Most Moms Would Like to Work Part Time, Surprised?

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to any of you moms that most moms would like to work part time. Though even a part time schedule can be a challenge. The issue is that most companies will not hire people into part time positions. I believe that this comes from the corporate mentality that if someone is not willing to spend all their waking hours at work then they are not loyal to the company. But, times, they are a changing.

As women have their children later in life, they are usually well established in their profession. Companies have invested time and money in training these women, also. After entrenching themselves in their profession, women have their first baby, then elect to stay home because their priorities change and they cannot find a suitable schedule. Because of this paradigm change, companies are beginning to feel the talent pinch. Some companies are starting to take notice and offer more flexible schedules for professional women. Staffing agencies, like 10 til 2, as well are picking up on the trend and specializing in placement of professional women in part time and flexible positions.



In fact, an Arizona newspaper reports, that a poll suggests that moms are more inclined now to want to work part time than ten years ago. It also lists the Top 10 part-time jobs for moms as:

• Administrative or executive assistant.
• Accounts payable/receivable.
• Appointment setters.
• Accountant or bookkeeper.
• Data entry.
• Legal secretaries.
• Marketing specialist.
• Sales.
• Office assistant or manager.
• Graphic or Web designers.

The task of balancing a full-time job with all of its demands and a family, because, let's face it, children need their mommy, is stressful. The stress is what forces women to leave the workforce if they cannot cut back the work schedule. Companies now are beginning to realize that they are missing out on a talent pool that they had available to them ten years ago. This realization is what is prompting companies to offer more flexible schedules for moms and dads alike.

My experience proves that most moms want to work. It gives them an outlet in other areas of life so they can feel successful on those days that being a mother makes us doubt our abilities. There are no rules for parenting (as we all know) and therefore the ability to work in an environment where there are boundaries and the possibility of positive feedback on the job that we perform is critical.

As the next few years pass, I hope that more opportunities arise for people who wish for the part time schedule become more abundant. I think it might just make as a more rounded society. Oh, how I am hoping that this really takes off.

Daylight Savings Time

Wow, I cannot believe that Halloween is almost here. I remember each year sometime around Halloween, we have to start thinking about setting our clocks back to Standard Time so this is the time of year I ask, "When do we set our clocks back?" of "When does daylight savings end, again?" Those thoughts made me check the Daylight Saving Time schedule for 2008.

I remember that we used to lose Daylight Savings Time in October but fairly recently the time for setting the clocks back in the fall moved to sometime after Halloween, I think the first Sunday in November. So, the time change for fall 2008 is next weekend. On Sunday morning at 2:00 all the clocks go back. Yes, we gain an hour next Sunday. That means that for the states that participate Daylight Savings Time, (Arizona, Hawaii and some of the US Territories stay on Standard Time all year long) those citizens will turn their clocks back one hour at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 2, 2008. That is when the official time will change from Daylight Savings Time to Standard Time.

So, plan ahead because you will have an extra hour to entertain, get things done, or just relax. What are your plans?

Palin Wardrobe Malfunction?

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't like to start talking politics but I'm thinking this does not really count.

I'm sure you've heard by now that the Republican National Committee spent somewhere around $150,000 for Sarah Palin's wardrobe for the campaign trail. Most of it being spent at Neiman Marcus with the rest being spent on hair consultation and make up.

Wow, you would think that she could have gotten by with Nordstrom and a bill a lot smaller than that! Is it really necessary to buy all the clothing at Neiman Marcus? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Neiman's but if the republicans are behind in fundraising, which everyone agrees is true, then why don't they cut corners in places like this. Furthermore, I'd like to have a fraction of that for my wardrobe budget.

But, it gets better, when this story broke the official party line became that all the clothing items would be donated as soon as the campaign is over. Wha!?!

But reading about this raises a bunch of questions in my mind, like, what was she wearing before all these necessities were purchased? Why Neiman's? What will Ms. Palin wear after the campaign if she donates all her clothing? And, finally, who are they going to donate all those wardrobe pieces to when they are done? I only ask because I think my size and hers are about the same and I'd like to get in line, please...

Obama Tax Calculator

I try not to talk politics because I think too many people just want to speak their piece and not listen too others, me included, so it's generally not a good idea for me to get going down that path. But, I don't count this as really talking politics. I found this Obama Tax calculator and I also found this other Obama Tax Calculator. It appears that the first one is the "official" version and the second one, well I have to say that I like the numbers on that one much better. Maybe "Joe the plumber" can plug his numbers in here and see what his taxes will be under each scenario and we can all move on.

Morning Banana Diet

Have you heard about this? Apparently it's all the rage in Japan and my guess is it's just a matter of time before bananas are a scarcity throughout the world.

Apparently, you can lose weight if you have a banana, or two or, actually, as many as you want, and some water at room temperature for breakfast. Then you can eat anything you want for lunch, a snack (at 3:00), and dinner but, you must complete your eating by 8:00 pm and you may not have any desserts after your meals (it actually does not say anything about having them before...). The only other caveat is that you must go to bed by midnight. Sounds pretty simple, huh?

I'm thinking that some bananas may be on my next shopping list.

Britney Come Back?

In Britney Spears' new video she debuts her new body, apparently all of it, and she is rumored to be in fabulous shape. Apparently, she hangs her success on the use of Nutrition 53. Nutrition 53 is ex-pro football payer, Bill Romanowski's, company that sells nutritional supplements. These supplements are apparently all the rage in Hollywood right now.



I did some quick research and I cannot find any real opinions on the Nutrition 53 products or program so if you have any information you'd like to share I am all ears.

Skin Care Junkie

You might not know it by looking at me but I am a skin care junkie. actually I think I am addicted. I want to try everything so I never, and I mean never, stick with the same brand or product time and time again. I surf the beauty boards looking for the next best thing then try to locate it and try it.

I recently read about the Clarisonic PRO Professional 3-Power Levels Skin Care System (I like the pink one but it also comes in white) and wondered if it could really be that great. Then my colleague brought it up saying it was REALLY expensive but her skin never looked or felt better. Of course, I did some research and thought I would never spend $200 on a product for my face (and it's not $200 any more!). Then I look back at all the products I have tried at most every price point and think, "Well, maybe." It sure does get rave reviews so it goes on my list, my Christmas list, that is. Maybe some unfortunate soul will read this (like my husband) and get a brilliant idea!

I'll keep you posted...