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.

We often talk about mothers “supporting” each other while juggling work and family, but there’s not as much talk about fathers doing the same.

It may be that men just don’t talk about it or they support each other in different ways than women do, but I thought this article, Working dads watch each other’s backs, in the Miami Herald was a refreshing perspective:

Some are dubious that fathers would help other men with their lives. Clearly, women are pushing the policy changes and family-friendly programs that have landed companies on the Working Mothers list of Best Places to Work. But fathers seeking a better work life balance are creating change, in more subtle ways.

They are colleagues who donate personal leave for another in need. They are role models who create workplaces where flexible work schedules and telecommuting becomes doable. They are entrepreneurs who form Daddy blogs and online support groups. And, they are fathers who help others shake off the long-standing pressure to get ahead at all costs.

The Working Dad has more about working dads and family-friendly workplaces:

THE MEDIA ARE filled with stories of moms struggling to balance work and family.

What about dad?

In this era of increased co-parenting, dads are more consumed by the search for an ever-elusive balance of work and family. Yet, as Father’s Day approaches and dads look around their offices, factories and stores, they may not find enough help.

I think we have a way to go before it becomes commonplace for fathers to feel comfortable promoting and taking advantages of family-friendly work policies, but I hope there’s change afoot someday.