The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-time Satisfaction in Part-time Work

One of the major issues in the so-called “Mommy Wars” is the question of work: working moms vs. stay-at-home moms. This book proposes that part-time work can provide an ideal balance for most mothers: a chance for adult interaction and financial contribution without taking too much time away from the family. The experiences of one hundred women from around the country combine to illustrate each topic—exploring the advantages of part-time work, how to shift down to part-time from full-time work, reentering work after staying home for a while, starting your own business, arranging daycare, etc.

The greatest strength of the book is the thorough research and real-world examples. As I read, I couldn’t help but compare my own experience with the others, considering possibilities that I might not have before. Just as there is no one right way to parent, there is no one right way to work. Different situations call for different solutions, and what works now may not be the best a year or two down the road. If you think that part-time work might be a good solution for you, this book gives plenty of tips on how to make it happen and inspiration to get you going.