When COVID-19 hit, some commentators hailed it as an opportunity to revolutionise gender roles in heterosexual couples. But as public life froze overnight and homes became schools, daycare centres and offices, mothers have been placed under more pressure, not less. Our new study on workers in the United States shows that in the first months…
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I have spent the better part of my twenties working 80-hour weeks on an endless cycle of corporate deals. It is at 3am during one of these weeks of sleep deprivation that I realise I need a new hobby. Something to relax. Something that doesn’t involve waking up at 5am, riding a bike and sweating…
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The ‘joys’ of motherhood are undoubtedly lost on me. The inverted commas that I have deliberately and strategically placed around ‘joys’ say it all. Mind you, I have never experienced being a mother for myself, so of course I wouldn’t know. But I have my conspiracy theories. I have heard too many horror stories…
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There are a few distinctive events in life that have become inextricably linked in my imagination with their depictions in film and television. Fantasies of summer holidays, first dates, road trips or international travel always play out as picturesque montages with uplifting scores and glorious sunsets. Naturally, said daydreams gloss over (i.e. exclude completely) the…
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Superannuation isn’t something that most young people think about. It’s that little bit of money from our pay cheques that we can’t touch until we’re old. To those on casual rates, students, or those new to the workforce, accessing your super seems, and is, a long way away. But a new study by Deloitte suggests…
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When I was younger I was unashamedly optimistic. I heard phrases such as ‘you can be anything you want to be’ and ate them right up, certain that this was how the world worked. My parents encouraged me wholeheartedly, telling me every day that I was going to be something. And I believed them. And…
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A little while ago, I wrote about my secret ambition to one day own and run a small business. Although for me that’s still a pipedream, I’m lucky to know an inspiring young woman who has realised that ambition for herself. Ruby Barnett is now the proud owner/manager of a boutique vintage store, Frith St,…
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It happened on May 8th this year and I don’t know how. I didn’t think it would happen but it couldn’t be avoided. Now I can no longer tick the box on surveys, questionnaires and other data collecting forms that says ’18-24′. I can no longer answer ‘early 20s’ when asked how old I am….
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When I had my job interview at my current school, one of the big selling points was that 30% of the teaching staff was under 30. For me, that symbolised fresh ideas, innovation and a youthful, fun working atmosphere. A couple of years down the track I’m about to leave the 20s club, and I…
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Armageddon kicked off with intentions, recycled promises from magazines, friends or inspirational quotes, dredged up on creativity breaks, iTunes open and credit card ready. I intended to contribute online over the break, assuming the quiet life restricted my activities to a kind of socialised hermitage, emerging every so often bleary eyed and nerdy. Prior my…
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Girls Dominate HSC Results This week, final HSC results in NSW showed that female students have dominated the HSC first course awards. First Course awards are given to students with the top score of each subject who have achieved overall academic results within the top band. Around two-thirds of the award recipients were girls. You…
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I’m uncertain. How to introduce myself? One usually extends a hand or smiles shyly, measuring tone and temper, testing the deep end before taking a running dive. A keyboard sequesters my hands, lyrics roll from my lips (Adelaide – Old 97’s) and I prefer the pool steps to avoid upper-wardrobe malfunction. I’m settling, instead, for…
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The other day a friend asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. It was said somewhat tongue in cheek, as we both do think of ourselves, however wrong we may be, as grown up already. But neither of us has embarked on a career as yet. And to be honest, neither…
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Recent reforms and policy decisions related to maternity leave may be to the delight of women throughout Australia, but new research shows that such policies do not overcome the serious wage toll suffered by women who decide to take time off work in order to be the primary carer of a child. Paid parental leave…
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