I really appreciated your inclusion of the equal pay statstic and showing that, surprise, that underneath the soundbite lies some messy complexity. I honestly wasn’t aware that this was a debated statistic. Also appreciated the link to your previous post on the topic.

I will say, that early on in my own career I didn’t think much about gender differences in the workplace but as I worked harder to advance I did begin to notice subtle but alarming ways that men and women are treated differently, and they add up over time. Not just in my case, but in other cases. My observations led me to realize that there is some work to be done on this front. And this includes pay standards in some instances. You point out that some pretty typical paradigms are at play, that motherhood plays a factor, as does the type of careers women pursue. I don’t have children, and one of the reasons (not the sole by far) that led to that decision was the reality of what that would mean to my career, or how my career would impact raising children. I point it out, because this is not something my husband would have thought about for a second, and he’s no slouch. I do see encouraging signs of men wanting to walk away from that paradigm and being more vocal about their family being as important as their career. It would be interesting to see that become a part of the national conversation as well.

Anyway, interesting point I wasn’t expecting. Thanks again!