Lately I've been struggling. Honestly, I don't feel much like blogging. I think that 10 months in this rental has taken a toll on me. You see, I love to fluff my nest more than anything in this world. I love to cook and clean and organize and decorate and just generally take care of my home and family. Those tasks are very limited here. I imagine that is why I have been knitting like a maniac these last several months. It's something domestic I can still do and enjoy in these temporary quarters. I'm just feeling so impatient to get out of here and get back to my regularly scheduled life.
Oddly enough, this brings me to a topic near and dear to my heart, being a homemaker. It's a subject I have wanted to write about for a long time but I have hesitated because I know how strongly people feel about this topic. I feel strongly about it myself.
Many of you homemaker's will understand what I mean when I say that I hate the question "What do you do?" It seems like a simple question, but the reality is that in our society what this question often means is, what is your worth as a human being? Well, I'm a Homemaker and if you judge according to the paycheck I receive at the end of the week, then I imagine you think my worth is very low. Luckily that is not how I calculate my value. I don't stay home because I'm lazy. Or selfish. It's about our quality of life, what we think is best for our family. What's best for you and your family may be completely different.
We happily make sacrifices to live this way. I don't apologize for this choice. Would things be easier financially for us if I went back to work? I don't believe they would. We could buy more stuff but that isn't what's important to us. Our quality of life is what we base our decisions on.
I imagine there will always be people in my life that are concerned about the fact that I don't have a paying job. We've been fielding inquiries on this topic for years from those concerned people. They don't understand that this is my career choice. Not everyone has this choice and some wouldn't choose it if they could. I get that. But it is my choice and one I'm very happy with.
Couldn't have said it better myself....my husband and I don't have children yet, but I have chosen to stay home (I'm a freelance writer, and work when we need me to), but overall, my husband likes me being home. I feel as though this is my calling, to stay home and take care of things here. This is my office, my post, my 9 to 5. This is where I belong.
ReplyDeleteyou have the most important job in the world. i am proud of you. as i am proud of me and all the other homemakers.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until I am able to stay home! It is what my heart most longs for. I am needed to work outside our home right now, but we hope and pray that by the time our baby arrives in October, that I will be able to say goodbye to the daily grind of working for someone else.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Now that my children are grown I don't regret for one minute not having a career outside my home! I was so very blessed to be able to write, something I could do and still be there for my children whenever they needed someone to volunteer, stay home sick, or chaperone that field trip! I feel so very fortunate that for me it was a choice, so many women don't have that option, so I was lucky and it's wonderful that you are too!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
I understand your need to create and your frustration at being in a rental and not being able to. I understand your frustration in what others think about your family's choice for you to stay home. I understand that money is not everything, and that fulfilling our God given responsibilities when we are able...is. Recently I posted my own ponderings also! We have much in common!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Robyn from thepinkpeonyoflejardin.blogspot.com
very refreshing :)
ReplyDeletewe are in the season of our lives when i am working outside AND inside our home :) it is sometimes tough, but also rewarding in many ways.
What a wonderful post. I would love to stay home but finances won't permit it. I am looking forward to the day that I can retire and become a full time homemaker. Homemaker is the most important job in the world~! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you Jen. I was able to stay home when my children were small and I'm so glad I did. You do make some sacrifices (no trips to Disney World) but I wouldn't trade it for anything and my girls feel the same way. There's nothing better than coming home after school to the scent of home made cookies and Mum at the door. The kids are gone and I'm still at home and love it more than ever.
ReplyDeleteA very challenging but rewarding career choice indeed!
ReplyDeletexo,
Danielle
I believe there are many people who have made or are making the same decision. Sometimes those who find fault with the choices another makes is wishing they had the same options. You and your family are going to be closer and stronger because of the decisions you have made. I loved being a stay at home mom. I commend you for your decision.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is all about choices...and that same choice I am so thankful to have made...
ReplyDeleteRene
I'm very glad you wrote this Jen. I think a lot of us feel the same way. It complicates things that a lot of us grew up in an era when making a beautiful and happy home for our family is so devalued. I work part time right now, but my dream is to quit and stay home and create here. A little cottage industry and making a place for my family to feel loved and nurtured and happy. One of the best things about blogging is the community of women who feel as we do and the support we find online. Don't ever doubt your calling, because what you do is worth far more than a paycheck could ever compensate for.
