At the end of 2002, you may recall we conducted our first Executive Moms survey, to get a snapshot of how YOU feel about the lives you lead. The findings were revealing… in a very positive way. So here’s what you told us. We’ve been excited to in turn tell others. (In fact, check out this month’s SELF magazine, just one place where these myth-debunking results have been picked up)!

ANTI-STEREOTYPE #1: Executive Moms are basically… HAPPY.

Yes, we’ve all had days (or months) where we’ve resembled the cliche of the harried, insecure working mother. Yet in general, we seem to have the assurance to put it in perspective and actually appreciate the lives we lead. Among those of you who responded:

A whopping 97% AGREE that being a mother with a career can “HELP MAKE ME A BETTER MOTHER” * 70% of you work BOTH because “it is important to me EMOTIONALLY” and “it is important FINANCIALLY.” * 82% feel that the GREATEST BENEFIT to being a professional as well as a mother is the FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION you make to the family

ANTI-STEREOTYPE #2: Executive Moms feel they ARE getting support

Kudos to you for smart marital choices (if applicable)– only 8% of those of you married wish you had a MORE ACCOMODATING SPOUSE * Only 21% wish you had BETTER CHILDCARE and/or back-up childcare * And here’s to self-confidence: only 36% of you feel SOCIETAL PRESSURE OR GUILT to be a “stay-at-home- Mom”

Interestingly, the one place where a majority of you do find the support lacking: 61% believe the media does a “POOR JOB” of depicting working mothers! And not surprisingly, the one thing we all wish we had more of? “MORE PERSONAL TIME” (66%)!

NATIONAL RESEARCH FINDINGS ACTUALLY MIRROR OUR OWN

Executive Moms released these results in conjunction with results from a massive annual “Lifestyles” study by global advertising giant DDB Worldwide. Looking at their data, it is evident that working mothers across the country actually share a GREATER level of SATISFACTION and CONFIDENCE than most other groups. Two interesting findings:

A greater percentage of working mothers (96%) describe themselves as “family-oriented” than the rest of the population (89%) * Only 18% of working mothers believe that men are naturally better leaders than women (vs. 36% of rest of population).

Now, share more with us: post additional thoughts on the executivemoms.com “Chat, Vent, Learn” pages! (passwords: execmom, chat)

Enjoyed this Momorandum? Forward it to your friends, and don’t forget to visit us at www.executivemoms.com.

Sincerely,

Executive Moms