Work, Career and Motherhood: the Outlooks and Dilemmas of Contemporary Women Professionals

Abstract

The case presents the life and career trajectory of Marrie Ometto and outlines decisions surrounding the challenges revolving around career and motherhood. Marrie recalls her dilemma where, after the birth of her daughter and in the midst of various inner conflicts, she seriously considered abandoning her career. Data was collected through two free interviews conducted by the authors with Marrie. Other data that makes up the story came from her book and blog. The case is told from the point of view of the protagonist and proposes that students analyze the decisions and dilemmas faced by today’s professional women in maintaining their careers, while proposing a reflection on the challenges faced by them as regards the equation made up by their profession, maternity and professional qualification. The case also offers the challenge of formulating the necessary premises to evaluate why the difficult balance between personal and professional life is at the root of the dissatisfaction expressed by a large number of women. The results obtained can be discussed in the classroom together with several studies in the field of people management that point to women feeling happier when they can balance their careers with their family lives.