A new survey of 2,163 moms and dads about the impact their generational status has on their own work life choices and satisfaction was released yesterday by the Working Mother Research Institute. The study, which examines attitudes of Millennials, Generation X and Baby Boomers, finds Millennials are the happiest generation of parents, reporting they have a secure and stable job (65%), are upbeat about their family finances (64%) and are most satisfied with their relationship with their spouse (71%). But not all their news is rosy: Millennials express ambivalence about the current state of work-life balance, with 60% saying they believe one parent should stay home to care for the children.
Commissioned to mark the 35th anniversary of Working Mother magazine, the “Working Mother Generations Report” found the greatest disparity in generational attitudes on work-life issues lies between Millennials (born 1981-2000) and Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964). The full research report, which is sponsored by SC Johnson, can be found here. Highlights include:
- A total of 71% of Millennials says they are satisfied with their choice to be a working or stay-at-home parent vs. 59% of Boomers.
- Millennials report higher satisfaction with their relationship with their spouse/partner, with 71% reporting they are satisfied vs. 56% for Boomers.
- 75% of Millennials are satisfied with their partners’ contribution to the family’s finances, while only 58% of the Boomers are.
- Millennials score highest (60%) in believing one parent should stay home to care for the children, over Generation X (50%) and Boomers (55%). And yet, they also are more likely to believe that when a mom works outside the home, it sets a positive example for her children (62%), Gen X (57%) and Boomers (55%).
In honor of our thirty-fifth anniversary, Working Mother, with sponsorship from SC Johnson, commissioned the study Mothers and Daughters: The Working Mother Generations Report to find out what we learned from our moms, who blazed a trail into the workforce ahead of us. Working Mother launched in 1979, just as moms were joining the workforce en masse. Back then, the ink was barely dry on legislation banning pregnancy discrimination, and staying at home to raise children was still a common choice. Today, 68 percent of married mothers work outside the home (and among single, divorced or separated moms, it’s 75 percent). Our survey of more than 2,100 men and women focused on the three most-represented generations in today’s workplace—Baby Boomers (born 1946 to 1964), Gen X (born 1965 to 1979) and Millennials (born 1980 to 1995)—and zeroed in on the work life choices we saw our mothers make. our primary question: What impact did our mothers’ work life experiences have on our own lives?
As a millennial working mother, this study resonates with my experience in my own career and what my mother instilled me regarding a strong work ethic, a never-ending drive, and high education goals. I am thankful for her love and guidance and today live a happy, albeit busy, multi-passionate life. I was fortunate to share my insights with Working Mother Magazine in the April/May 2014 issue. But why are millennial moms so happy?
However, I am respectful of whatever parents decide regarding if one parent stays home. Parents and guardians should choose what works best for their family dynamic. I have been a stay at home mom, worked part time, worked as a consultant, and now work full time running my public relations practice. Whatever you choose, it is hard work! I believe we do what’s best for our family dynamic based on many variables and no one should be able to tell us what is best for our families. Some simply do not have the choice of staying home (single parent, finances, etc) and that must be considered.
Carol Evans, president of Working Mother Media, says, “This report finds fascinating differences among the generations, with parents in each group having their own ideas about the best ways to manage career and family obligations. These are important differences employers should note as they tailor work life policies to benefit the widest range of working parents.”
Click her to download the full report.
