I don’t know why, but I’m always surprised when I hear fathers in important positions discuss openly their fears about work interfering with their family. We are so used to mothers bearing the brunt of the work-life balance decision, that we often forget that fathers share that burden as well. Two prominent fathers in the media this week publicly discussed their jobs’ potential affect on their families.

Before Rahm Emanuel accepted the position as president-elect Obama’s Chief of Staff, he seemed conflicted about whether or not to take on this demanding job.

He said, “I have a lot to weigh: the basis of public service, which I’ve given my life to, a career choice. And most importantly, what I want to do as a parent.” And added, “this is not a professional choice. This is a personal choice about what my wife and I want to do for our family, as much as what to do with my career.”

The media often publicizes mothers making those types of statements or being at the focus of such conversations. But in reality, these decisions weigh just as heavily on today’s fathers.

It was reported in People magazine this week that Eriq La Salle left the hit show “ER” “for a stable family life.” Who knew?

I don’t give my husband or other dads credit for enduring the burden of the work-life balancing act as much as moms do. We always play up the struggle of today’s mothers and their jobs, but I personally give little thought to fathers’ struggles as well.

I know in my household, my husband carries the incredible weight of supporting our family, at the expense of spending oodles of time with our son. He has little balance, and we speak of it very little. I guess the end justifies the means in our case, as it probably does with Mr. Emanuel.

But it doesn’t mean that it isn’t tough for today’s fathers. And I could use a little more news reminders now and then.

Moms, do you take your husbands for granted when it comes to work-life balance?