But the more I thought about it, the more I came to believe in the value of a “meternity” leave — which is, to me, a sabbatical-like break that allows women and, to a lesser degree, men to shift their focus to the part of their lives that doesn’t revolve around their jobs.
“which is, to me, a sabbatical-like break” – You mean, kind of like a vacation? Many (non-entry level) jobs and most careers include ‘vacation time’ which the employee accrues on a month by month basis. Depending on the workplace, this is earned at a rate somewhere roughly between 0.5 days and 2.5 days per month.
“that allows women and, to a lesser degree, men” – Equality! F~~~ yeah!
“It seemed that parenthood was the only path that provided a modicum of flexibility.” – Standard “Maternity leave” duration; 1mo-6mo, average 3mo. Standard “Paternity leave” duration; 3-7 days. Now, I can understand women getting a bit more time in this event, as there bodies often need to physically heal from the rigors of childbirth (especially in the event of a cesarean section). But, even still.. Equality! F~~~ yeah!
While both men and women would benefit from a “meternity” leave after a decade or so in the workforce, the concept is one that would be especially advantageous for women. Burnout syndrome is well-documented in both sexes, but recent research suggests that women may experience it at greater rates; researchers postulate that it’s because women (moms and non-moms alike) feel overloaded by the roles they have to take on at work and at home.
“While both men and women would benefit from a “meternity” leave after a decade or so in the workforce, the concept is one that would be especially advantageous for women.” – Most standard workplaces allow employees to begin accruing vacation days after the 90 day mark of employment. If you, the employee, have not chosen to exercise your right to use those vacation days, that is not the fault of the employer. Similarly, why do women need this more than men? Oh, because women need special treatment, right?
“Burnout syndrome is well-documented in both sexes, but recent research suggests that women may experience it at greater rates” – Citation please?
“Bottom line: Women are bad at putting ourselves first.” – BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I’m pulling your BS card.
As for me, I did eventually give notice at my job and take a “meternity” of my own. I may not have been changing diapers, but I grappled with self-doubt for the year and a half that I spent away from the corporate world. And I grieved the loss of my dad, who had just died after a long illness. But a “meternity” done right should be challenging. It should be about digging into your whole life and emerging from it more confident in who you are.
“I may not have been changing diapers, but I grappled with self-doubt for the year and a half that I spent away from the corporate world.” – Nobody is/was forcing you to work in a corporate environment, first off. And secondly, if your “self-doubt” is so severe that you cannot function in a workplace environment, we do have this thing called Social Security (SSI and SSD). Maybe you’ve heard of it. However, such services only exist for those who have (well) documented proof of disability, be it either physical or mental.
“And I grieved the loss of my dad, who had just died after a long illness.” – So, something like “Bereavement leave”? While no actual law exists to ensure an employee may take time off for the death of a family member, most employers (especially in corporate fields) still grant such leave to employees who have experienced a recent death in the family. The employee merely needs to request it.
Mr. Spock 3 years, 9 months ago.
