important information or documents around the house. Many admitted they were more organized at work than in their own home -- partly out of fear of getting laid off. One in ten were so busy they've forgotten or missed a school play, soccer game or some other event for their child.
And all that extra pressure is its taking toll on personal time. Up to 82% of the women surveyed said they were failing to put aside enough time for themselves, while 62% were worried about losing touch with friends and family.
As an upshot, more working moms than ever are considering ditching the workplace and launching their own ventures. The survey found three in ten women saw self-employment as a silver lining in the face of layoffs.
Are you a working mother? Let us know how you're coping.
Deborah Barrow is Editor-in-Chief of wowOwow.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-17-2009 @ 7:28AM
kewlmomma said...
What mother isn't a working mother? A shout out to all the mothers who are working harder to keep up the same standard for thier families. " When the going gets tough."..you know..and mothers are a tough lot.
I am one of the ones who has lost my job due to downsizing. As our family tries to cope with one income I have turned to Walletpop for ideas on cutting down and saving money (thank you).
I have been looking for work, but one job opening my pull hundreds of applications so I haven't had alot of luck. Being creative last Christmas I returned to my crafting skills to give gifts. My family and friends seem to think I could sell the things, but where to start. I do have ideas to try a home based buisness, but if our family is already struggling to make it how am I going to fund starting a buisness? I am doing my homework to see what I can do, but have hit many dead ends. How about some ideas from the great people here at Walletpop for us adventurous mothers who have always worked for "the man", but are ready to venture out on our own?
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