Sharyn Orr Maldonado

Do working Moms really see Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer as a role model? By now most have heard about her acceptance of the position with Yahoo, followed by her announcement that she is expecting. While the concept of a working mother is certainly not a new one, what is surprising in this situation, is her statement that she will take a few weeks for maternity leave and will work through those.

This statement doesn't sound like one made by a person I would encourage my daughter to admire or aspire to emulate. This idea that she would put her job first over her child, whom she has chosen to bring into the world sounds irresponsible and selfish. While Ms. Mayer may be educated, she has no idea what it takes to raise a child.

Ambition is good and career goals are truly important for all young people. Would it make sense for Ms. Mayer and other executive women, who want to have a family, to reach their career goals and arrange their schedules to be less available on the job, if they work at all, while raising children? One would imagine with the benefit of a good education, planning time for a child would have been a consideration, since statistically, the majority of working mothers do so as a necessity, not a choice.

Anyone who has worked while raising children knows it is a constant juggling act, in which there is no way to achieve perfect balance. Working mothers are required to shift focus and sacrifice one priority for another, throughout the day, every day. Everytime a person says "yes" to anything requiring their time and attention they are also saying "no" to another. In this case, based upon her statement, it appears she will say no to her child.