While there are those out there who dare to judge a woman for making the choice to pursue a career outside of the home once starting a family, they neglect to see the many benefits that having a working mother can provide to a family. Working outside of the home provides so much more than just the money.
There have been days when I agonized over my choice to go back to work after having my son. This was especially tough when he was an infant. I felt certain that there was nobody on the planet who could care for my child the way that I could. I also worried about the time that I was giving up, the things I would miss, and how I would juggle a work schedule and caring for my child all while keeping up with household duties.
In hindsight I have found that most of that agony was brought about by the words of other people. Those who say, "I can't imagine letting someone else raise my child" or, "You miss so much when you go to work...it's all about setting priorities." In its own way, these words subconsciously beat me down.
In hindsight, I realize that not only have I been a good mother despite my job, but that I have also been a great mother because of my job.
The time my son spends at the babysitter interacting with the other children has been priceless in terms of his development. He learns so much by interacting with the other kids. He also has learned to be comfortable in environments away from his home and his family. I feel that he has become a more social and well adjusted child with thanks in part to spending time away from his parents.
Since I do spend the day apart from my son, I have found that the time that we do get together is so precious that it is great quality time. It is easy for me to shut the world off and focus on him and only him for the hours that we are home in the evening and on the weekends.
Lastly, being a working mom has made me continue to focus on myself as well as my family. This too is important and makes you a better mother. You have to take care of yourself, look your best, and be able to interact with people on a regular basis. I have found that it helps to keep me connected to the world outside.
So for those who are facing the decision of whether or not to work after the birth of your child or for those who are struggling with being a working mom take a good look at the benefits. While it's not the choice for everyone there is merit to being a working mom. It is not a selfish choice and definitely not without sacrifice but as with everything, there is a silver lining.
I completely agree with you. Being a working mom has helped me hone my time management skills. Doing that allowed me to go back to college and earn both a bachelor's and master's degree.
For me, there wasn't much agony, because I had to work. No choice on that one. But, one that I've been happy with. Take care.
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Two Type-A Moms are hitting Walt Disney World for the holidays. We will
be liveblogging, including posting real-time pictures, video, audio and
blog posts.
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