Features:

Getting Flexible

Of all the issues working moms share, the one that seems the most prevalent and pressing is the desire for work flexibility. Interestingly, what constitutes "flexibility" is an entirely flexible concept; for some women, it is defined as landing a part-time or job-sharing situation that literally scales their work schedule, others define it as simply knowing they have the ability to scoot for a pediatrician’s appointment without feeling like there will negative repercussions.

According to an Executive Moms study, among those women not getting flexibility: 43% say it is because they fear being taken less seriously in their careers. However, that frustration is offset by some surprising good news: a majority of these women—54% -- said they feel they ARE getting some flexibility with their work situation.

Here are some of the best anecdotes from those moms on how they’ve been able to get the flexibility (or at least some of the flexibility) that they wanted:

"I'm able to work from home on Fridays. My company was skittish at first, then enthusiastic. As I have a long commute, it made all the difference in my energy level and, frankly, upped my job performance on that basis alone."

"My peers understand my situation and do not frown if I come in late, but work late, or leave for appointments"

"I negotiated strict and shorter hours (9 instead of typical 11 or so) by talking with my boss ahead of my maternity leave. I clearly explained my rationale that my nanny needed to have regular hours so she could care for her family. The offer was accepted and I've been working 8-5 ever since."

I started a new job about 1 1/2 years ago with my mind made up that I would put in a year and request a part time schedule. I proved myself during that first year, and when I requested the reduction in hours, they agreed. I have been working 3 days a week now for about 3 months and it is working out great. They have been very accommodating, allowing me to choose the days I would like off.

"My manager is a mother of two and primary breadwinner so she's always been empathetic."

"I found that every person who offered it was a woman who had children and for the most part had experienced working in an environment where flexibility was not possible."

"At a previous staff job, I was able to work from home on Fridays. They were skittish at first, then enthusiastic. As I have a long commute, it made all the difference in my energy level and, frankly, upped my job performance purely on that basis alone. I had already proved myself indispensable before requesting a flexible schedule."