It's simple math. If two qualified job-searchers need part time positions, and an employer has one full-time vacancy, the only missing elements are flexibility and cooperation. This equation, though unusual in today's workforce, has allowed two new mothers in Calgary to share their job responsibilities and still have time to nurture their children at home.

Together, Erin Bacon and Jo-Ann Reynolds are the communications manager in the faculty of fine arts at the University of Calgary, the Calgary Herald reports.

By splitting their work week in half, both new mothers have the unique opportunity to rejoin the workforce, focus on career goals, make some extra money - and still have plenty of time for a home life.

"Job share, definitely, is still alive and popular," says David Knudson, current board member and former president of the Human Resources Institute of Alberta.

He added, "I would say it is quite common. Really, it's driven by the employer's policies."

Bacon’s and Reynold’s employer offers several flexible employment options, allowing workers to gain long weekends by taking on four 10-hour days and letting employees work from home.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2004, a total of 20.7 million workers did some work at home as part of their primary job.