ReplyDeletei think it blesses those you love when you are contented being. just being. being in your home, being in your kitchen, being with them & available for them.
ReplyDeletei only work one day a week & i never want to go....weird, i know.
i love being in my nest too my friend.
when i first started reading i was afraid you were taking a break from blogging...which would make you the 4th blog, today alone, that i would have read that.
glad you're still here sweet friend
xo
I'm so proud of you for writing this big sis! And don't worry you'll be fluffing that amazing new village nest in no time!
ReplyDeleteI am standing applauding for you. Well said. One of the best things my hubby ever did for me was allowing me to stay home with my children. I loved every moment (ok maybe most moments)I loved keeping our home....decorating, puttering, have good meals on the table...being available for my kids. Now, they are all adults and I have went to work.....in my husbands dental office. Pay isn't great....but, still with my husband every day....and if I am real nice, I still get off work to decorate a little!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThere was a study done once, wish I could find it so I could be exact about what I remember but it was something to the effect that if a stay at home mom was paid minimum wage for all her tasks and hours it would equal somewhere around $200K a year.
ReplyDeleteI stay at home and never imagined anything else. Even struggling on a $30K a year income from my husband we just knew it was the right thing to do with small kids.I think they will grow up happier and healthier for it.
oh jen, i so get both of your dilemas!
ReplyDeletewe moved to indiana a year & a half ago from our home state of alabama, from our home of 20 years and through a series of events ended up with all of our possessions in storage in alabama and us living in a two bedroom apartment. it was only for about 5 months, but it was SO incredibly stifling, both creatively and physically. it was summer & into fall and i was used to being in the garden...anyway, we did find a fabulous house with incredible gardens, so everything worked out even better than the original plans (you may remember my email about this).
on the "not working" issue....i had a photography business that i ran out of my home for 20 years. the old fashioned film & darkroom & handcoloring, toning kind of photography. an 8 hour workday would have been a slow day for me. it took about 3 or 4 years for my friends to realize that it was a real job and that i couldn't just hang out with them all day.
and now, that i don't have an official job, they always ask what i do all day. part of me feels guilty, but i know that i am a much better mother than i was when i was working. i am more engaged, have much more patience, very rarely in a bad mood--we are a happier family.
i've lived both lives--working mom and stay at home mom. both are worthwhile and valuable.
you are doing a great job!!
nanne in columbus, indiana
It must be driving you crazy being in the rental and waiting for your new nest! Hang in there and plan, plan, plan! Good on you for saying how you feel about your life choices, it's really no one else's business but your own. I am a SAHM too and also dread the So What Do You Do? question. With five kids and four still at home there is a lot to do!! Hope your week picks up, thanks for this great post x
ReplyDeleteOh how I would trade your profession for mine in a minute. I'm a Vice President at a large bank, but I still yearn to be a homemaker. 12 years ago I asked my husband if I could stay home so I could raise our unborn son. The answer was quickly "NO". A few months later I learned he secretly left me to be with a more career driven woman and soon, left me for good. I'm a single Mom so I must work to support my son and me, but I would love to say to our society...I'm a homemaker! Stand proud and tall when you say those words. Your children will be forever grateful too and you are also carrying out the job God intended for you to do.
ReplyDeleteDITTO!! Every woman that asks do you work or stay home, always says "Lucky girl" when I answer.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Your post hit home for me today... I am working on being able to stay at home if at least part time. I am a teacher, and this profession is,although very rewarding, also very unforgiving as a working mom...I envy those moms who get to stay and read to thier children...who get to be home..I know it is not easy and being a stay at home mom is a 24-7 type job...I am ready. Also, I added the before pictures to my kitchen remodel...hope you can come by and visit.
ReplyDeleteJen, After loosing our home and closing my 28 year business I can say that I am enjoying my part time job and spending more time at home. I really didn't need all that stuff I worked for. I wish I could do a few things over again. Sometimes I feel our generation was sold a big lie. I'm glad women can work but having lots of things to appear successful was not true. Thanks for sharing your feelings with us.
ReplyDeleteI have been a full-time stay at home mom for twenty years now and I consider it one of my greatest blessings. I wouldn't want it any other way. ~~~ Your move-in date is so close, so hang on to your dreams of nesting and you'll be in your new home before you know it.
ReplyDeleteI was a SAH and people sometimes were shocked to hear I had an education. I would not trade those years at home, when they got off the bus anxious to discuss their day,to be a room mom, to make our home a priority and my family my job, for any worldly possession.
