Extreme work situations make for a unique work life balance

Yesterday my high school friend, Stephanie, brought this story about working moms and extreme situations to my attention:

First, a Tourniquet, then Preschool Pickup

At Fort Hood last week, while fellow soldiers tied a tourniquet to stop her bleeding, Sgt. Kimberly Munley found her cell phone and arranged for her 2-year-old daughter to be picked up from preschool.

Stephanie noted that it really did put the whole struggle/juggle with her work life balance into perspective.

I agree with her because my job and my life is much more mundane.  But I also wasn’t surprised by it.  I have definitely been told by my husband that I can be intense when it comes to our little one…making sure the schedule is in place and everyone is on the same page.  And while he offers that criticism, he does not offer a solution.  If I don’t do it, or ask that he do, no one does.   He has been known to say, “It’s good to be the Dad” or “If you’re going to be a parent, I recommend being the Dad.”  Which is all in fun…but also true.

I could now go into how the world is changing and women make up 50% of the workforce, so why aren’t men making up 50% of the support system at home?

I could also go into how when I do ask my husband to take on a task, he usually does so happily…so women need to learn to ask for help more.

I could go into how he’s right…that I can be intense and need to let more things slide.  I mean really if we miss a little pre-school is that really a life-changing event?

Or I could go into how this article in a major publication talking about an issue that hasn’t really been discussed until modern day is a huge step forward.

But it’s Friday and I want to give us all a break.

I do, however, welcome your thoughts…moms, dads, non-parents….you can comment here or on the Career Life Connection forums or on the Facebook fan page or by @leanneclc on twitter.