Juggling for the dual career couple: Strategies for maximum job satisfaction

1. Juggling for the dual career couple: Strategies for maximum job satisfaction Marilyn J. Cipolla, PhD Associate Professor Departments of Neurology, Ob/Gyn and Pharmacology University of Vermont College of Medicine

2. Dual Career Couples • 80% of the workforce is comprised of dual earner couples • Women represent 60% of the workforce • Presents both unique opportunities and challenges to the family and the workplace

3. Dual Career Couples • Compared to their counterparts, dual career couples have a greater commitment and a higher level of training • Both partners are typically more self-reliant and self-sufficient • Both partners seek steady advancement and personal and professional satisfaction

4. Dual career couples: The benefits • You and your partner understand each other’s challenges well • Both are usually passionate about the same things • Ability to understand and help each other through the rough spots • Flexibility and compromise can open up new pursuits and challenges

5. Dual career couples: The stressors • Disagreements can arise over: • When or if to have children • What part of the country to live • How to balance work, family and play

6. Stressors for the dual career couple – The “trailing” spouse • One partner experiences less professional success than the other, especially if that partner has made significant sacrifices for the sake of the other’s career, can build resentment

7. Stressors for the dual career couple – Living together vs. living apart • If living apart is not an option, then one or both partners may have to take less than optimal positions • Living apart may provide more options, but other stressors arise: • Financial (two rents/mortgages, travel expenses, etc.) • Stress on the relationship/family/children

8. Stressors for the dual career couple – Living together vs. living apart • Shared positions may be a compromise • More flexibility • Less stress and time of two jobs • Downside is less income - may not be an option in some areas (Boston, NYC, SF)

9. Improving your chances of finding two jobs in the same locationHard work, patience and a little luck • Both partners need to be competitive in the job market • Location does matter – a large city or large university may provide greater opportunity • Staggering careers may help - internships or postdocs can be easier to find than a more senior position

10. Improving your chances of finding two jobs in the same locationHard work, patience and a little luck • Flexibility is important – the more restrictions put on professional opportunities, the harder it will be • Different skill sets and diversity of interests helps, i.e., don’t compete with each other • Don’t wait to tell the search committee about your partner’s need for employment

11. Dual career couples: Some solutions • Support from universities is still limited, but some have recognized the need to place partners for recruitment and retention of quality faculty • Some institutions provide regional job listings – these are postings, not placement services • Better yet, some institutions have a network for dual career couples to help with job placement, child care, and counseling

12. Dual career couples: Some advice • Communication is a must • What does each partner want and when? • Keep checking in! • Decisions and planning • Be flexible and plan short-term and long-term strategies • Support from family and friends can be helpful, especially if living apart • Outcome will ultimately result from the decisions made