Choosing to be a working mom is not easy. For many, it is not a choice at all with financial obligations driving the decision. This is especially true today with the state of our economy – both today and into the uncertain future. It can be difficult for a household to rely on one income, especially in an uncertain economy (what if my husband gets laid off?). Not to mention, it is a tough decision to give up half or part of a household income that you may have come to rely on. Deciding to give up this income probably also means making some household budget cuts including shopping (yikes!), eating out, vacations, cars, etc.
For others, choosing to be a working mom is driven by a desire to continue working in a field in which they enjoy and/or in a position that they worked hard to get to. This is especially true for women who married a little later in life (late 20s and up) and then had children even later. These days, spending 5 or more years devoted to a career can mean being advanced to a senior position in business or an established position in another career, such as teaching.
For me, it was a combination of both financial and desire to keep working. Getting married at age 27 and becoming a mom at age 29, I had devoted nearly ten years (including college internships) to my career and was driven to succeed during those years. I remember being pregnant and telling a friend who asked if I planned to stay home or keep working, that I wanted “it all.” In my mind at the time, it seemed easy enough to work and be a mom. But, I could have never predicted the struggle it would become. I have been fortunate enough to find a good day care solution for my son, but that doesn’t change that fact that I go through a mental debate every day when I drop him off.
As I drive to work, I think of the social benefits he is getting playing with other kids – the stimulus that I couldn’t possibly create at home no matter how hard I tried. I think of the financial benefits of being able to provide him with a good education and good life experiences in the future. I think of the good example I am providing to him of what women can do (even if he doesn’t understand yet!). And, I also think of myself – as much as I would like to stay at home with him, could I actually do it? Could I give up my career and everything I have worked for?
It is a tough decision every single day, but for now being a working mom seems to be the right choice for me and my family.
This "mommy blog" is for all moms out there who are working in and out of the home, from the perspective of two best friends with completely different "mommy lives" (one with a successful career in business and one who stays home), but the same fundamental goal: to be the best moms we can be. Our purpose is to bridge the gap between the two different "mommy worlds" based on our two perspectives in experiencing the ups and downs of each, all while maintaining our 12-year-and-counting friendship.
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