ReplyDeleteNow as a SAH grandma who watches the little ones a couple of times a week I still fell the same way..
Terrific post. I could be working, but we agree as a family the benefits of me being at home far outweigh the material benefits of working. Every year that passes since I've left the work force, my confidence in my abilities, grows. (Confidence found only in the workplace can prove to be very temporary.) I feel for ones who don't get to choose, because of circumstances or others wishes. I feel very blessed to have a choice.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Lisa x
I am so with ya...on both of your points....i too am stuck in an apartment feeling the loss of my homemaking creativity side....
ReplyDeletei feel frozen and anxious too!
i also love what you've said about homemaking...i am a stay at home mom and wife.... and in today's society, that lacks so many morals and values..We are of infinate worth. It all starts in the home!
xoxo shell
www.gypsylemonade.blogspot.com
Could'na said it betta.
ReplyDeleteYou're a very fantastic fluffer, by the way. :)
What a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteI too am a homemaker, and have been for over thirty years. Now that I'm "old" and my children have flown the nest, I now hear "What are you going to do now that your children are grown?"
Well, I'm going to remain in my current position.
(And hopefully one day there will be grandchildren!)
I hope you're back to fluffing your own nest very soon!
I think you have the best job in the world! One I wish that many more Moms could have. I work at the hospital and it alwasy irks me to no end to see that someone has written unemployed in the line where it asks for occupation. I always change it to homemaker if I know it is a woman who has chosen that as her profession. God bless you---and soon...sooon...you will be right where you are supposed to be! Hugs-Diana
ReplyDeleteAnd, I sooooo agree. I can't work anymore.....but, that being said, I never really did.... I called my intermittent jobs "UN-JOBS"....no real responsibility....just a bit of extra $$$$ as needed.... I was a stay-at-home Mummy and wouldn't have changed it for anything. So much JOY! Good for you.... You can have a gazillion material things and still be empty inside if you're not living the way you'd like to live...right?? I'd rather buy something at a thrift store and give it a new life than to spend 1,000 on an ottoman as someone I know did....
ReplyDeleteWarm blessings,
Spencer
Well said Jen. I have several career focused friends who take fabulous vacations and have newer cars than us, but I feel I am needed and appreciated here at home. I don't really think "you can have it ALL". I'd rather be here for my kids when they need me most, even if I sometimes get a little cabin feverish!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to find a kindred spirit. Thanks for sharing!
Peace,
Donna
So well said. I worked until my daughter was nearly 6 because that worked for us. I longed to be with her all day and hated her being in daycare although we were very blessed with a wonderful preschool. I worked as an Executive Assistant for a Fortune 500 company and my co-workers were shocked and dismayed because she was about to start school. Well after 2 years of that we made the decision to homeschool and I feel like it's the best decision ever. Thanks for speaking out. By the way my college education was Home Economics back in the 70s and I understand that is not offered in schools or much as a major anymore.
ReplyDeleteI'm finishing up (in May) my 21st year of being a homemaker, and my 15th year of homeschooling, and five years ago I completed a full decade of elder-care. All that to say, I understand what you're saying. People ask me all the time "so what are you going to do with yourself when you have that empty nest?" and I reply that I am simply beside myself with excitement over the possibilities!A long time ago I marked this quote by Rosamunde Pilcher and I think you'd like it: "The rest of the time she did the sort of things that women, all over the world, spend their time doing. That is, shop, cook,sew, weed the garden, wash clothes and iron them. Entertain, and be entertained by a few close friends; dabble in a little social work and make cakes for the Women's Institute fair."
ReplyDeleteJen, this obviously struck a chord with so many as it did me. I sort of struggle with this at times, but I get over that struggle pretty quick when I realize how hard I worked to get to this point of being able to stay home and be a full time homemaker.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a young mother with a husband and two small boys I worked full time with my husband at our own insurance agency. It was hard. It was very stressful at times. And I was always doing all I could to still try to keep my house clean and organized with dinners on the table every night. It was hard!
My husband eventually branched out into the financial planning business and we were worked and stressed to the max. It was just too much. OK Long story short - sorry - I sold my portion of the business, our boys graduated from high school, and for 7 years now I have been a full time homemaker and help hubby with his business a few hours a week. I've never been happier. Sorry to go on and on. I was just thinking about all this yesterday. I will write my own post on the subject one of these days soon. We now have a wonderful life! A much better quality of life!
