Readers weigh in on work-life balance

Share your thoughts and see what other readers are saying.

Making time for both work and family is always a challenge. But in surveys of graduates of Harvard and the University of Chicago, Claudia Goldin and Lawrence Katz find that financial-sector workers have the hardest time striking this balance—even compared to workers in fields with reputations for being demanding, such as medicine and law. Goldin says students should keep these findings in mind when weighing career choices. We're asking our readers:

Did you consider work-life balance in choosing your first job? How have these concerns affected your career choices since?

We hope you'll join the conversation by leaving a comment below. (This discussion is moderated, so your comment will not appear immediately.)

Most popular

What Trump Means for John Roberts’s Legacy

Executive power is on the docket at the Supreme Court.

Summers Takes Leave Amid Harvard Probe

Previously undisclosed Epstein links to Harvard affiliates leads to a University review.

FAS Cuts Science Ph.D. Admissions By Half

Backing off plans for more drastic reductions, the division still faces a long-term deficit.

Explore More From Current Issue

Map showing Uralic populations in Eurasia, highlighting regional distribution and historical sites.

The Origins of Europe’s Most Mysterious Languages

A small group of Siberian hunter-gatherers changed the way millions of Europeans speak today.

Three book covers displayed on a light background, featuring titles and authors.

Must-Read Harvard Books Winter 2025

From aphorisms to art heists to democracy’s necessary conditions 

Two small cast iron pans with berry-topped desserts, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside lemon slices.

Shopping for New England-made gifts this Holiday Season

Ways to support regional artists, designers, and manufacturers