Jane is a marketing director at a technology firm, where she manages a small team, works late, and travels once per quarter. Her husband, Paul, runs his own landscaping business, which often requires working long hours six days a week. (I’ve changed their names and some details.) At the start of their marriage, four years ago, the couple agreed that because they had equally demanding jobs, they each would be responsible for certain chores around the house.
Are Chore Wars at Home Holding You Back at Work?
Wives do more housework even when they’re the breadwinner.
January 19, 2017
![](/resources/images/article_assets/2017/01/jan17-19-128401719.jpg)
New!
![](/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
HBR Learning
![](/resources/images/hmm/Course_Illustrations/Time_Management_Course/topic_landing_page_1400.png)
Time Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Time Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Make smarter, more purposeful choices about how you spend your day.
Learn More & See All Courses
New!
HBR Learning
![](/resources/css/images/hmm/HBR-learning-icon.png)
Time Management Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Time Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Make smarter, more purposeful choices about how you spend your day.
![](/resources/images/hmm/Course_Illustrations/Time_Management_Course/topic_landing_page_1400.png)