This post is probably going to ruffle some feathers, I know 6 months ago it would have ruffled mine, lol. 6 months ago I was a WAHM and like mosts WAHM’s I took it very personally when working moms would say things like “It must be so nice to have all that free time” or “If you had a REAL job…” I’d be one of the first moms to jump on the band wagon, letting working moms know that we WAHM’s don’t have it any easier then them.
Then I became a working mom and learned a few things. Hear me out okay?
Here is what I have learned about being a Working Mom in a full time career position:
1. Working moms do just as much housework in less time and without the flexibility that multi-tasking provides. I never realized how much was accomplished when I could fill the dish washer during a chat session or fold laundry while reading emails.
2. I’m tired! I go to bed earlier now then ever before because at the end of the day, I am more tired then ever. When you combine work with getting ready, commuting, getting home, etc – it’s a long day. And then you still have housework, homework, family time, etc to fit in. A WAHM has a lot of the same responsibilities but with a lot more flexibility.
3. Household care is complicated! You know those doctor’s appointments, trips to the bank, grocery shopping, etc that keep you so busy as a mom? While things like shopping have been moved to weekends – appointments and banking pose a whole new problem when most clinics and banks open after I go to work and close before I get home. It’s a lot of fun juggling those schedules that I used to take for granted but it is getting better as I get used to it.
4. Working is stressful! When I was a WAHM, if I had a difficult client or a rough day, I would call up a friend or my sister and go for coffee. Then I would return to work rejuvenated and ready to hit the books – or computer – once again. What do I get to do know that I am at work full time? I get to keep working! On a rough day, that stress can really build over the day with much less freedom to take off and rejuvenated for even a short period of time.
At this point – most of you are probably wondering WHY I would even go to work lol. I will admit, there are also some HUGE perks as well! I have an income – a regular, reliable income. The financial stress and sacrifice many WAHM’s face can be enormous some days to. I also have adult interaction, which is always nice. Another added benefit has been forced scheduling. I have to be at work at 9:30 every day, I leave at 5. I come home, make supper, do homework with the kids, etc. A set work schedule and limited time for home and family afterwards forces me to remain on schedule so that my family doesn’t suffer. That was one plus I was definitely not expecting.
Now – all you working moms who are reading this and glouting – stop. As a former WAHM, I am going to tell you this – being a WAHM and being a Working Mom are two VERY different worlds – both with their benefits and downfalls. Neither choice is easy but let’s be really honest – we choose to be what we are, for the most part, because we like the perks and are willing to take the downside.
I know I will probably have some working moms argue that they don’t have a choice because they need the money. The truth is – you ALWAYS have a choice. NO ONE has to work. You have a choice, you work because you don’t like the consequences that come with choosing not to work. You could be a WAHM, you could have that freedom and flexibility – but you would have to be willing to risk your steady paycheck. So working moms – if you think you have it harder then a WAHM, get over it. The truth is, if you really thought being a WAHM was SOOOO easy – you’d be doing it.
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I couldn’t agree more! They both have their perks and their problems.