Even with a Husband on Parental Leave, Why Am I the Only One Exhausted?

It starts the moment I open my eyes every morning.

Packing the child's school supplies, checking my parents' hospital appointments, taking stock of the refrigerator, and planning next week's menu.

Why am I so exhausted when I am not even doing physical labor?

This endless mental labor had no name.

Researchers call this "planning labor."

The gender gap in execution labor is 2.9 times, while the gap in planning labor is 3.4 times.

It feels like we share the household chores, but why is only one side exhausted? Why does planning still remain the wife's burden even when her husband is on parental leave?

Author Kim Hee-kyung, who wrote This Work Has No Name, explains the reasons why.

From dual-income couples and children who suddenly become caregivers, to parents of children with disabilities walking a path without signposts.

We took a close look at the reality of things we have called "natural duties."

(Reported and produced by Sim Yeong-gu | Edited by Kim In-sun | Filmed by Cha Seung-hwan, Hwang Se-hoe | Designed by Ahn Jun-seok, Cho Seung-hyeon | Assisted by Lee Mi-sun | Interns: Kwon Young-chae, Lim Seo-min | Produced by Knowledge Content IP Team | Production Support: Whale Books)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.