Amen. I feel blessed everyday that I get to be a homemaker. I love what I do too!
ReplyDeleteI love being a stay at home mom!! It makes me so happy to say that my families house is clean, and they have home cooked meals on the table every night.
ReplyDeleteWhen I tell people that I am a stay at home mom, they tell me how lucky I am. No, I am not lucky. I chose to stay home. My husband doesn't make a lot of money. We make sacrifices. But I wouldn't have it any other way!
Hope you are in your new home real soon, Jen! I remember how hard it was living in a rental. Just hang in there.
Hope you have a great day!
Beth.
Beautifully well written post...am in total agreement with every word :)
ReplyDeleteLove your blog, I am your newest follower....I'll be back to visit soon...
Big hugs,
Queenie
hi jen,
ReplyDeletei was just talking with a mom about this (over tea at a playdate) today.
i so agree that being home for your children and your family is invaluable and that value seeps into so many parts of life ... whether it's a less hectic schedule, home-cooked meals, togetherness. when i made my choice to be at-home, i couldn't even afford to but did it any way, knowing/hoping it would all work out somehow. somehow we manage still ...
rock on, homemakin' jen! you can't put a price on what you do.
just spend a lovely 2 hours with my oldest (on school vaca) at barnes & noble, flipping through magazines (me: flea market style; him: mad magazine) over cookies. what's better than that?
sending hugs and lemon scones always, my friend
xo
elyse
Ours is now an empty nest and you are right, even within my own mindset it seems odd to consider not working. More income is always the right choice, right!? However, with so much stress, never being "caught up or ahead of the game" at home takes a toll and turns weekends into more WORK and no REST. Being extreemly tired of being tired and always behind in the housework, etc...we've decided that this isn't living. So we are have chosen less income for an increased balance to our lives. We choose to live life for a change...to slow down and LIVE! This is my second week of being home full time...less income but getting things done so when my sweetheart is home, we can enjoy this time together...not the rush of more for us both to do! I'm loving it...and he is too!!!Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI came for a visit via "Low Tide High Style." I don't think there's anything wrong with your choice - it's your choice! Enjoy it! Homemaking is a lost art, and it's hard work. I enjoyed my visit today.
ReplyDeleteI have a few years on you, but I do so hate that question, "What do you do?". I thought when my baby went to high school that I would return to work, but now I have elderly parents that need me and I feel so lucky to be available. It is a choice we all make over and over again through different seasons of our lives. Sometimes I do envy friends with career accomplishments, but I don't think I would trade... that is what each of us needs to feel with whatever decision we make!
ReplyDeleteSO happy to see bring up this subject! I've been a homemaker for almost 30 years. When the last of my three children started school I started getting those questions about when I was going to go back to work. Friends and family wonder what I can possibly do to keep occupied all day long. My husband and I figured out a long time ago that my not working actually has saved us money in so many ways. We've been able to pay off our home, put three kids through college and still live a comfortable life because we've learned that "having it all" isn't necessary. And isn't it funny, frugal living is now trendy? We've been doing it all along!
ReplyDeleteAt the age of 60, I was finally able to retire. Now I can be the full-time homemaker that I always wanted to be. I regret not being home more when my children were growing, but a divorce prevented that. Please don't feel you have to defend your lifestyle. When I was a child most of the mothers were home and it was really nice. Be proud that you are willing to sacrifice "things" for family. Your children will have wonderful memories and thank you for it when they are adults. Lana www.lifeatwildberrycottage.com
ReplyDeleteBless you ~ Thank goodness we have the ability to choose what is right for ourself and our family. So many want to make that choice for you and I feel that is where many families start to loose control. The desire for approval. I experienced both worlds and am Thankful each and every day that I had the choice to be an SAHM when my girls were still at home.
ReplyDeleteJen ~ this is so true. I have been a stay at home Mom for 28 years ~ since I was put on bedrest when we found out I was carrying twins.Well except for that brief year and a half that I was Constiuent Aide to the Mayor of our town a few years ago.I took the job as a favor but nothing ever felt so wrong.My heart and soul is in my laundry,garden, having fresh flowers on the table.Fresh flowers come before food and though we struggle with one income ~ I am willing to have the cute house in the crappy neighborhood because it revolves around a Mom who is always there. I pray for the teens that walk by and seem lost and have been known to give cookies to strangers ;) It is my portion of the world that God has given me to watch over. If my kids need me ~ I can jump in the car and be there. When our dog was dying ~ I was able to nurse him day and night without interruption.I could go on and on ~ GREAT post Jen!
