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If You Haven't Read the Article About German Moms Vacating the Workforce
…you can just read the same article, about Dutch women, that we all remember from last year. The German one sounds a lot more ominous, though, because it's all "Nazis chaining women to their stoves," instead of the Dutch piece, which was more "look at those lucky ladies, zipping around on their bicycles on their way to flower arranging class."
Also, Dutch kids are the most adorable, on their tiny bicycles.
Yes, yes, yes to the Slate article! I do wonder though, what is the difference in divorce rates between the US and Germany/Netherlands. Seems that the more solid a partnership between parents, the more likely the more laid back lifestyle would be possible for the woman.
On the other hand, I am single and I would like to know how to cut my schedule back to part time and meet my friends for coffee at 2pm and then go home and work on art projects, the garden, and relaxing.
@sox Your second paragraph was exactly what was going through my head as I read that piece. Seriously, I want to know if this is possible?
@QuiteAimable Not in this country.
@sp8ce Actually I think it can be possible, but my big problem is that I am fairly addicted to my comfortable lifestyle, although sitting in this cube kills my soul a little more each day. I've seriously been considering whether I could afford to go back to something like waiting tables (which I fought so hard to break out of) so that I could have more time and freedom to pursue creative work, or even to go to 32 hours at my office job so I can keep my benefits and still have some more time for making and selling things…but then I have to guarantee that I'll make up for 25% of my income with that….sigh. I have high hopes though!!!!!!!!!!!!
@sox: Whenever I take a day off at home or 1/2 day, I'm like FUCK THIS IS WHAT MY LIFE COULD BE LIKE. For example, today, I left at 12, went to a nice lunch and went shopping, came home and took a nap… I need to find someone to support this lifestyle that I've become accustomed to, since 12 o'clock today.
@sox I don't have an answer, only my own experience. I work 30 hours a week from home, but I also have a 10 year old car, eat most of my meals at home, and make or thrift a lot of my own clothes. I don't really have much savings and I am still trying to afford health care as I have a preexisting condition.
I am married, but we split expenses 50/50. When I wasn't married I lived with my brother and same thing. I think it possible to work less but you have less and have to find someone to share expenses/a household with.
Am I happy? Oooohhh yes, and it is not just the midday yoga classes that I take that help. Working less is the best, I urge more women who are interested to try it.
Signed, A not very ambitious woman who lives in LA.
uhhhh…so, America, this can be your lifestyle. but not with two cars, or big houses, or credit debt. like as in, BOTH people could work part time and live a slightly more reasonable lifestyle…except with no health insurance, which is really always the kicker.
@hotdog But my crafts need their own room! Hahahaha just kidding I'm homeless as of tomorrow, so I'll be sleeping around for a place to stay until I can save enough money for a deposit.
I didn't win the Powerball last night, so alas, it's wage slavery for me!