The Girl's Guide to Being a Working Mom
August 3, 2009
Working moms Friedman and Yorio (co-owners of a PR company, YC Media, and authors of The Girl's Guide to Kicking Your Career into Gear
et al.) take on motherhood in their latest career advice book. Pointing out that the situation of working mothers hasn't changed much in the last decade (i.e., working moms still earn less than men and childless women, still feel guilt and continue to do more than their fair share of housework), the authors urge women to take matters into their own capable hands. Beginning with pregnancy, Friedman and Yorio walk women through the steps necessary to ensure smooth transitions to maternity leave and back to work by using organizational skills and planning (while simultaneously noting that once a baby enters the picture, anything can happen). The authors include tips on finding quality, reliable childcare and warn mothers that they will have to “work harder, better and smarter” upon return to work to prove that they haven't lost their “ambition, edge, and guts.” Friedman and Yorio stress that working moms can't do it all without help: delegating responsibility to dad, nanny or others is essential, along with resisting the urge to micromanage. The authors also remind moms to focus on home life while at home and work life while at the workplace. Interviews with successful working mothers provide additional encouragement and insider perspective.