Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Wed, Feb. 23, 2005
BALANCING ACT
Generation X fathers strive for harmony
BY CINDY KRISCHER GOODMAN
...At the same time, fathers of Generation X -- the 60 million Americans between ages 25 and 40 -- spend at least an hour a day more involved in their child's lives than the prior generation.
Jason Murray, a shareholder at the Miami law firm Carlton Fields, says he changed his work habits since becoming a father 13 months ago. Murray says he makes an effort to be highly productive at his job as a franchise attorney so he can leave in time to have dinner, shed his suit and become a playmate to his son, Jason.
At a time when American employees are working longer and harder than ever, these Gen X dads refuse to miss out on family activities. And so, they too are discovering that this juggling act is hard work.
''Spending time with my family is important,'' Murray says.
Murray says he doesn't really talk at work about this change in priorities or ask for resources to help with the juggling act. Men just don't do that, he says.
''I think men are afraid,'' Murray says. `` I've never heard a male say he needed more time off to spend time with family. I hear women say it all the time and make job decisions because of that. Men still are typically the primary breadwinner and are expected to bring in the bulk of income.''...
BALANCING ACT
Generation X fathers strive for harmony
BY CINDY KRISCHER GOODMAN
...At the same time, fathers of Generation X -- the 60 million Americans between ages 25 and 40 -- spend at least an hour a day more involved in their child's lives than the prior generation.
Jason Murray, a shareholder at the Miami law firm Carlton Fields, says he changed his work habits since becoming a father 13 months ago. Murray says he makes an effort to be highly productive at his job as a franchise attorney so he can leave in time to have dinner, shed his suit and become a playmate to his son, Jason.
At a time when American employees are working longer and harder than ever, these Gen X dads refuse to miss out on family activities. And so, they too are discovering that this juggling act is hard work.
''Spending time with my family is important,'' Murray says.
Murray says he doesn't really talk at work about this change in priorities or ask for resources to help with the juggling act. Men just don't do that, he says.
''I think men are afraid,'' Murray says. `` I've never heard a male say he needed more time off to spend time with family. I hear women say it all the time and make job decisions because of that. Men still are typically the primary breadwinner and are expected to bring in the bulk of income.''...
