@Nathalie, I think the 3-meals question wasn’t really about food. The rav was probably trying to gauge the husband’s support, which as you noted is essential for any public official (whether male or female).

The comparison you draw between family and business is very interesting. I wonder what would happen if people were to begin writing a family plan before having children, set long and short-term goals, and draw up annual profit and loss statement to check how the “family business” was coming along. On a more serious note, I agree that our families could benefit from certain business management techniques.

At any case , that was not the question. I view family as a business. You need to reach a balance. Pursuing a full fledged carrier is possible in our enlighted ages but it takes a lot of good communication within the family unit and excellent organization skills to provide the infrastructure necessary. Just like any other business decision, before one accepts a new responsibility in the community one needs to assess projected gratification/income/value versus costs and consequent profit. It’s important to consider that family life always changes just like a business does. Sometimes it’s a good time to take risks, sometimes its’ better to wait before implementing bold ideas.

Self actualization is extremely important. If a woman doesn’t feel like she’s being who she needs to be, even if she’s a great mom, her family will suffer. Her family should love and respect her enough to allow her to pursue what makes her feel like she’s part of something more than her little niche of the world.

By nature, I’m a workaholic, but without family, the reason for doing and succeeding seems a bit hollow. Family makes me whole. I need both. I haven’t personally been able to strike a balance myself, but I’m sure that there is one out there.