Survey Contradicts Myth About Women Executives Most Say They’re Happy And Able To Balance Work, Home Duties

A survey of women business owners and corporate executives debunks recent reports that they are unhappy and unable to balance their personal and professional lives.

The study, conducted for Avon Products Inc., showed that a large majority of women business owners or executives are satisfied with their careers.

“Our findings seem to contradict the prevailing myth of the modern woman whose work situation never seems to measure up to her expectations,” said Nancy Glaser, vice president of Avon Products.

“The reality is that most working women derive a great deal of satisfaction from their careers as well as feel good about their ability to manage the personal side of their lives.”

The survey of 250 women business owners and 222 female Fortune 500 company executives found that 98 percent were satisfied with their career choices and 80 percent reported a healthy balance between their work and personal lives.

In Columbia, Deborah Breedlove, a former teacher and now a financial advisor, says she has the best of both worlds.

“I work for a corporation, but it allows me to set up my own practice,” Breedlove said. “I am an independent contractor for a large corporation (American Express Financial Advisors). A lot of sales positions are like this because you are working your own hours and selecting your own clientele.”

In the survey 67 percent of the women executives think about leaving the corporate world and working for themselves.

The survey, completed in June, was conducted for Avon by Intersearch Corp.

Other survey findings:

64 percent of the entrepreneurs believe running a business is a more promising career choice for young women than working for a corporation. Almost half of the executives agreed.

84 percent of business owners and 81 percent of corporate executives say they are able to maintain a good balance between their careers and personal lives.

“An above average income allows you to do a few more things for yourself and your family,” Breedlove said.

65 percent of entrepreneurs and 74 percent of the executives prefer having more time over more money.

“Time is the most precious asset you can have,” said Sharon Walters Bryant, Columbia city executive with First Union Corp.