The Shriver Report – Merry Wives in the Workplace, the Problem with Flexible Scheduling and Why You Should Stop Asking, “What’s Next?”
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Merry Wives in the Workplace, the Problem with Flexible Scheduling and Why You Should Stop Asking, “What’s Next?”

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It’s the end of another busy week, but just the start of the busy holiday season. With one holiday already behind us, savor this moment before life really goes haywire. Consider this your invitation to exhale – and catch up on stories you won’t want to miss from around the web. Happy Friday!

 

Are women “merry wives of the workplace?” In the office, men are less likely to be asked favors and women are likely to grant requests for assistance. See why being “happy to help” could actually work against you. Full Story: Wall Street Journal, Women, Work and the ‘Girl Scout Tax’

 

Flexible scheduling isn’t the fix-all solution. Women use “right-to-request” programs to balance family responsibilities while men use them to advance in their careers. Will these programs further the divide, instead of bridging the gap? Full Story: The Nation, Don’t Be Fooled: Flexible Scheduling Is No Cure for the Workplace Gender Divide

 

Good Karma 101: A single mom to a child with special needs was surprised by a random act of kindness this week. A stranger impressed with her parenting not only paid for their meal and left her a gift card, but also penned a lengthy note of praise and encouragement. Full Story: Gawker, Stranger in Awe of Single Mom’s Parenting Pays for Her Family’s Meal

 

Older, wiser, more confident. Twenty years after “The Beauty Myth” author Naomi Wolfe evaluates how the societal norms around women’s aging have changed. Older women are happier and healthier than ever, with no desire to turn back the clock. She has advice for twenty-somethings, too. Full Story: Washington Post Magazine, A wrinkle in time: Twenty years after ‘The Beauty Myth,’ Naomi Wolf addresses The Aging Myth

 

Poverty on the upswing? Let’s hope so. According to new research, 25 states have poverty rates of at least 16%, which is above the national average and better than 2010. But there is still work to be done. Half in Ten makes the case for policy changes to bring more families back from brink.

Full Story: Half In Ten, Annual Report 2013

 

Stop stressing about what’s next and focus on right now!  In a go-go-go society, the pressure of looking ahead can be exhausting, especially for women. Burnt out on “what’s next?” this author puts it nicely: “You’ll know when [I’m having kids when] you get my out-of-office email saying I’m on maternity leave.” Full Story: Forbes, Stop Asking Me What’s Next