Spit-up On My Shoulder

A recent study found that married women do about one less hour of housework per week for every $7,500 they earn as full-time workers outside the home, regardless of the husband’s income.

I found the study’s conclusions interesting, but was surprised about the following comments from women in the article:

“It’s not about the paycheck for me and I’m guessing it never would be,” said Harriet Rogers. “Income and housework don’t have any connection at all in my mind.”

Wendy Mazza, who says she does as much housework as she did when she was earning less, said, “No matter how much money I make, nothing is going to change the responsibilities I have waiting for me at home … Even if I made $100,000 a year, I wouldn’t change what I think needs to get done.”

Call me crazy, but, if I made more money (which often translates to more demands on your time), I’d hire more housecleaning help (I currently have three hours of biweekly cleaning help) or lower my standards. When I read these two women’s comments, I thought–when do these women have a moment to themselves? Are they good about self-care? My guess is not.

What about you? Do you agree with the women quoted in the article? Do you think more income would change your willingness to hire help, or your cleaning standards?

Scroll down the left-hand column to my article Housework or Your Life under Articles by Melanie for more on hiring household help and life balance.