Worklife integration experiences of midcareer professional working mothers

• Published in: Journal of managerial psychology 2008-06, Vol.23 (5), p.599-622
• Main Authors: Grady, Geraldine, McCarthy, Alma M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Careers; Ireland; Job satisfaction; Life planning; Parents; Women
• ISSN: 0268-3946
• DOI: 10.1108/02683940810884559

Purpose This paper aims to explore how midcareer professional mothers perceive themselves in relation to their work and family roles, how they experience these roles, how they merge their work, family and individual self, and what meaning they make of this integration. Designmethodologyapproach The study used indepth qualitative interviews with 18 participants aged between 37 and 55 with at least one dependent child under the age of 18, in dualearningcareer households. Findings The study reports that a complex relationship of workrelated dynamics and personal factors shaped the meaning for these women amid competing priorities of work, family and individual lives. Organisation and coordination of multiple activities with support from various sources was fundamental to finding balance. A deep sense of motherhood was evident in that their children were their number one priority but career was of high importance as they sought stimulation, challenges, achievement and enrichment in their work. Now, in midcareer transition, the respondents seek more selfcare time in an effort to find new meaning in the work, family and self equation. Research limitationsimplications The study raises important issues for the management of professional working mothers and the implications of the study for individuals and organisations are set out. Originalityvalue This paper makes contributions to worklife integration and career theory. It provides one of the first empirical studies on worklife integration in Ireland using the construct of meaningful work and secondly builds on the kaleidoscope career model theory.