Envisioning the Future as a Working Mother

Abstract

Chapter 1 begins before a woman even becomes pregnant. Many women spend years focusing on building a career, taking the time to build essential human capital skills that make them valuable resources in the workforce. However, there comes a time when most women begin to think actively about their future and determine whether or not that includes having children. When women have built a career and a personal life that they find satisfying, it becomes hard to imagine how children can be integrated into the mix. In this chapter we explore questions women often have at this important juncture in life, including: How does having a baby impact a woman’s career? How much does it cost to have a child? How does having a baby affect personal freedom?