The Changing Family: Wives Caution: Hazardous Work

Looking for lifelong economic security? Don't bank on homemaking

Pursuing her own career was the last thing on Maureen Zack's mind. She and her husband of 30 years, a Michigan surgeon, had their hands full raising seven children in an affluent Detroit suburb. But eight years ago, their marriage fell apart just as Dr. Zack was beset with financial problems. Suddenly, Mrs. Zack, who had not worked full time outside the home for 18 years, was taking baby-sitting jobs and cleaning offices at night to provide for her family. Four of her children dropped out of college for a while to help pay the bills. "I felt so desperate," she...

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