NJ’s working moms struggle to balance family, career — Forever 39 Podcast

Join us for next week’s podcast when we chat about leisure time differences between the sexes, plastic surgery trends, and summer fashion faux pas in the workplace.

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Raising a family in New Jersey doesn't come cheap! The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates the average cost to raise a child through age 17 in the United States is a whopping $233,610. If you live in New Jersey, you have to tack on another $20,160. No wonder why there are so many working moms in the Garden State!

And with so many working mothers doing the 9-to-5 grind, mom guilt is a very real thing. A survey done in 2012 by TheLadders.com surveyed 250 working mothers to find out how they manage to hold down a job while simultaneously raising a family. The survey revealed the challenges likely felt by all moms in the workplace, with 87 percent of respondents indicating that trying to balance family and a career is a huge struggle. Over half admitted "excelling at both is overwhelming."

The news isn't all bad though. In fact, working moms in New Jersey have it better than those in other states. A recent report from WalletHub.com ranked New Jersey as the third best state for working moms, thanks in part to day care quality, a strong parental leave policy, and a healthy work-life balance. Nearly 10 percent of the companies listed in Working Mother Magazine's annual 100 best companies for working moms report are located in New Jersey.

Still, despite some of the perks of being a working mom in the Garden State, challenges exist. Are you are working mom that has trouble balancing both a career and a family? Do you experience mom guilt? Let us know by emailing us at forever39@nj1015.com.

Also from this week's Forever 39 podcast — Disney fanatics explain the appeal.  PLUS: Has online shopping changed the way you shop? Click on the podcast player above to hear the entire episode.

Share your thoughts on all of them below, on Twitter, on Facebook or at forever39@nj1015.com.

— Annette and Megan, Forever 39