I’ve often been curious about the data indicating that women earn so much less than men for comparable jobs, and my thought has been that it’s related to being moms. It’s only logical that, once a child comes along, it’s harder to be 100 percent focusing on a career, giving the hours and emotional energy it takes to be a top player. I’ve seen it happen so often with friends and colleagues. As a rare woman psychologist in my town who doesn’t have kids, I’ve earned as much as any man in my field. It’s been a joy to not have to juggle the way I observe my colleagues with children do.

Ellen in Jamaica