Every working mother’s path is unique and should be celebrated, not lamented. Yet all too frequently, working mothers are presented with advice, rules to follow, or guidelines as if all our experiences are the same. The goal of this book is to provide readers with stories and research that support the notion of owning and feeling confident in the choices they make as they navigate a series of work and family transitions. Furthermore, we often reduce work/life challenges to a single point in time, such as the decision to return to work after the birth of a child. However, work and family decisions are anything but stagnant. They shift as life and careers shift and are often filled with unpredictable events. By understanding and anticipating these shifts, working mothers can develop the resiliency they need at home and at work. We hope women will pick up this book at times when they may not be feeling confident, when they may regret a choice, or when they are stepping into an unknown situation, so that they can reframe any negative emotions they may be feeling in a more positive light. We believe that if women approach uncertainty about their current or future state with hope, rather than fear, they will have a greater likelihood of living life with maternal optimism.
Anticipating Adulthood: Expected Timing of Work and Family Transitions Among Rural Youth