Pagnan, Lero, and MacDermid Wadsworth (2011) conducted a study in which they examined the costs and benefits of off-shifting in dual-earner couples living in Canada. It is estimated that approximately half of dual-earner couples in Canada have one non-standard work schedule (Pagnan et al., 2011). Many families do not have a choice in having a non-standard work schedule because of job requirements. However, to balance work and family responsibilities, some dual-earner couples choose an off-shifting arrangement. Families choose off-shifting for a variety of reasons, which include: to facilitate childcare needs, more involved parenting, and fitting the constructs of motherhood (Pagnan et al., 2011). When one of the individuals in a dual-earner couple works non-standard hours, childcare options are limited and/or too expensive.…show more content… Previous research studies regarding off-shifting have reported more negative effects on family functioning, work-family conflict, and increase in marital problems; however, some benefits have been an increase in parental care (Pagnan et al., 2011). Therefore, Pagnan and colleagues performed interviews with mothers and fathers who work opposite schedules to identify differences in outcomes for children and families when there is control over off-shifting. The researchers based their findings off of questions regarding the parents decision to off-shift, perceived costs and benefits for the whole family (themselves, spouses, and children), and strategies used for an off-shifting arrangement (Pagnan et al.,