Is running your own business the answer to a good work/life balance?

The continued existence of discrimination against women who take maternity leave has been brought to the forefront by the launch of The Alliance against Pregnancy Discrimination in the Workplace. This campaign was launched last month in response to the sharp increase reported in the number of women losing their jobs during pregnancy or maternity leave .

According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission, about 30,000 women lose their jobs as a result of pregnancy every year. And it’s feared this number will increase during the recession with many mothers-to-be reportedly being first in line to be considered for redundancy.

Pregnancy and maternity leave are seen as huge barriers to women progressing to senior levels of business. We need to question why women are still in danger of being sidelined, missing out on promotion, being made redundant or having their commitment doubted for having a baby. Surely women don’t have to choose between their career or a family? It’s possible to do both, but how many women actually get the opportunity and support within their workplace to do it?

Juggling family and work commitments is common for many mothers and fathers too. And often, having your own business can mean more flexibility. However, conversely starting up your own business is extremely hard work and many treat it like their baby, with little time to do anything else.

So what are your views and experiences on pregnancy and maternity leave with regard to your career? And if you have your own business, do you find it a more or less flexible set up?