This morning I was watching the Today show on NBC. Katie Couric was interviewing two women- one felt single, childless people in the workplace are being discriminated against and the other woman said they are not.
As I listened to this debate, I was reminded of something that happened to me a little over a year ago. When something in the office came up and needed to be taken care of which usually involved coming in early or staying late, I noticed that I and another single, childless co-worker were always the first and second to be asked. Since I'm not one to hold my tongue, I told them that just because I'm single and have no children does not mean they can plan on my personal time or assume I'll always agree to do something they should be doing. After that, they extended the invitation for "volunteers" to all co-workers, not just a select few.
In most cases it does take two incomes to sustain a household. We are always preaching "parental involvement". Afterall, children need guidance and the best place to get it is in the home. I want children to grow up to be productive citizens and contribute to society. Afterall, they are future!
So, if they get the sniffles and mom or dad needs to call in sick to take them to the doctor and take sick leave, that is ok. If mom or dad wants to volunteer to go on a field trip and take personal leave, that is ok. In these instances, I don't have a problem helping to pick up the slack. But I do have a problem being dumped on simply because I don't have a husband and/or family at home. Don't my dogs count for anything?!
Single And/Or Childless
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