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Alison Skirtboston

Skirt! Boston editor

Skirt! is evidence that the universe is paying attention: I spent the last six years at mach speed, whether finishing college (Emerson) while writing full time for Boston Globe West (2001-2004) or editing the Boston Parents’ Paper during the day while holding down the steady gig writing for Globe ...

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Detours & OnRamps

Alison, editor

Do you know the difference between flex time and compressed time at work? Does your company allow you to self-manage your career, including taking time off to deal with family situations?

Those were among the topics at yesterday’s OnRamps & Detours Conference yesterday at Bentley College. The LaCava Center was humming with women interested in exploring their options for going back to work after having children or taking time off for additional professional education.

“The Employment Landscape” was one session that opened my eyes to companies – entire industries! -- that may say they’re family friendly but act in a completely different way. Hmm.. .that’s something I could only discuss further if I could write in Urdu because I’m apparently not the first person who was SHOCKED to learn what really goes on behind a facade of roses and gumdrops at some workplaces... (but I’m not in a mood to burn bridges today).

The bright side was seeing how many smart, talented women decided not to put up with the crap anymore and have carved their own niches. One was multi-talented Christine Koh, a former lab researcher who is now a graphic designer and founder of BostonMamas.com. Another was Linda Kagan, an attorney who founded Forms4Parents.com.

The good news was it’s not just new moms who are pushing for changes in policies (that companies are slowly adopting) – plenty of women at the other end of the cycle, caring for elderly parents, are seeking more flexible options as well.

Keynote speaker Carol Fishman Cohen of Newton, author of Back on the Career Track: A Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms Who Want to Return to Work and cofounder of iRelaunch.com, had some great practical advice for returning to the workplace, including info on local colleges and universities that have special programs tailored to the demographic.

Rounding out the stellar event is founder Meghan McCartan, a consummate professional on the scene and mom at home. The next few stops in the conference series are in Washington DC and Richmond, VA, so tell your friends. And remember she’s got a great blog on the Onramps site – a good read  on those days when you think you’re the only one who isn’t doing it right.