Feeling guilty about work accommodating you as a mother, how to tell a friend you're not their therapist & the best way to push back against people who claim inequality in the workplace is a myth.

This week, in the Dear Clementine inbox: 

• I wanted to ask your thoughts on flexible working for mothers and caregivers. I'm currently on maternity leave from a job that I enjoy, with a company I value and respect. After an honest conversation with my manager, they said they would be willing to look into a job share in order for me to return to the role and work the part-time hours I want. I initially dismissed this thinking that again, it wouldn't be fair to complicate things and I'd be better off leaving. But, if I'm removing myself from the workplace because I don't want to inconvenience others, am I not just another woman taking a hit to their career because they've chosen to have children? 
   
• My friend has been going through some serious family issues which has really taken on a toll on her mental health. I am finding for the past year our catch's ups have largely been her venting about her life with very little consideration of what I am going through. How do I speak to her about this without hurting her or completely ruining the friendship? Or should I not bother speaking to her about it and let the friendship go? 
   
• I was really put out the other day when I heard my family talking about the fact that “all was ok on the equality space in workplaces”. I am a nurse who works part time to care for our 2 children. I can never take over the full-time work duties as my wage will never pay for our mortgage. There will always be a power imbalance in our home. I simply couldn’t put it any more succinctly and felt they didn’t get it! How can I explain how it really is to them?  

If you have a question for Clementine, send an email to [email protected]

CREDITS
Executive Producer: Edwina Stott
Audio Production: Adrian Walton
Managing Producer: Elle Beattie

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