Working mothers are judged unfairly not only as workers but also as mothers. Studies have found that employed mothers are seen as more selfish and less dedicated to their children than at-home moms, especially if they are thought to be working because they want to, rather than being forced to in order to make ends meet.23 No wonder just walking out the door in the morning as a working mother can be so fraught. Already, you’re judged as guilty at best, a jerk, or worse. As Joan Williams told me, “You just walk around feeling polluted.”