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteA homemaker is a wonder thing to be. My MIL is one and I admire her almost more than anyone I know. She could be running a corporation (at 86, mind you). I wish I were one. I do not have it. There is nothing more lovely than having someone create a "home" for you.
Great blog!
Hugs,
Suz
High five, JJ. Some of us were meant to feather our nest full time....and it is a full time job, that's for sure. I got to see first hand what a wonderful homemaker you are. Your home is warm, loving, welcoming and cozy. You are in your element taking care of your family. And just think, in a couple months you'll be moving that element down the street and then the party will really get started!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it too bad that we feel we must justify our priorities? My children are grown and gone now. I was able to stay home when they were little; but a divorce forced me into the workforce during their preteen years. It was hard...every day it was hard. Looking back, I wish I'd have been able to spend every single minute of their childhood at home. Kudos to those women willing and able to do it; and my heart goes out to those who can't.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that you have to justify your choice to anyone. I wish people in general were much more supportive of the individual choices families make. In this season of life, I'm blessed to serve my family both inside and outside of the home. My husband feels strongly that I should work. But I do take care to encourage my friends who are SAHMs. They should be celebrated (we all should really!) and their choices should be respected.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Mary Ellen
The Working Home Keeper
I feel blessed to be able to stay home too, although I do work from home but feel blessed to be self-employed as an interior designer and am able to make my own hours and for the time being while my daughter is young she and my husband are my first priority. I just feel like our lives just run more smoothly because I'm at home, the laundry is done, the house is clean (mostly) we eat dinner together and I'm able to go to all my daughters activities. I love this time of my life just like I am looking forward to a time where I work outside of the home once my daughter is grown and with that said as much as you are anxious to get into your new home, enjoy this time in your rental, I look back to when we rented when we first moved to Indy and we made some of the best memories of our lives and I did things that I never did because I wasn't focusing on my home like I usually do!
ReplyDeleteYour can say you are an author! You are writing a story. "Once upon a time Jen got married. She had great adventures with her dear husband and lovely children. They made some hard sacrifices so someday they could live in a storybook cottage with porches, and a tree house and a swing and they could walk into the village." And I really have enjoyed your tale thus far.
ReplyDeleteAs a SAHM of 4 now grown I known exactly how you feel but THEY don't because every one has their own perspective now if they would just keep it to themselves huh?
we should be allowed to be whatever it is we want to be. even if it's "just a housewife." there is no more important job in the world - especially for YOUR family - that you could do. and really, has martha taught you nothing? keeping house is an ART FORM! ;o) time goes so quickly ... i will never apologize for letting my career go in favor of raising my kids. they are amazing kids and that has to be in part because of having so much of my time and effort and attention. only you know what is meaningful to you and what works best for you; own it and be proud!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen -
ReplyDeleteI've been a long time follower of your blog and I think that you being a homemaker (a great, inspiring one!) has increased not only your family's quality of life, but mine too!
I recently started a new blog which coincidentally is about celebrating homemaking.
I am at an office outside the home every day and then some, but I have an alter ego: Mrs. Sunnymead, who is warm, nurturing, available, thoughtful, organized. I cherish my "Mrs. Sunnymead moments", when I'm a homemaker in the most wonderful sense of the world, making my family's life a little more special. I hope you might check it out and thanks again for the regular dose of inspiration. www.mrssunnymead.blogspot.com
Jen, I admire your choice to make your family and home the priority. I was home most of the time my son lived at home. Time to talk, invent, create, read, cook, explore . . . was precious. I am starting a part-time job next week, and already miss time to make a home, if only for the two of us now.
ReplyDeleteBeing a homemaker is worthy of being classified a career. I would love to leave my 8-5 job for a career at home. I am searching for ways to make it happen and hope I can put it into action. I envy your talents and creativeness.
ReplyDeleteIt won't be long before you're in you new home and can fix it up!
ReplyDeleteI wish our society valued homemakers more. Maybe if we did we wouldn't have some many social problems. Your girls will benefit from you being there and I am sure your husband is happier and can concentrate on his job more - not worrying about the house all day. I know my husband appreciates being able to concentrate on business and not worry about who will be home for the a/c guy, who will take the cars in for maintenance, etc. That's all my job - managing the house. As well as all the other day to day stuff we do!
sometimes I wish my "job" paid me too... and sometimes it is financially harder than others... but I wouldn't trade my day job for anything right now... My hopes are that my littles are going to be great people b/c I chose them... ;) Blessings!!
