Moms seek job flexibility
May 25, 2012
Whether you're already pursuing a college degree or are just considering it, odds are you have thought long and hard about what you'll do with a degree when you graduate.
While some moms return to school to realize their dream of being a college graduate, many others view the process as a way to help them get the job or career they've always dreamed of.
But getting a college degree can not only help you get a job, it can also help you make more money. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, individuals whose highest level of education is a bachelor's degree made an average annual salary of $58,000 in 2011. Those who had only a high school degree made an average of $31,000 per year.
The good news for moms who want to go to college, for any reason, is that they may be able to make it financially possible through grants for parents, scholarships for mothers and other financial aid.
However, just as many student parents seek a flexible school schedule, flexibility with a job is crucial for working parents. According to a new survey conducted by TheLadders.com, 44 percent of working mothers say flexibility is the most important perk of a job.
The job search company surveyed 250 women, all of whom are currently in the workforce or are planning on re-entering the working world in the near future. The survey revealed that other priorities for working moms include the ability to work from home (29 percent), convenient working hours (20 percent), longer maternity leave (5 percent) and on-site day care (2 percent).
The poll also found that many women struggle with balancing their professional and personal lives. Balancing a career and a family was characterized as a "huge" struggle for 87 percent of respondents. In addition, 55 percent admitted "exceling at both is overwhelming" and 13 percent said they "struggled at first, but now have the balance under control."
"Since launching almost a decade ago, we have seen a growing desire for job seekers to work in - and return to - an environment that understands and supports their personal values," said Alex Douzet, co-founder of TheLadders.com. "It is clear from our survey that working mothers are eager to return to the office when it is a comfortable and rewarding transition. Employer sensitivity for the unique needs of working mothers will help drive employee satisfaction and retention."
