The demands of both work and parenting are rising. While working hours globally are falling (partially due to aging populations), those employed full-time are often working more. In the U.S., for example, full-time employees are working 47 hours per week, and four in 10 people work more than 50. And the bifurcation of those working both more and less is growing — with marked increases in those working “extreme” hours, particularly in high-skill professions. In addition, according to the World Bank, women now constitute 40%–50% of the workforce in many countries around the world, meaning work outside the home is impacting men and women more equally.
5 Questions New Working Parents Should Ask Themselves
The demands of both work and parenting are rising. We’re working longer hours, but we’re also spending more time with our children. Pew has found that dads now see parenting as being just as central to their identities as moms do, and households with kids are now 66% dual-income, versus 49% in 1970. It is no surprise that 50%–60% of parents find work-life balance difficult. To have happier and healthier relationships and careers, you must have open discussions about tough topics when it comes to balancing parenting and work. Working couples who are new to parenting or are considering becoming parents can start the conversation by asking five questions: What does each person actually want? What are the financial needs and constraints? What roles will each person play? Who’s losing when? And how can we stay close to each other?