family and career. Despite their )high salaries and prestigious job titles, Glaser tound that many savvy businesswomen were left wonder- ing, "Is this it?" In response to the increased demands of the workplace, Glaser says that many women are opting to be their own bosses. They're often working at home in order to be more available for their children and spous- es. Increasingly, banks and other lend- ing institutions are looking at women-owned companies as viable business investments, funneling more and more money into start-up busi- nesses created by women. "There are currently more Americans that are employed by women-owned business than there are )by the Fortune 500 companies com- bined," says Glaser. Statistics show that women-owned businesses gener- ated more than 53 billion in sales last year alone. Some of this desire for a better bal- ance between work and family life reflects the new generation now enter- ing the workforce, she says. The so- )called "Generation Xers" were mostly latchkey kids, raised in households with two working parents who spent little time at home. As these children begin working, many of them are making job decisions based on a corn- pany's.commitment to life balance. "Ten years ago, you didn't ask [for] it until you had been in the job sever- \ al years," Glaser notes of the new -)trend. "You were grateful for the job — even flattered." Others are intentionally choosing careers that can be easily adapted to home-based businesses, such as accounting or consulting positions. Already there are nearly 4 million businesses run by women from their homes. Technological advances have enabled both men and women to make their jobs portable, telecom- muting from home or easily taking work with them on the road. Some 60 percent of the 9.2 million Americans who now work from home are women. "It's even more attractive than a promotion or a raise, if you want to be home when your kids come home from school," Glaser says of the new corporate willingness to consider employees' personal lives. "We're see- ing a lot more emphasis put on flexi- bility." But before you think of ditching your current job, there are a number of important factors to consider, she sug- gests. Perhaps most importantly, could you and your family afford the signif- icant drop in income that usually accompanies a major job change? If not, there are ways to explore work that interests you without leaving your current position. "People want control over their lives. They want balance between work and life." le To Save up to Fxoofiv, %mt.! u • 7 T 4 0 4 0 • r-** Vasco( StoolAy, duly 40 Dreg SHOES Orchard Mall Orchard Lake Rd. • N. of Maple W. Bloomfield • 851-5566 "Serving the Community for over 40 Years" — Connie Glaser Volunteer organizations are always in need of people willing to dedicate time to their cause. Many local uni- versities offer evening classes that may help you to better assess whether a new job is right for you. If you have the rime, you migh t even think of working in a new field on a part-time basis during time off from your main job. Glaser recommends those seriously considering making the leap from one career to another begin the process by getting in touch with a career coun- selor who is board certified. Some communities even offer job coaches who help job seekers define their skills and coordinate a strategy for making work changes. - Whether a woman chooses to remain in her existing job or take a chance at pursuing her dream, Glaser says the key to personal success is learning how to maintain a healthy balance between work life and per- sonal life. Rather than remaining married to an unfulfilling job, women should explore other opportunities to branch out and try new things. But remember, as was the case with Brenda Barnes, a decision that is right for one person may not be feasible for another. No matter what direction a woman's career path takes her, it helps to keep work-related things in per- spective. In the infamous words of comedian Lily Tomlin, "The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat." H Dina Fuchs writes for our sister paper, the Atlanta Jewish Times. BILL MEYER JERRY FENBY RENNIE KAUFFMAN HOT ICE SIMONE VITALE FENBY-CARR QUIET STORM ERIC HARRIS-DJ PERSUASION THE JERRY FENBY BAND SUN MESSENGERS SUNSET BOULEVARD FE STEIN TIM HEWITT LOVING CUP nt.Matag„. A.salaMkk‘k, PLEASE CALL FOR A FREE VIDEO APPOINTMENT 240-474-9966 ENTERTAINMENT AGENCY BEST BANDS AND SERVICE IN TOWN MOTOR COACH TOURS AIR AND CRUISE TRAVEL STRATFORD - July 11; 20-21; 23-24; Aug. 6-8; 14; 21-22 thru Oct.1, 2 & 3 days. 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