When your significant other is ‘Work

For millions, the single, career-driven life is the way to go. Maybe it’s a phase, maybe there’s a higher calling, but for many, having a family or even a serious relationship is not a current priority.

The Families and Work Institute reports that women’s reported workweek rose to 44 hours from 39 in 1977, with men at 49.9 from 47.1. People are working longer hours not because they have to, but because they want to – and researchers say there’s no health risk under those conditions. It’s not that people with families should work more, but that people without such obligations should not only be free to do so, but supported.

How?
– Design our communities so a woman working until 10 pm feels safe walking home, to her car, or transit. Walkable communities are ideal for this – just watch the pedestrian rush hour in Boston’s residential North End or Dupont Circle in Washington DC.
– Establish broadband WiFi everywhere, like in San Diego.
– Since more people are working at home, build more residences that accomodate live-work, as well as a ‘full-service neighborhood’ that embraces their needs (more on this tomorrow).

How are you or people you know handling longer workdays? Comment below…

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neilkt