Carry Bradshaw summed it up when she asked the potentially game-changing question: Can women really have it all? In fact, what contributed to the blockbuster popularity of Sex and the City was the ability of the writers to sum up the joys and angst’s of today’s women.
In a world that leaves us spinning from the pressures of having a great relationship, stable, happy kids, a rock-star career, a home we’re proud of and a network of friends you can rely on, not only can leave you breathless but sometimes wondering if you are short changing one or more things on the list in favour of attempting to perfect the juggling act.
For instance, some women who have reached the proverbial pinnacle of their careers and have achieved a high level of professional success, don’t shy away from admitting what they have consciously given up along the way, deliberately making choices at various junctures in exchange for basking in the glow of for instance, CEO-hood. One American CEO argued in Forbes magazine that she believed women couldn’t have it all if they were set on achieving high levels of success in their professional lives. She suggested that in order for women to compete in traditionally male dominated roles, they needed to be available 24-7, just as their male counterparts were. Distractions of kids or husbands aren’t tolerated and tough choices need to be made.
On the reverse end, some argue that in today’s world, more resources and options are at the disposal of women who do juggle it all. Whether that be supportive partners or flexible work schedules or even different definitions of what success means to us. Maybe the goal isn’t to strive for perfection in all areas, but rather experience the joys of simply having them.
Either way, it appears that today’s woman has a choice about whether or not she believes she can have it all regardless of what third parties tell us to be true. So while the verdict is still out on the issue, why not shoot for the stars and if we fall a little short, at least we get to add a few stories to our arsenal.
What do you think? Can woman successfully juggle a great career, kids, a partner, a social life and whatever else they choose?
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