Are Working Mom's Really Happier?

I wrote this post some time ago, but didn't post it because....well....I really don't know.  So here you go!  Happy Tuesday everyone!

According to a study by the American Psychological Association of over 1,300 moms, the happiest moms are those who work part-time.  Hallejuah!  I finally got something right!  This study confirms that I made the best decision not only for baby, but for myself!  As a part-time working mom I feel very blessed that I have the opportunity to spend more time with baby but still keep my foot in the corporate door. 

Then there's the guilt.  One day I'll feel guilty that I'm not spending MORE or ALL my time with baby A, and the next I feel bad that I'm not able to support meetings at work on my days off.  I'm in a constant battle with my inner-self over whether I've made the right decision; should I be home more?  Should I be at work full-time?  Is part-time really the right choice?  See what I mean?  Constant termoil. 
The study also says that women who worked full-time had better overall health and less symptoms of depression than stay-at-home moms.  So maybe working full-time would still be good for me and baby?  It's like a sick cycle I get stuck in. 

The article goes on to point out that moms who chose to stay at home had equally low levels of depression as moms who preferred to work and had a high quality job.  Ok. So now does that mean as long as I like my job my mental health is better off by working, but if not I might as well stay home?  I wouldn't say I love my job, but I do feel fortunate that I have the opportunity to work hours that I choose. And I don't think my mental health is compromised because I don't LOVE my job.  And is the article saying that staying at home isn't rewarding or fulfilling enough for women?  

In the end they point out that flexible schedules, as all of us moms looking for part-time or job share opportunities know, are not very common in the corporate world.  But assuming this were an option, more moms would choose to do so.  I have to agree 100% with this.  I know when I found my part-time opportunity at my last company, many moms jumped on the bandwagon and started asking for part-time as well.  Now, if we could only get corporations to see that flexibility leads to happier, more productive employees.

For the full article: Huffington Post