Work, Study and Family: The Balancing Act of Professional WomenPaperback, 21 June 2009

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of balancing career goals and family among Jamaican professional women and to ascertain their perceptions regarding their academic institution's support. The study surveyed 237 professional women who were studying with a family. Four hypotheses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The findings revealed no significance in the level of importance they place on advancing their career goals and their perceptions of the challenges that exist in being a wife and having a job. No significant difference was found among Jamaican professional women's perception of the family support they receive as it relates to balancing family life and career goals. Finally, the findings revealed that there is a significant difference in the perception of students across the campuses concerning the unavailability of after school child care services. This study will add to the body of research and will help therapists, employers and school administrations understand the challenges that these individuals are faced with, thus seek to strategize and find solutions to help this large majority.