Editorial opinion

Editor – Amanda Beadman

Imagine reading the following job description in a newspaper: “Wanted: Person to be on-call 24-hours a day, seven days a week, often required to work night shifts, no penalty or overtime rates apply. In case of exhaustion, duties of this position may be outsourced at your own expense.

Zero holiday entitlements apply, no union membership permitted, below award wages for right applicant. You will be bright bubbly and energetic, patient, kind and selfless. Willingness to forgo personal career ambitions is a must.

Those wishing to have a social life or extra-curricular activities need not apply. Workplace not required to comply with OH&S regulations and the applicant’s personal safety is their own concern.

Ideal candidate will be content to work hard without possibility of advancement and will be undeterred by a position offering no superannuation, no holiday bonuses and no tangible performance based incentives.

This role can be messy, physically demanding and the successful candidate will be undeterred by dealing with difficult, irrational behaviour. Must be able to take criticism from the public. Minimum five year contract, non-negotiable.

Ongoing commitments extending for up to 18 years, including on-call requirement and out-of-pocket expenses as required.”

Who would apply for the ‘mum’ position if it wasn’t for the irrational role played by hormones and the biological clock? More maternity leave, for the world’s most important job, would be a small, but significant step in the right direction.