According to a recent survey, 32,000 women left their jobs in the past year, not because they didn’t want to work but because it didn’t pay to do so. I nearly choked on my Sunday-night-cheese-&-crackers-in-front-of-Downton when I read this. So, we’ve got thousands of workers leaving their jobs every year because they can’t afford to work. Having stepped off the ladder, they can’t get a footing back on because the world’s moved on and THEN they are made to feel like they should be able to launch an insanely successful business from their kitchen table.
The other day, my 2yo daughter trotted past the kitchen door pushing her ‘baby’ in a buggy. I asked her where she was going. ‘To work,’ she said. A tiny part of me was proud (the other part guilty, obviously). I just hope things change by the time she’s doing the maths.
Current white in the fridge: Aspen Estate Pinot Grigio, 2011, £4.99, Majestic
Given how many ‘light’ versions of food are on the market (although I’d rather go for the full-fat version, just *ahem* less of it) there are surprisingly few relatively lower alcohol wines on the market. Sometimes, you just don’t want the heat or the hangover of a 14%-er. This one is a delicate little number at 11%, light on the palate too with easy citrus fruit and a twang of tangerine to boot. Goes perfectly with the peace and quiet of post-smalls’ bedtime.
Current red on the side: Rio del Bio Bio Pinot Noir, 2009, £4.74, Tesco
With such a fabulous name, this wine came with expectations. Happily, it delivered. Made from the Pinot Noir grape this is a ripe, smooth red with definite Pinot character (raspberry, spice) albeit with the sound turned up compared with Pinot Noir from its homeland in Burgundy, France. Chile is a hot country by and large but the Bio Bio region in the south is cooler, with strong winds and more rain than most. Call it a labour of love, but one that is clearly paying off for those who’ve decided to make Pinot Noir down there. Consumed with Spaghetti Bolognese and a lovely match they made too.
Hi ho x
About to give up my full time job to go part time because I can't afford the childcare to enable me to work full time anymore. bonkers I know, but reality….. time for a glass of wine 🙂
Anon – honestly, it sucks…*passes glass*
One of the ongoing topics at our dinner table.. Whenever he moans about bankrolling our life, I offer to go back to work. It never happens because childcare is just too bloody expensive for three children. Rock & hard place.
BM x
Great post. So true. I gave up a well paid part time job because the commute to London wasn't compatible with the nursery run. Now I'm struggling to launch a kitchen table business, my husband's paying for everything & I feel like a failure. It all feels better after a glass of red though. *raises glass for re-fill*
Bigger did that recently – announced that she was off to the train station to go to work so she could earn money to buy a magazine… I was so proud!
But yes, it's ridiculous that women who want to work are being priced out of the employment market – utterly nuts
What gets me is that when you are on maternity leave everyone expects you to come up with some brilliant idea for making loads of money, when your main ambition is to have a full nights sleep – there's just constant pressure. If JK Rowling could do it…
Just found this article on being Superwoman http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2011/sep/17/superwoman-motherhood-careers-zoe-williams
Bush Wife – what you said x
Boat Wife – clever you…off to read article
Muddling – I know, was so funny to see her toddling off 'to work'…
Claire – Exactly! JK raised the bar somewhat.