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A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling takeout craft beer.More >> A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling takeout craft beer.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods. The Market Square protest was part of a global movement called the March Against Monsanto, with protests held Saturday in more than 250 cities.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> This Memorial Day weekend across the country thousands of people will visit cemeteries to remember those who died in service to America.More >> Hundreds of local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decorated the Knoxville National Cemetery with over 8,000 flags.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >>
By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - There's controversy surrounding the pregnancy of new Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, 37, who's expecting her first child.
Mayer told Fortune Magazine she will only take a few weeks off and work through the rest of her maternity leave. It's a decision that's not sitting well with many working women.
Women are a driving force in the business world today and while careers are important to many, they believe having children is as well.
"I chose to stay home and not work when I had young children. I think a mom's first job is to raise her children. It's the most wonderful job in the world," said Rose Whalen, a mom who lives in Knoxville.
Women in similar, high profile jobs can relate, like Susan Richardson Williams of SRW & Associates. She had children and took time off, but she was not new to her job.
"I felt it was important to have that bonding time. I was fortunate enough to have positions at that time where I was able to do that. It's not to say I didn't make phone calls and checked emails and got my mail sent to me at that point in time," Richardson Williams said.
Anne McKinney, who owns the Anne M. McKinney, P. C. law firm in Knoxville, had a child and took some time off despite her position.
"I had him on a Tuesday and I worked all day Monday. Then I came back to work on Friday after he was born. I didn't work full time immediately. I took two months where I just came in on Fridays," McKinney explained.
Most say it's all about choices and what's best for each woman.
"There was a time not too many years ago when your company didn't give you maternity leave. Now we have options and that's a really good thing," Richardson Williams said.
Many mothers, whether working or stay at home, agreed that having the option to take maternity leave is key, regardless of their opinion on the matter.
In the U.S., women are given 12 weeks of maternity leave. Some can opt to take less. They're not paid days unless they use sick or vacation time.
Some countries offer paid maternity leave.
