I cannot count the number of times in my life that I have heard the following statement:
You can do anything you want.
Teachers, parents, motivational speakers...they all kept telling the females of my generation that we could do anything we want. They pushed the issue...women can do anything that men can do. For the most part, I grew up believing that I could pursue any career I wanted to.
So, I went to college. I pursued my education. I worked hard. I entered the workforce, and I still worked hard.
Because I can do anything I put my mind to. Right?
Then, our family began to expand. I paid for daycare. I still pay for daycare. And, I still worked hard.
Because I can succeed in any job I want. Right?
The work didn't stop at the office. As our family grew, so did the piles of laundry and toys. The fingerprints on the glass seemed to multiply while I was asleep at night. So, I worked harder to try and keep up with the office, the house, the husband, the children.
After all, I can do anything I want to. Right?
I find myself at war...an internal war between my emotion and my cognition. The brain half of the war keeps telling me to just deal with it and keep working. The heart half of the war keeps telling me to be more like June Cleaver.
How does anyone ever truly find the balance between family and career? Is there a magic formula that I haven't figured out yet? Do I need antidepressants? Should I call Oprah's booking agent?
It seems to me that many women I know struggle with this.
Women who were pushed to stay home with the children dreamed of equality in the workforce. Women who work dream of staying home with the children.
My math skills are admittedly not what they once were, so I'm having trouble solving this equation.
