Very true - but even in 'low pressure' creative fields that I've worked in in the past, people would rather take a researcher who has just come off a job, than

Very true - but even in 'low pressure' creative fields that I've worked in in the past, people would rather take a researcher who has just come off a job, than one who has spent 4 years looking after children. The assumption is that the 'current' person will be 'better'. I think there is also a covert feeling that those with children (in particular women) will be less wedded to their role. People have been shocked when I've stayed home to look after our sick children, and my wife went into work. This remains a gendered issue.