Being a Mom Is Enough
That's it?
Before I actually classified my writing as really working from home people would always ask me, “What do you do?”
The reply was always really the same, and simple … “I am a mom.”
Then I would sit on the edge of my seat waiting for the typical ignorant response of … “That’s it?”
Um … That’s it? Don’t you mean … That’s awesome?
Being a mother has had to be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs I have taken on in my life. In the past I have done a lot from being a unit clerk in a hospital, to working in a doctors office… but motherhood is by far so much better.
Is it easier? No way! But it is worth every meltdown, sleepless night, or temper tantrum in aisle three at the grocery store.
When I started working from home it was almost like I didn’t dread being asked in public what exactly I do anymore. “Oh, I write from home for a living,” was much more of an acceptable answer. I didn’t get as many rude comments, or nasty looks. But why?
I mean, is there really something wrong with only being a mom? I really don’t see any problems with women choosing that route in life. I mean it is their life, right?
Have you ever run into something like this?
How did it make you feel?
I actually work outside the home, but by husband is staying home full-time with our 12 week old son, and holy balls, is it hard work! (I know this because I’m just coming back from maternity leave and it’s very fresh in my brain how much effort it takes to keep a baby alive and mostly happy all day long). And we just have ONE. I do not like the side eyes I/we get when we say he’s staying home full time, as if that is somehow not “enough” of a contribution. I think most people who feel this way probably didn’t spend a full-time stretch taking care of a kiddo, don’t have kids at all, or are just judgey people with serious insecurities. I mean, I’m in favor of parents doing whatever they can to make things work for their family, be it a full-time at home parent or daycare or grandma or whatever. I just think that, in general, society should give more credit to people raising kids because it IS a lot of work, however you choose to do it.
Yes and it drives me insane. Or what about the “do you plan on going back to school” or “don’t you want a career”. No thank you raising my children is what I want to do & I am living my dream, thank you very much.
I recently left my law firm job to stay at home, and I have been struggling with this a lot. I think in large part it is my insecurity, as opposed to anyone else’s judgment of “that’s all you do?”. The truth is, this new job I have is MUCH more demanding than my old job. It is all consuming. But I love it, and it is the most important job in the world. I am trying to learn that that is what is important, and not what others view as what is acceptable “to do.”
I’m expecting in Dec, and I do write from home and work on video related projects so I figured I would just use that when needed. But I don’t get it either. I rarely asked new Mom’s what they did, unless it was obvious from things they were saying that they had some sort of office job.
My SIL told me how many people would just say, “Oh, great. How old is he?” and then ignore her for the rest of the party or whatever. I saw it happen in person. A friend of mine asked what she did, and then didn’t talk to her the rest of brunch. Now that he’s a Dad and his wife is a stay-at-home Mom of 2, my SIL keep saying he probably just ignores her.
I’m also a lawyer turned SAHM. I also get lots of ‘way to waste your education, throw away your career’, etc. My husband and I know we are making the best choices for our family. Everyone else can suck it. But I do secretly take solace knowing I am smarter than them
.
I’m due in late December, and it’s already started. I have a B.A. and a B.Ed and I have already been told that my education will have been ‘wasted’ if I don’t find a teaching position. Because obviously, motherhood and education have nothing in common and I will never have a chance to use the skills I picked up in the classroom while raising my children. *headdesk* Never mind the fact that at this point in time, all that is available is supply work, so I would be putting my baby in daycare for a job that isn’t steady, and would probably be spending more on childcare than I would actually be earning as a supply teacher. I know my arts and education degrees will be well used, no matter what the situation. I wish other people (hello extended family!) would understand that.