ReplyDeleteBravo. You are doing THE most important job in the world.I think the tide might be changing though, as people become more aware that constant economic growth and consumption is not sustainable, and we have to be much smarter about how we use resources. You are using your resources in the most efficient, future proof and sustainable way there is, by being a homemaker and mother.
ReplyDeleteFunny how we feel slightly sheepish about putting that view out there though isn't it?
Jacqui x
Jenn
ReplyDeleteI loved every bit of being home, and still do! I have never let anyone make me feel less then. Now for the big however! Society, the economy and the U.S are responsible for those of us who feel intimidated to confess our love for being homemakers! In other countries around the world we would get far more respect and also be better off financially for being home. I worked with the finances I had to stay home, didn't have extra cars, or fancy trips (missed those) but was home and happy. After all these years now, I returned to school and will be starting my masters degree at 51. Scared? Heck yeah, but due to my husband becoming disabled and the way our country is set up, now I will be forced to leave home and get a career. Do I mind? Somewhat. Kids are grown, and so it will be somewhat easier. But my heart will be home while I'm away. What stinks is all the ones who have held careers and are talking of retirement one day. For me there really won't be any. But heck, I think that in the long run it'll keep me younger, and so that idea I love! Your happy, your family is happy and when all is said and done, be proud. Later,Lori
Being a homemaker, wife and mother is the BEST job I have ever had and from what my children tell me, I did it very well. I have two lovely smart young women who have gone out into the world with confidence. And I bet your children will do the same. Kit
ReplyDeleteJen,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I linked to this post. I could not find an e-mail address.
Thanks,
Cotehele
So true. My youngest started kindergarten this year and everyone we know - family and friends were quick to say - so now you can go get a job and earn some money. Strange isn't it. I was working for the past 17 years and I did have a job. The best job in the world I feel. No, I am not going to go find a job and earn money. I will still take care of my house, my family, garden, craft and be here whenever my kids need me. I will start to do some learning of my own now- maybe take a photography class. But I will enjoy the job I have and have had for the past 17 years. Here's to 17 more.
ReplyDeleteOh and the second worst question for me is "where are you from?" I am a military brat married to military - so I just answer I am the best wagon based gypsy out there. :)
tammy
First of all, LOVE your sweet blog!
ReplyDeleteSecond, I totally get the missing fluffing the next thing, because we've had our home on the market for 10 months, and are about to move into a new house. The anticipation factor is about to drive me nuts... I feel like I've been on hold for ever!
Third, I had to laugh because I, like you, have been questioned about my stay at home mom choice, and whenever I have to put my "status" on a form, I don't write in "Homemaker" I always write "Woman extraordinaire." FOr reals, I do!! Because that's what we ARE!! :)
Blessings,
Sasha
There are so many homemakers that struggle with that question of, "And what do YOU do?" I think the best response is, "I have the most important job in the world. I'm a wife and mother." If someone looks "down" on that, that's their problem, not yours. I only have 1 child left at home now, and he's 20 years old and a college student. I work 3 days/week outside the home and even with that, when I tell people that I only work PT, they have such comments to say like, "Must be nice!" or, "You must be rich if you only have to work part-time!" (ha!) or, they wonder why I'm not working full-time if I don't have little kids at home. Little do they know, I don't even really like working PT; I'd rather be at home FT! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! My son is in college and my daughter starts in the fall. I'm wondering if I should go back to work then, but I'm struggling with the decision. My life, my husband's life, even our pets' lives are all better and easier because I stay home.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I'm not sure what I do all day, but the house is always clean, dinner is always made, yard work is done, etc. I love this life and am so grateful that my husband values having me home too.
Thanks for sharing!
Have a great day.
Pam
What a great post.
ReplyDeleteI have been a homemaker since I was pregnant with our first child, who is 7.5 years old.
People still have this misconception about homemakers. I am college-educated and my husband and I chose for me to stay at home raising our family. I also am a freelance writer and create jewelry, but people seem fixated on the "lazy non-working mom" belief.
It is frustrating. Being a wife, mother, and homemaker is the best job for me. I love it and because I love it, my family thrives.