The Effects of Domestic Responsibilities on Women’s Career Progression

Picture this: a woman starts her day at 6 am, juggling breakfast preparations, packed lunches, and the school run. By the time she sits at her desk, she’s already run a metaphorical marathon. Her day is punctuated by meetings, deadlines, and a flurry of emails. Yet, as soon as work ends, she’s back to the second shift, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and tackling the endless list of household chores.

This is the reality for countless women across the world. While society has made strides towards gender equality in the workplace, domestic responsibilities remain disproportionately shouldered by women. It’s an invisible weight that silently stifles career progression, limits opportunities, and leaves many women wondering if they’ll ever break free from this double burden.

But why is this still happening in 2025? And more importantly, how can we, as individuals and as a society, address the problem? Let’s delve into the story behind the statistics, explore real-life experiences, and uncover actionable solutions to help women thrive both at home and in their careers.

A Tale as Old as Time

For centuries, society has placed women in the role of primary caregivers and homemakers. Even as women entered the workforce in droves during the 20th century, domestic expectations didn’t shift accordingly. Today, this imbalance persists.

According to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum, women globally spend three times as many hours on unpaid domestic labour as men. This includes childcare, eldercare, cooking, and cleaning tasks that are critical but often undervalued.

The result? Women face what sociologists call the “time poverty trap.” When so much of their energy is spent managing the home, there’s little left for career advancement, networking, or even self-care. It’s no wonder that women are underrepresented in leadership positions across industries, despite being equally (or more) qualified.

The Career Trade-Off

Let’s take a closer look at how domestic responsibilities affect career progression. Women are often forced to make tough choices between pursuing their ambitions and meeting the demands of home life.

Take the case of Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. While she shattered glass ceilings by becoming one of the world’s youngest female leaders, she also faced questions about how she managed her role as a mother alongside her political career. Jacinda’s decision to step down in 2023, citing burnout and the inability to “give everything of herself,” highlighted the immense pressure women face when juggling high-stakes careers and domestic life.

Closer to home, stories like that of Aisha, a marketing executive from Birmingham, are all too common. Aisha was on track for a promotion when her responsibilities as a carer for her elderly mother increased. Unable to keep up with the demands of both work and caregiving, she eventually had to turn down the opportunity. “I felt like I was failing at everything,” she says.

These trade-offs aren’t just personal they have a ripple effect on society. Research by McKinsey & Company shows that companies with gender-diverse leadership perform better financially. So, when women are held back by domestic duties, businesses and economies lose out too.

The Invisible Workload

One of the most insidious aspects of domestic responsibilities is the “mental load.” This refers to the invisible, cognitive effort required to manage a household, remembering doctor’s appointments, planning meals, buying birthday gifts.

Even in households where men share chores, studies show that women are more likely to take on this mental burden. It’s like being the CEO of a company that never sleeps, except you’re not getting paid or recognised for your efforts.

Take Michelle Obama, for instance. Despite her high-profile career and role as First Lady, Michelle has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing work and family life. In her memoir Becoming, she describes how she often felt like she was “carrying the whole family on her back.”

This invisible workload doesn’t just drain energy it creates stress, resentment, and, over time, burnout.

Breaking the Cycle

So, what can be done to address this imbalance? The answer lies in a combination of systemic changes, cultural shifts, and personal strategies.

1. Shared Responsibility

It’s 2025, domestic responsibilities shouldn’t be gendered. Men need to step up and share the load, not just physically but mentally. This means taking initiative, dividing tasks equally, and supporting their partners’ careers as much as their own.

Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have openly discussed their commitment to co-parenting, with Ryan taking breaks from acting to focus on family life. Their example proves that shared responsibility is not just possible,it’s powerful.

2. Supportive Work Environments

Employers have a critical role to play in levelling the playing field. Flexible working arrangements, childcare benefits, and parental leave policies can make a world of difference.

Companies like Spotify are leading the charge with generous parental leave policies that encourage both mothers and fathers to take time off. By normalising shared caregiving, they’re helping to dismantle outdated gender norms.

3. Letting Go of Perfection

Women often feel pressured to “have it all” the perfect career, the perfect family, the perfect home. But perfection is a myth. Learning to delegate, say no, and prioritise self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.

As Reese Witherspoon once said, “You can have it all just not all at once.”

A Future of Equality

While the road to equality is long, progress is being made. Younger generations are challenging traditional gender roles, employers are recognising the value of flexibility, and women are advocating for themselves like never before.

But real change requires collective effort. It’s not enough for women to “lean in” or work harder. Society as a whole, partners, employers, governments must lean in too.

As we move forward, let’s remember that domestic responsibilities are not “women’s work.” They’re human work. And when we share the load, everyone benefits, families, workplaces, and communities alike.

The effects of domestic responsibilities on women’s careers are profound, but they’re not insurmountable. With shared effort and systemic change, we can create a world where women are free to pursue their ambitions without being weighed down by invisible burdens.

So, let’s challenge outdated norms, celebrate progress, and keep pushing for equality. Because when women thrive, we all thrive.

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