Sex Differences in Delaying Family: Effects on Job and Life Satisfaction

Abstract

Individuals in the workplace can have a difficult time advancing both career and family, and this remains especially true for women. The decision to forego or delay a relationship in favor of advancement at work can have a detrimental impact on satisfaction. A national sample (N = 3504) was examined for sex differences in delaying relationships and the resulting impact on life and job satisfaction. An interaction was found between sex and delaying relationship commitments in relation to pay satisfaction. Men who had not delayed committing to a relationship were significantly more satisfied with pay than those who delayed. However, women did not show this difference. Men and women who delayed a relationship displayed significantly lower levels of life satisfaction. Women also reported lower earnings and more family stress, but also reported higher levels of job satisfaction. Overall, delay of marriage and family can lead a decrease in pay satisfaction, life and family satisfaction and an increase in stress.