The poll results are not surprising - more than half of all responders say they would want to work part-time, but the real question is why is that so hard?

I think it's often really tough to find part-time work in a field where you are working full-time. But perhaps I am wrong to think that and just don't know of enough examples of women who have done it. When I was in finance I always thought that there was no way that I could do that job part-time and I am not aware of any moms who did it, but again, perhaps that's just a reflection of what I didn't know vs what took place.

I think it's hard to work part time for many reasons. Mostly it comes down to money- many families can't afford less than 2 complete incomes. And yes, in many careers part-time work is foreign- they're not set up for people with families (what used to be "set up for women"). And when you're lucky enough to find part time work and afford it, you can feel that you're never doing enough at work- that feeling inspired by your coworkers- or yourself! All of my friends who work part time (all in health care or theater) feel the work is never quite complete.

I agree, it's all about money and health care benefits. Currently I work Full Time w/ a part time business that I am starting up. it's busy, but I know my part time business is going to take off! It really already has. Anything really in Health and Wellness is a find-think of all the baby boomers - follow the trend! It is going to be a Trillion dollar industry.
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Thanks, Carol

I just saw a really good Q&A with a sociologist about this issue on BusinessWeek's Working Parents blog. She talked about how part-timers are often viewed as second-class workers, and that workplace cultural change needs to start at the top to shift that attitude. Part-time folks can be just as valuable and important as those who work more hours.

Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt