Two Jobs, No Life: Learning to Balance Work and Home

Debbie Fyfe is the reference/Internet resources librarian in the
Information Services Division of the Edmonton Public Library.

Dr. Peter Marshall is an Ontario psychologist and father of four who has
written several successful books on families and parenting. In Two Jobs,
No Life, he explores the challenge that most parents have to deal
with—being a good parent, being a good employee, and being good to
themselves.

According to Marshall, the days of Ward, June, Wally, and the Beaver
are long gone and replaced by daycare, absenteeism, and feelings of
immense guilt. In the past 50 years, the look of the average household
has changed dramatically; 90 percent of adults are now employed outside
the home. Many parents struggle to keep up with unrealistic expectations
of what a home life should be. Should someone stay home with the kids?
Who will take care of the house when both parents are working? When do
we get to have some fun?

Marshall offers a sensible but lighthearted approach to setting
practical expectations for busy families and provides readers with
simple coping strategies. Topics covered include: daycare and why
parents feel guilty about letting someone help raise their children; how
we can renegotiate gender roles to better suit our own skills and needs;
time management and stress relief in a busy family; how to cope with a
young family and aging parents; and how to “redesign” work
situations for a better fit between work and family life (examples are
provided). The book is well-organized and thoroughly researched and
includes suggestions for further reading.