A BizRate poll of over 1,000 mothers found that 47 percent identified themselves as the "least happy person" in their house, the New York Post reported. Respondents – 30 percent of whom were at-home moms – cited stress and too many "to do" items as a reason for the melancholy. (May 2007) more

While some supervisors may allow employees to telecommute or create a flexible schedule, one business expert says that such arrangements may negatively affect career advancement. "The person in the non-compliant, non-traditional condition may not be viewed as a good performer," warned business consultant Denise Rousseau. (May 2007) more

A Media Creation. The media created and continually promote the false notion that there’s a war between at-home and working moms because it makes for an exciting news story, wrote E.J. Graff, a senior researcher at the Brandeis University Schuster Institute for Investigative Journalism, in a recent Washington Post column. more

USA Today reports that those highly educated, achieving Alpha Moms are experiencing some backlash from "slacker moms" who don’t like all the pressure to be perfect. In describing the "anti-Alpha movement," Sharon Jayson wrote: "Those moms have it together sometimes. They may forget to send back permission slips or lose track of their turn for team snacks. more

The New York Post invited four working moms to discuss careers and parenthood, including an executive assistant at Random House, a former Time exec who now runs Mom Corps, a screenwriter/filmmaker and a preschool teacher. "I feel really great that I have a good profession and am going to be an example for my daughter, but at the same time I’m always torn," said Sue Kramer, the screenwriter. (May 2007) more

In one of the most depressing stories in a while, Newsweek  ran a story this past week which said, "Having a baby is the ultimate money pit." Then, to make matters worse, Jennifer Ordonez reported that: "To raise a kid to 18 costs $191,000. Throw in lost wages for a stay-at-home mom or dad, plus the cost of college, and by adulthood the little bundle of joy really will be a million-dollar baby." (May 2007)  more

A Third Gender and Career Obstacle. more

A Philadelphia CEO and mom told a group of female business owners that the way to achieve balance in one’s life is the simple ability to just say, "No." During that same career seminar, another business leader -- author and productivity expert Neen James -- told the group, "The secret of super-productivity is not about doing more, it’s about doing more of what you love and getting rid of the waste." (May 2007) more

About 71 percent of moms were in the workforce in 2006, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a little less than the peak of 72.3 percent of moms who were working in 2000, The Kansas City Star reported. Here’s a sample of how last year’s stats broke down: 68.6 percent of married mothers were employed. 76.6 percent of unmarried (single, divorced, widowed) mothers were working. 56.1 percent of moms with children under 1 year old were in the workforce. more

So you’re working your tail off as a hospital executive, in addition to serving on a couple of corporate board and raising daughters, ages 5 and 8, with your spouse. Then your husband decides to run for president. You then opt to cut back to 20 percent time at the hospital so you can help your candidate. And your decision makes national news. more