Recently, for many different reasons, I’ve been contemplating going back to work. At one point I vowed that I’d be a SAHM forever and even home-school my children through their elementary years. I’m still thinking about doing those things but I often think a lot about my career and the constant adult interaction it provided.
As I was updating my resume, I realized that I have accomplished much already. Sometimes I forget how much I’ve already done with my life to further my education in the classroom and beyond.
I hope that as an educated stay at home mom my children will not only value education but recognize my background; knowing that although my most important role is being their parent, I also possess the aptitude to do and be anything I want to be! And so will they!
“I am stumbling through my military life and in the process, discovering my place in the world.”
I understand this completely. As a military spouse I think about this all the time because I move so often. When my little ones were small, I stayed home and I volunteered extensively. When my husband was deployed to Iraq, I had two toddlers at home and I decided to stay home. It was hard and rewarding at the same time. I've accomplished so much during the time I stayed home, I finished graduate school as a SAHM and started a few side businesses (for the adult interaction). All of it paid off (and is still paying off) I've taught myself and my kids that in ALL situations there's opportunity. I had to let my colleagues know that just because I didn't work didn't mean I wasn't educated or incapable, it was a choice. Many nights I felt like I went to finishing school (a very expensive finishing school) and that wiping snotty noses would be my life but I was wrong. My staying at home to me was to help my children and in the process they helped me to grow, as an individual.
Yes, Quana, very hard but very rewarding and most people don't understand the very hard part unless they experience it themselves. Kudos to your accomplishments as a same! I often feel like I have to prove to people that I'm just as educated and capable as I was before and always will be. I too believe my daughter has helped me to grow and I wouldn't change the way we've done things for the world!
Oh So Impressive! I wish I had my consulting firm established so that you could work part-time with me. It is still in the works though! Whatever you decide will be awesome!
Awww, coming from you that is such a compliment!!! Oh how I would love to work for a consultant firm on a contractual basis…I look forward to that day! Thanks so much for always being 100% supportive!
Very impressive resume! You have accomplished a lot so don't be deterred! You are very well educated and you SAH status doesn't change that…if anything it adds to your experience and it's a great talking point also (so be prepared to discuss – which I'm sure you are)! I just watched an episode of 7th Heaven this weekend where Ruthie was showing how she didn't understand/appreciate her mom's SAH status…and it was interesting to watch. I guess as kids we all go through that stage of not really understanding all our parents do for us! But anyway, keep pushing! Something will come through!
Thanks so much, Mionna! Some times it doesn't seem that way. I love 7th Heaven for showcasing the mother the way that it does. I find myself relating to her often. There are definitely things I didn't understand about my mom until I became a mom so I totally get the fact that they won't understand for a while. Like you said, I've just got to keep pushing and have the faith!!!
I've been thinking about going back to work too lately and even looked at a few part time jobs but then stopped to think "is this really what I want??" And to be honest I'm not sure. It's such a hard decision to know what to do but then I think how lucky I am to stay home and forget all about finding a job. I still might keep looking but I don't know if I could do it!!
I'm so there too, Kathryn. I go back and forth and back and forth with the idea, looking at part time and work from home jobs too. It's definitely a hard decision but I am ready to do something, no matter how small. I'm mainly looking at short term contracts so that I'm not too locked in if it turns out that I'm truly not ready to return. We'll see…I'll definitely be keeping everybody posted on how it all turns out! Good luck to you with your decision as well!
Pretty impressive!
~Sherine
Confessions Of A City Girl / Enerjiee
Thanks so much, Sherine! And thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment!
There are so many decisions we as moms make on a daily basis, that includes entering back into the work force. I can tell you from experience that homeschooling as it's own rewards. I have heard of moms working and homeschooling with the right support system although I am not one of those moms.
I will be following you via the following, watching for the outcome: twitter, Facebook, bloglovin and pinterest.
Visiting from the Mommy Monday Blog Hop, thanks for sharing.
Wow! What an awesome resume! I know that little Maddie (and the others who will come along;)) will be happy and proud of whatever you decide. Fine parenting comes from the character and values of the parents. And I'm sure those won't change whether you go back to work or stay at home, but remember these precious days go by so fast and it's an honor to be able to capture them if you are able:)
Love this! There are so many negative stereotypes about SAHM's (especially in the military). It's great to see that it is very possible to have gone to college, had/have a successful career and still be a momma. Of course I did mine a little backwards, but it's almost done, and once I get that degree I have every intention of putting that bad boy to use 😉
I do think children benefit from having two educated parents. Although I'm not necessarily the greatest with math, James has his degree in finance, so I feel like we both bring two different skill-sets to the table. Hopefully our daughter will be able to benefit from both.
You should definitely be proud of yourself! Toot that horn girl, because you'd better believe that the haters are lurking in the corner just waiting to tell you mother's don't need education, they just need to focus on their children.
Yeah. I don't know Nicole. I also am very educated, having an MS in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I spent a lot of years in school – a lot. Actually, I was going for a PhD, but then decided to get the masters and get out.
You have to seek your own inner woman wisdom. This wisdom doesn't let you down. I think it helps to be in touch with the Still Small Voice – you know, the one inside you that testifies of truth. You are the only one that knows.
Being highly educated is great for the kids. I think education gives a unique perspective on schooling (talking about homeschooling now). You know what needs to be done in order to achieve. You know what it takes. That's a good perspective. It opens up doors and options.
Oh. Sorry. I forgot to thank you for linking up with us at the Mommy Monday Blog Hop! I hope you come back and link up other posts week after week!
I really appreciate seeing you there.