lifestyle

Why "leaning out" at work is a terrible idea.

Thanks to our brand partner, McDonalds
Leaning in so hot right now.

I lean in all the time. Into my coffee. Into my pillow at about 10:30pm.  And at work with my best mate Lucy.  Check the angle on this shit. That is some fierce leaning.

Ever since Sheryl Sandberg coined the phrase, meaning we need to keep our foot on the accelerator, women everywhere have put their noses to the grindstone.

But in a world where leaning in at work has come to mean just doing more work, more hours, more often, is it counterproductive?

This week Mia Freedman wrote an incredible piece that said we badly need to have another conversation.  About leaning BACK. Not out, just back.

But when you scale back your career to raise a family, why is that considered “leaning out”? It’s certainly not any easier.

This week on the Mamamia Out Loud Podcast, Susan Carland, Mia Freedman and Monique Bowley discuss the one big mistake that women make:

 

Or, you can listen to the full episode here:

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Podcasts are free and they’re the best way to catch up on what everyone’s talking about while you get on with the rest of your day.

If you’re still new to the idea, here’s the best way to get them on your phone. Have a listen, leave a review, and come over to the Facebook page and tell us what you think!

Do you agree that women should never lean out?

Top Comments

Chillax 9 years ago

It all boils down to your priorities. And if you have children what sort of life you want them to live.
Some people are perfectly happy working 8 hours a day and putting their 6 month old baby into care or with a nanny. Some could never do that. Some genuinely GENUINELY have no choice. That means eating and having a roof over their head, not paying for the BMW and a new LV handbag each year.
Make your choice and own it but don't choose to lean in and then tell the women who choose to lean out that its a bad idea. Unless you're prepared to hear why they think leaning in is a bad idea.
Funny that, you can tell a woman not working is bad for them but tell a working woman that isn't great for their kids it's judgemental And insensitive.

rebecca 9 years ago

Why did it have to be working 8 hours a day or nothing. This is what annoys me. I don't think that mia or any one is saying women should work horrendous hours and neglect your kids. Staying in touch with the work force doesn't have to be long hours. But j agree that telling women who cost to stay at home or is a tertible idea is just patronizing.