February 21, 2009

Balance for new parents: Tough to come by in the current economy?

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Working Dad columnist Paul Nyhan had an interesting piece in the Seattle P-I this week about how work/life balance is especially tough for new parents to come by in an economy like this.

As Nyhan writes:

"Around Seattle and the nation, new moms are cutting short maternity leaves, while parents are logging more hours at work and are less likely to seek time off, experts suggest."

And:

"The recession also is disturbing maternity leaves, as mothers squeeze job hunting in between nursing and diaper changing."

Nyhan and the experts he interviewed for his article are quick to point out that the evidence of dwindling work/life balance for new parents remains anecdotal at this point, though history does show that when the economy tanks, workplace flexibility follows suit. (Disclosure: I also was interviewed for this article.) 

In October and November, we saw a rash of articles about the end of balance for working parents, at least until the economy recovers. Back then, I said that I wasn't willing to write off every last stitch of flexible and telecommuting work just yet. And while the job market has gone from bad to worse in the past four months, with employers increasingly dictating who takes time off and when, exceptions to the rule remain -- from workers who negotiate the flexible schedules they want without penalty to companies who recognize flex work as a way to shave operating costs.

Readers, what's been you're experience? If you're a new mom or dad, have your skimped on parental leave because you needed the money or because you were worried about jeopardizing your job? Or did you succeed in negotiating the time off or flex schedule you wanted, despite the recession?

Michelle Goodman is the author of "My So-Called Freelance Life" and "The Anti 9-to-5 Guide." E-mail Michelle at mgoodman@nwjobs.com

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