You Can Have It All

The media storm sparked by this Atlantic article re-opened the ideal work-life model debate.

Writer Anne-Marie Slaughter challenges women to look past traditional roles and popular opinions about ‘having it all.’

Some entrepreneurs say women must define their personal idea of success, not base it off societal pressures – like carrying the flag for women’s empowerment.

Moira Vetter, CEO of Modo Modo Agency says, “we each need to figure out what our definition of ‘having it all’ means and work towards it.”

“Instead of feeling hopeless in our efforts to have it all, we need to frequently redefine it.”

Putting family first is important for some. Others find satisfaction in having a thriving career, foregoing kids as a conscious choice.

And sometimes you just can’t control timing. Vetter’s company was named Atlanta’s second fastest growing women-owned business in the same month she gave birth to twins.

“’All’ is in the eye of the beholder. No group, movement, gender, or generation can define it for you.”

Plus, as life circumstances change, so does our idea of ‘having it all’. Situations like having a special needs child or an ill family member, forces women to redefine their notions of work-life balance.

“There is no cut and dried way to ‘have it all’,” says Sharon McCormick, HR expert.

But, there are now more opportunities for career women who want families. Three in five US workers today have the opportunity to work flexibly.

“The workplace is dynamic. Look at your options and create your own route to success,” says McCormick.

Bonus PINK Link: Women aren’t alone in the work-life circus act: Check it out.

Do you think women can

By Christina Caldwell

“You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted.”
Ruth E. Renkl