"The family has suffered at the expense of career in Singapore society. " Is this a fair comment?

The primary factor that leads to the weakening of family ties, is little effort made by the family members in maintaining close ties. Even for working parents, it is hardly possible to be cooped up with work day and night. Thus, saying there is simply no time left for the family, is merely an excuse to divert the responsibility of caring for the family away from oneself.

It may be argued that full-time working mothers do not have sufficient time to interact with their children, as they are at the workplace in the day. What about the weekends, then? Since the implementation of the five-day work week, more family time has been made available. Families now have the time to go out for family outings, or spend the day at home with one another. To have quality time together, however short it is, reminds us that we are loved and cared for by our family. This greatly strengthens family ties. Therefore, it is both not valid and unfair to assume that families suffer as a result of working mothers.

However, it may be pointed out that in certain circumstances, the family may have suffered at the expense of career. For example, working adults may bring their unfinished work home, and on finishing it, no longer have time left to spend with the family. This lack of communication among family members gradually leads to strains in family relations, causing the family to suffer.

Although the above example can be a possible implication of having a career, it can just as well be avoided if working adults are conscious of their responsibility as part of the family, and thus strike a balance between work and family. Hence, it is unfair to comment that the family has suffered at the expense of career.