More dads want to be Mr. Mom

June 21st, 2005 Stewart Posted in Uncategorized |

Gen-X dads possess much different values than their Boomer predecessors. As a soon-to-be Dad myself, I can say this article reflects some of my own ideals — fewer office hours, greater flexibility by telecommuting, and if the wife ever snags the 6-figure dream job, I would happily stay at home and raise the kid, as one of my brothers did recently. (A man can dream, can’t he?)

That said, I’m concerned about the seemingly “push poll” nature of CareerBuilder.com’s survey, especially where they try to justify lower salaries for those who adopt flexible work schedules. Salaries shouldn’t be cut if work goals are being met, period. To suggest that only the hours matter when considering salaries for professional men (or women, for that matter) seems underhanded.

More to the point though, if a Gen-X dad (or mom) can get 40 hours worth of work done in 30 hours, with a combination of in-office and telecommuting activities, doesn’t he (or she) deserve to make a 40 hour salary?