The Guardian

Do we have to choose between being a good parent and good at our job? | Matthew Beard

I’m half writing this, half thinking about whether it is the best use of a few precious, toddler-free moments
‘It’s a war of identities: the professional version of me is ambitious, busy, focused and demanding; domestic me is patient, spontaneous and calm (for the most part)‘ Photograph: gchutka/Getty Images

“Framing the issue of work-life balance – as if the two were dramatically opposed – practically ensures work will lose out. Who would ever choose work over life?” writes work-life guru Sheryl Sandberg.

Who indeed?

Well, for one, those who can’t afford to walk away from a job. Unless you’re living very comfortably, you’ll usually be forced to choose work over life. But even setting aside the many people who find themselves in that situation, it’s not clear we live in a world that enables people

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