Product Description

At last, a book that definitively answers the question "How does she do it?" for both mothers who work and the companies that employ them

At a time when books such as Perfect Madness linger on bestseller lists and highly educated women talk about "opting out" of successful careers because the challenges of "doing it all" are too great, it seems safe to conclude that working and motherhood don't mix.

But for those who want to work and those who must work for financial reasons (the majority), This Is How We Do It transcends the guilt, stress, and sacrifice associated with working motherhood. Featuring inspiring firsthand accounts of women who are doing it all-all at once-and having the time of their lives, it reveals innovative solutions of how working mothers successfully (and joyfully) balance their careers and families.

Drawing on original research culled from five hundred working mothers and on the wisdom of the magazine's nearly three million readers, its twenty-five-year tenure, and the best practices of the highly competitive and celebrated Working Mother 100 Best Companies list, This Is How We Do It is a must-read for the 26 million moms in America who work-as well as the companies who want to attract or keep them-helping readers make the transition from a work life to a life that works.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #338891 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Among PTA meetings at 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, managers who glare when a woman ducks out for her kid's pediatrician's appointment, and daycare that costs more than tuition at a state college, how do working mothers even get through the day? Working Mother magazine CEO Evans addresses this question by describing her experiences as a high-powered executive and mother, along with the experiences of the magazine's readership. A "baby boomer feminist," Evans compares companies to "middle-aged men who won't throw away that ratty, too-tight pair of college sweatpants. Sometimes it's hard to realize that comfortable old styles just don't fit anymore." She arms women with "ammunition," statistics and stories gathered by Working Mother, so that mothers can approach their employers to argue the benefits of family-friendly job shares, flextime, work-from-home options and lactation rooms. The book's tone is chatty, if not chummy (the author includes her e-mail address in the introduction), but may seem outdated to some readers (Is it relevant to call a dad with an interest in his children an "honorary mom?"). The book offers much information from the magazine's 100 Best Companies list, and Evans does not shy away from criticizing corporate practice as she sees fit. This book will appeal to the magazine's faithful readers, but with its traditional assumptions and cheeky feel, the manifesto may seem too narrow to some young mothers.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author
Carol Evans is the CEO and president of Working Mother magazine, as well as the country's foremost expert on working motherhood. A trusted advisor to dozens of Fortune 500 companies, she has appeared on national media such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Marketplace radio.

Customer Reviews

Finally A Rational View
Thank you Carol Evans for writing an excellent book that is supported by real facts and research! Finally a book that details all of the contributions working moms have made and make (26 MM in the workforce - imagine if they all stopped...). Finally a book that offers real advice on how to move ahead (with excellent advice on mentoring, ambition, networking). Finally a book that recognizes that working mothers are mothers first! Yes, we care deeply about our kids yet also are committed to contributing professionally too. Why should that be so hard. Read this book and pass it along. The facts can not be denied. Working moms are doing a great job at work (we knew that) and at home too.

Practical, guilt free advice for real life working mothers.
The 80's brought us the idea of the super mom who held down a high powered career, raised kids, and looked glamorous hosting dinner parties for twelve. But, as more and more women burned out trying to "have it all," the guilt and self (and media) inflicted sense of failure set in. While some high flyers have given up their careers and become full time stay-at-home moms, most women simply don't have the choice. This Is How We Do It bypasses the guilt of the working mother and instead addresses the issues surrounding motherhood and careers. Written with the help of Working Mother magazine and 500 real working mothers, this book is an important and thought provoking work designed to provide practical, real life solutions for the problems that working mothers encounter.

Perfect for moms-to-be
I absolutely loved it! I am expecting my first child this summer and the thought of having a career AND raising a family seemed impossible to me - until I read This Is How We Do It. It is filled with great advice, tips and solutions from the author herself and other working moms across the country. I recommend this book to all moms-to-be!