Now before you get offended at my title, a statement, if I may: Every mom is a working mom. Cliche or not, being a mom is the hardest job in the world; why do you think nannies and daycare charge so much? It’s the job that you never get to clock out of. In fact, a mother has multiple jobs: caretaker, chef, baker, maid, and entertainer just to name a few. So I really do mean it when I say I have immense respect for all mothers, whether they stay at home, own their own business or go out into the working world.
However, as mentioned in the title, this one is for the working moms. I have recently returned to work as an on call beauty advisor for Macy’s. I chose this particular position because it doesn’t require heavy commitment and I can create my own schedule. I am not yet at the point where I’m comfortable leaving my ten month old daughter with anyone other than her father, so being able to easily schedule my hours around his work week is absolutely ideal.
I decided to return to work for several reasons. As someone who has been financially independent most of my life, it’s been a difficult adjustment for me to ask for money from my boyfriend; for any reason. I wanted to be able to pay for at least my own necessities and desires; such as beauty supplies and nails. After much thought, I came to the conclusion that me returning to work is something that could be healthy for all of us. It could possibly lift some weight off of Chad’s shoulders being the sole provider, it could teach Athena that when I leave I’ll always return, it could give Athena and her dad close bonding time, and it would be healthy for me to have time out of the house on my own. After reaching this notion, I decided the right position for me would be the on call position, for the reasons I listed.
My plan has been and still is to work a maximum of 15 hours per week, especially until Athena adjusts to the new routine. That being said, I still pretty much feel like a stay at home mommy, given that I don’t work very often. After my training was finished, I didn’t even work for three weeks! That all changed this weekend. Today is my third consecutive day of work and I am admittedly wiped out! Last night after I got home I looked at my boyfriend and said, “How do they do it? How do so many moms work full time, or even more, and then come home and are mom too?”
He answered, “Because they have to”. His answer, although simple, was completely accurate. Before I offend someone, I know there are plenty of mothers who simply enjoy their careers, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Moving on, I think it’s fair to say that many mothers return to a (possibly) demanding job (or work several jobs) to support their family, whether they be single or have a spouse. I think it’s safe to assume those moms would much rather be spending their time with their child(ren), but providing is something that must be done.
I am writing this entry for a simple reason: to tip my hat to you working mothers. If nobody ever tells you, just know that you’re admired and looked up to. You’re hardworking, selfless, strong, and commendable. As I have said, I do not really consider myself a working mother, as I don’t work very often, but in this last weekend I have learned what working moms have to go through on a daily basis.
They have to say goodbye to their babies that are probably crying or holding onto their ankles for dear life to stop them from leaving. They have to be away from their babies for hours at a time, usually without being able to check on them every hour like they probably want to. They could be missing milestones, or their child learning new things at school; all things they would cherish witnessing or being a part of. Many times, they don’t get to tuck their children in or read them a bedtime story; they come home and their babies are fast asleep. They do all this for the greater good of making sure they can build a better future for their children.
To the mothers that have the privilege of staying home with your loved ones, never take it for granted. We are a lucky bunch, and although we are all united in being mothers as being our number one job, not everyone is blessed with having that be their only job. Imagine having to miss first words, first steps, the first day of school, and/or holidays. Going back to work has opened my eyes and given me such a new appreciation for my spouse and daughter.
On a quick side note, a friend of mine posted a link to a blog where a woman wrote about having more appreciation for your spouse that works and provides for the family. I am so guilty of not appreciating my boyfriend and his sacrifices, often because I am so set on thinking of the sacrifices I’ve made. I have often felt that I am much more in need of a break, I deserve a nap more, I deserve to sleep in, because I have the job that never quits. But what about him and his sacrifices? He had to miss the first time she said “Mama” and her first official crawl. This article, which I will post a link to below, really helped put things into perspective, as has returning to work.
Getting back to topic at hand; not that I didn’t before, but I definitely have a newfound respect to all the working moms out there. You rock, and you deserve to know it. So if no one tells you that, I’m telling you now. Keep on trucking my beauties, you’re killing it!
Here’s the link to the article I was talking about:
http://theoverwhelmedmommy.com/blog/mommy-blogger-to-the-working-dads-with-stay-at-home-wives
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