Like a lot of other women out there, I am a stay at home mum. This is my choice, not one that my husband has demanded , or anybody else believes I should do.
Pre motherhood, I had a full time career, like many of us, one where I chipped in 10hr days, just to continually try and reach to the top. I travelled several times a year interstate, and overseas. Sometimes, or I should say a lot of the times, I worked weekends, yep I w
as networked into the work system, or I had a lap top. Work, work work.
It was a great time in my life, great mates, and one I thought could never be topped, all the independence and cash to burn. Yep life was, sweet.
Then my babies came. WHOA!! Life changing, my time is never my own, I am their world, I think for them, know when they are hot, cold, hungry, or miserable. Not on my life could I leave them. Although sometimes I wish I could run away for a little while, hehehe!!!
Just to make my world a little more hectic I decided to start my own handmade business. I use the skills I already have, and rely on everything else via instinct, and learn from the online community.
I still get a lot of people asking me how do I do it?
Why do I do it?
Doesn't it kill you having nothing to say to anyone everyday?
Doesn't your brain feel mushy after baby jibber jabber?
Aren't you bored?
Topped with their opinion "I couldn't do that to myself".
Mind you a lot of these comments are generally from people who don't know me so well.
I just want to put it out there,
I DO IT BECAUSE I LOVE IT & WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY.
I think today us chickies are pretty lucky. I know I am glad
I was born in this era.
When have the opportunity to dream and believe in what we do. Do what we want & just go for it. I love that I get to see my kids everyday, it's not always a calm day, and more days than not I have tantrums to deal with, and can be very frustrating.
I still get to have a creative outlet, and this happens with them. I still love to hand sketch, so I make sure Hudson draws with me. I am able to work during Charlotte's nap times, & Hudson has quiet time whether it be with a movie, a book, or a task that is done best with Charlotte asleep. During wake time it's go go go. Parks, swimming lessons, mothers group catch ups, everyday errands, & other activities. But we are together and it's fun.
You never know I may return to work one day, I may not. Personally I would rather still be doing what I am doing, be more established, and keep being creative and enjoying every moment. Well that's my plan anyway.
I wrote this today in hope on shedding light that WAHM's can have kids and a career to.
7 comments:
It is funny how your non-kid friends can't fathom the impact that motherhood has on your career and wellbeing. For me, finding that creative outlet was important as well. Transfering those skills over and still feeling like a contributing member of society! Thanks for the post!
Here here Kylie!!! Before having my 1st son, I had just completed my Masters Degree. I thought for sure that I would return to my Social Work career. And I have been doing some locum work, which I have really enjoyed too. However, most days (!), I love being home with the boys and feel lucky we can juggle things so I can do this right now. I think it is great that we can all make the decision that is right for our families - paid work (out of the home), stay at home, or a combination of it all.
Totally agree kyles, somedays it's hard, kids and creative life, but I wouldn't swap it for working for the man..9-5..not at all. Big pat on the back to you and all WAHM's. It's a huge balancing act, but so rewarding. Much more rewarding then any other job I've ever had. P.s you and those munchkins look adorable ( :
Nice article Kylie, I agree although it has taken me a bit longer to let go and 'enjoy' the stay at home mother role. I feel there is a lot of pressure to return back to work these days but at the moment I am loving being at home with my two children and am glad that I have created a little handmade enterprise that actually makes me some money!!!
I don't regret resigning from my job after being on parental leave for *ahem* nearly 10 years. It's hard to imagine how our family could function with me back in full-time employment. We all like it the way it is. My qualifications and skills are not wasted - I'm raising the next generation! We each make our decisions - it's just too bad not everyone can accept them. Enjoy!
Almost twenty nine years ago, my daughter was born, and the minute they put her into my arms, all thoughts of returning to work flew right out the window.
We paid a high financial price at the time, and even in subsequent years, especially following my husband's later employment and health crisis'....
But I know for an absolute fact that by staying home, I raised an amazing daughter, and there's no price you can put on that. ;)
Kudos, and best of luck with your at-home business!
~ Carolee
Cheers to that Kylie!
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