As the recession takes its toll on the finances of families across the country, more mothers are foregoing staying at home full-time and going back to work, Fox News reports.
Men’s careers have been the hardest hit by economic downturn, as they held 72 percent of jobs lost since the recession. As a result, many families have come to rely on a dual income and 40 percent of American households survive solely on a woman’s earnings, according to the media outlet.
However, even mothers who obtained higher education before starting their families are having trouble getting part-time work, as they are competing with younger workers whose qualifications are more finely tuned.
Mothers who have not participated in the labor force for a long period of time have a disadvantage in a competitive job market “because they have interrupted their careers and their skills are getting rusty,” Pam Stone, a sociology professor at Hunter College in New York, told Fox News.
Working moms may enhance their qualifications by entering online courses to update their skill sets and remain competitive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 78.3 percent of college graduates who chose to work were employed last year.
May 5, 2010
I am a working mom who has never gone to school after highschool. How do I find out if I will be able to handle college courses?
December 26, 2010
I had a great job working in a senate office and then I got married, had a couple of kids. Now I am divorced and need to go back to work. Would you suggest that I go back to school and take some renew my skills.
December 26, 2010
I have my bachelors degree and have just lost my job. I have been considering going back to school for my masters degree to enhance my eligibility for hire. Can I take the necessary courses online?
December 26, 2010
I have my bachelors degree and had a really good job, but was just laid off. I am thinking about going back to school for a masters degree. Can I take my classes online?
February 21, 2011
I’m a single mother raising two kids and balancing my family priorities with my job. How flexible are online courses?
February 21, 2011
Hi Miriam. Online courses are very flexible and you can design your schedule to fit around your needs as a parent.
March 4, 2011
Some single moms I know are going back for their education in this economy to help support the household. It’s wonderful to know that there are opportunities for people to go back to school without having to sacrifice their family life.
March 16, 2011
Hi Leo. Many masters degree programs are available online. Go here for more information on what masters degree programs are available to you.
April 14, 2011
Hey Leo. There are many masters degree programs available online. Is there a specific area of interest you were looking for?