Last week's article wasn't the first time that the New York Times looked at what it sees as women's retreat from the job market. What caught my eye this time was that the accompanying photo was of a "technology executive" (OK, former) looking anything but cutting edge. You have to wonder. Given that parity in education, at least in the U.S., is a given, or close to it, you can't fault preparedness. But it still is acceptable for a married woman to opt out of the workforce, especially if she's also a parent. It is not acceptable for a man: how many househusbands do you know? Even the word sounds a little strange.

But the grand thing about the Internet is that we all could be staying home—at least those of us not involved in 'grip-and-grin' professions that require 'face time.' Even teaching, which used to require a physical classroom, with a blackboard and chalk, inside a brick building with lockers and waxed floors and metal detectors, now requires a computer and Internet connection, videocam optional. Even Congress agrees, having decided to allow students at virtual colleges to qualify for federal financial aid.

Yes, we all make choices in our lives. But isn't success as much a matter of prioritizing as of skill, determination, and luck? Isn't it better to stop whining about how tough life is and just get on with it? Have well-educated middle-class-and-up women became as spoiled by a sense of entitlement as your average welfare recipient? So what's so tough about doing it all if you put your mind to it? - zander