Do working dads have it worse than working moms?

I’m not talking about stay at home dads, here. I’m talking about the type who do some sort of work from home or work in an office. The guy in this article is a writer, and he’s shared his experience in this CNN article. But I couldn’t help wondering that if a mom would be writing the same article, would it get the same attention?

The thing is, balancing work and family is tough for anyone. The writer of this article believes that there is a double standard out there, where dads seem to get the short end. He says, “if a mom leaves the office in time to be home for dinner, she’s seen as an equally good mom and employee. But if a dad doesn’t want to stay late, he’s viewed as lazy or not a team player.”

Personally, I couldn’t disagree more. In today’s corporate culture, parents are expected to have lives outside of work. As in: both mom and dad. I worked in a construction office in which I was one of four women. The entire office was guys, and when “dad” had to leave at 5:00 to get home for the kids, not an eye was batted. As the lone single in the office, however, I was the one expected to put in the long hours because I didn’t have a family.

What’s your thought on this topic? Is there a double standard when it comes to dads?

Image: sxc.hu.

Oh honey, I’m feeling anxious and overwhelmed with all our fall stuff starting this week. We’ve got the kids two new school schedules and I’m coaching soccer, we have our first game and the church stuff is starting. I don’t know how I’m going to get everything done.

Hey, let’s go camping.

Huh?

Yeah, it will be fun and relaxing. 

Right.