Dual-career marriages and families are common, and is one in which both heads of the household pursue careers and at the same time to maintain a family life together. One of the biggest benefits is the economic reward it brings; when there are two incomes coming into the household, it makes paying bills and obligation easy. However, there is much negativity that follows. Maintaining a relationship can be a challenge for couples with high-powered and demanding careers, but the advantages provide some motivation.
A dual-career relationship allows both partners to explore career opportunities that may not be possible without the support of a spouse. For example, one partner can pursue a position that does not pay well to gain experience and expertise in a field without worry about household bills and living expenses. Both partners have an opportunity to explore the possibilities in their chosen professions with the advantage of a dual-paycheck household.
Dual-career marriages also have increased financial benefits. Both spouses bring an income into the household, providing financial benefits for both. The dual-career relationship allows the couple to invest the household earnings, purchase a home and provide for children. They also spend less on utilities on average because there are less household members in the family during the day.
The division of household duties is major issue for most dual worker couples. It is said that 80 percent of couples, women perform 70 to 80 percent of household chores. However, attempts to protect a traditional division of duties eventually create an overload situation for women. At the same time, men who have been raised in traditional homes may struggle with a more equal distribution of household duties which could be seen as evidence of a lack of leadership in the home.
In a dual-career marriage, partners often have a difficult time finding opportunities to volunteer in schools or take their children special places during the week due to their work schedules. They are restricted by their employers on the amount of time that they can take off of work as well so they may have to rely on babysitters or family members to do things such as take the children to scheduled appointments such as the doctor or dentist.