What to Expect from the Unexpected in Work and Family Life

Chapter 8 introduces the more common life disruptions working mothers may experience. These disruptions include navigating one’s own health and well-being, managing situations with one’s children or spouse, and responding to unexpected caregiving responsibilities with one’s extended family. Unfortunately, these disruptions occur more frequently than most women expect, which is why this chapter is particularly important. We explore life disruptions that relate to the working mother herself, her nuclear family, and her extended family as we introduce ways women can get support at home and at work to manage these disruptions. We hope that by raising the unexpected and sometimes undiscussed aspects of navigating work and life, we can help working mothers become a bit more prepared for tackling these unexpected transitions.