In the early hours of a weekday morning, millions of American workers embark on their daily commutes, a ritual that shapes not just their days but their careers and family lives. For mothers, this journey often carries an outsized cost, exacerbating the gender wage gap in ways that extend far beyond simple pay disparities. Recent research highlights how longer travel times disproportionately hinder women’s professional advancement, particularly after childbirth, forcing tough choices between family responsibilities and career opportunities. As remote work options fluctuate in a post-pandemic world, the commute emerges as a critical factor in understanding why women, especially mothers, continue to earn less than their male counterparts. READ MORE