Overworked and Underpaid

As mothers we know our own value, even when we doubt ourselves. We’re the most underpaid part of today’s workforce. The end of our workday often blurs into the beginning of the next, and yes, it is work raising children —no matter how fulfilling or wonderful the rewards may be.

Lately, I’ve been feeling bitter about not being able to focus my energies 100% on my professional ventures. Just last week I found myself yelling at the Mr. “you will never know the juggle I live”. Many days I feel pissed off that he gets to go to work while I take care of his kids, do his laundry and cook his dinner. I’ve thought about getting a full-time job as an escape but that wouldn’t make it any easier. I’d still have to deal with all those other duties.

By now, I know there’s always something deeper at the root of every feeling. The seed burning inside me is an age-old question “Why are mothers so undervalued?”. In public, we’re applauded, but behind closed doors, legislation works against us. The new changes that took effect on January 16th to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are case in point. The FMLA was filled with false promises from its inception in 1993. It didn’t guarantee paid leave for maternity or to care for a sick child and it still doesn’t. Now it goes even further to hold women back by giving employers the right to conduct “fitness-for-duty” evaluations to determine if people who use FMLA are able to perform their old jobs. It also allows bosses to use FMLA time used when considering employees’ eligibility for bonuses.

Four days after these changes were implemented a new day dawned at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Yesterday’s New York Times Style section featured an article about the new First Family’s concerns and focus on raising their young children. Our new President seems to understand the importance of being involved as a parent. So much so, that he’s living in the White House with his mother-in-law so there can be a family member there when he and the First Lady are tending to their public duties. Mr. President we are not all that lucky. Please let your commitment to your own family create change all mothers can believe in.

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