If I could rewind the clock, I wouldn’t have opted to become a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). There, I’ve said it. But please don’t get me wrong. Thirteen years ago, when I made the choice to stay at home with my first child, it was undoubtedly the right decision for our family. We were fresh out of college, just beginning our journey together, and it made practical sense for me to manage the home while my husband focused on his career. After years of working, I welcomed the chance to slow down and relish the day-to-day joys of motherhood.
I relinquished a fulfilling, well-paying career, and I didn’t look back—at least not for a while. The ensuing years involved navigating the challenges of motherhood, filled with endless days of diapers, bottles, and little tantrums. I found profound satisfaction in nurturing my children, and for a significant period, being a mom was enough. I was content, dismissing the nagging thought in the back of my mind that questioned whether stepping away from my career was the right choice. For the most part, I managed to silence that voice.
However, that has changed. My children are now ages 10 and 13, and they require less of my time and attention. The house falls silent after they leave for school at 7:30 AM, and there’s only so much laundry I can do to keep myself occupied. Following an adjustment period after my daughter started full-time school, I found a semblance of balance by taking on freelance projects while remaining available for family obligations. I was juggling both my professional ambitions and my responsibilities as a parent, which felt fulfilling—at least for a while.
Recently, the urge to reconnect with my professional self has intensified. As my writing career gains momentum and new opportunities arise, I find myself torn between my household duties and my desire to pursue my dreams. When I glance at the dishes piling up in the sink, I can’t help but wonder, When is it my turn? This frustration has led to feelings of anger and resentment towards the responsibilities of motherhood that seem to confine me. I’ve cared for my family so well that it’s become apparent when household tasks fall behind. I feel as if I’m waging a war against the laundry machine. I am ready to transition from being the maid, the short-order cook, and the chauffeur; I want to reclaim my identity as a professional woman.
The children are capable of doing their own laundry now, and no one will suffer if we occasionally eat off paper plates. Changes are on the horizon because this mom has ambitions to chase. It’s time for me to step back from my SAHM role and leap back into my career, and I have zero regrets about it.
Over the past thirteen years, I have dedicated myself to everyone around me. I have postponed my professional aspirations, but now I am ready to breathe new life into them. I refuse to apologize for wanting to shift focus from being solely a mom to embracing my identity as a woman whose children will soon be heading off to college. Just as I adapted when my last child entered school, I recognize that in just a few years, I will have ample time ahead of me to pursue my dreams and reclaim what I set aside for motherhood.
I look forward to making decisions about my career without the constant worry of carpooling, daycare, or school events. I will be able to invest time in pursuits that inspire me and stimulate my creativity. Imagine meeting my husband for drinks after work and sharing stories that extend beyond our children’s activities.
While I wouldn’t trade my motherhood experiences for anything, I still ponder how easily I stepped away from my career. How did I manage to let go of my ambitions without a second thought? Now, I understand that any future professional endeavors will be all the more meaningful, knowing the effort it takes to reclaim the person I once was. I was once a woman with a vibrant career and ambitious goals. I will always be a mother, and that will never change. But soon, I will rediscover the real me—and I can hardly wait.
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Summary:
The author reflects on her journey as a stay-at-home mom, expressing regret about stepping away from her career. As her children grow more independent, she feels a strong desire to return to her professional ambitions. Emphasizing the importance of self-fulfillment, she is ready to embrace her identity beyond motherhood and pursue her dreams.
Keyphrase: Returning to Career After Motherhood
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