No. The reward is not having to do two jobs for the same compensation. If you’re childless, your reward is your freedom from this challenging time for working families.

To get to the root of this...You are likely hinting that it is a choice to have kids. But it’s also necessary for society that people have children and take care of them.

Disclaimer: I don’t have kids but might one day.

The GP was suggesting that, due to having children at home, many people will slip on their deadlines. It's natural to ask what happens to people who do not have children.

> You are likely hinting that it is a choice to have kids.

I did not, and my view on having children is not relevant here.

They might slip on their deadlines during a global crisis, or they might just work more than they usually do (childcare and regular work). Childless people will likely naturally move ahead in their careers.

It depends a lot on the nature of your work.

I have a young child and, over the last 4 months, have probably spent less time than ever doing work for my employer.

At the same time, just by having the right idea/insight at the appropriate time, I've probably delivered more value to my employer in the last 2 months than ever before.

I think and hope that the outcome of all this in terms of my career will be a net positive. But I guess time will tell.

Unless a social justice movement prevents it on equity/diversity/inclusion grounds, as has been mooted at my company.

Practically speaking, I bet if someone crunched the numbers in 3 years, they'd find the childless employees had progressed further in their careers in 2020/2021 than the employees with children.

Not directly, but having fewer outside-work responsibilities always leaves more hours in the day to chase a promotion.