Spring is the Time for New Beginnings

A new beginning usually means change, and change usually means making choices, such as focusing on your career vs. family goals.

Are your professional goals and aspirations balanced with what you value and cherish in your personal life? Many people struggle with the balance between their career and personal life and there may be no bigger decision then when to start or grow a family. Whether it’s your 1st child or 3rd, the decision to grow a family may impact your personal life and career.

Many women believe they must choose between their careers and having a family, while others may choose to postpone having children until they are more comfortable in their career or financial position. Sometimes financial need drives the decision for parents and there is no choice, such as in situations where having a baby can add financial strain on a family budget that is already stretched. Financial need may also impact whether or not a spouse will take a parental leave or a mother will take a full maternity leave. All of these decisions require careful consideration and the ultimate path chosen is a personal decision for a couple.

Learn more about Career vs. Family decision making in the Spring edition of the Pacesetter, including:

• What Moms say according to more than 15,000 women who responded to an Oprah.com poll in January 2007
• 4 questions to help decide if you should stay home or return to my work/career after maternity leave
• Tips on how to manage the stress of being a parent.