If I could do it all over, I wouldn’t have opted to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). There, I said it.
Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify. Thirteen years ago, when I made the choice to stay home with my first child, it felt like the best decision for our family. We were young and just starting out, and it made financial sense for me to manage the home while my husband worked. After years in the workforce, the chance to slow down and relish everyday motherhood was a welcome change.
I walked away from a fulfilling career, confident in my choice, and dove into the world of diapers, bottles, and tantrums. For years, I found joy in raising my children, and for a long time, being a mom was enough. I pushed aside the nagging thoughts of whether leaving my career was the best choice, managing to keep that little voice quiet.
That is, until now.
My kids are older now—10 and 13—and they need me less. The house is quiet after the morning rush, and there’s only so much laundry one can do to fill the time. After my daughter began full-time school, I eventually found a balance, taking on a few freelance projects while being available for my family. I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds, blending my professional aspirations with my responsibilities as a mom. But lately, that professional tug has grown stronger, challenging my home duties.
As I glance at the dishes in the sink and the laundry pile, I can’t help but wonder, When is it my turn? I’m feeling frustrated and resentful that my mom responsibilities are weighing me down. I’m angry at myself for ensuring everything runs smoothly at home; it seems obvious when the laundry is late or the pantry is bare. I’m ready to reclaim my life and stop being the maid, chef, and chauffeur. I’m ready to be the CEO of my own ambitions. My kids are old enough to handle their own laundry, and nobody will suffer if they have to eat off paper plates. Changes are coming because this mama has dreams to pursue.
So, when do I get to step away from my SAHM role and leap back into my career? The answer is now.
And I have no regrets.
For thirteen years, I’ve poured myself into my family. Now, I’m ready to revive my career and breathe new life into my professional goals. I won’t apologize for wanting to shift my focus from being “Mom” to also being a woman whose children will soon be off to college. Just as I redefined myself when my youngest started school, I recognize that I have many years ahead to chase my dreams.
I can finally be selfish in my choices. I can make career decisions without worrying about carpool schedules or school events. I can put in long hours at work and engage in projects that inspire me creatively. I can enjoy evenings out with my husband without the conversation revolving around the kids.
While I cherish the moments spent with my children, I often wonder how I could so easily walk away from my professional life. The struggle to return to my former self has shown me the value of my future endeavors. I was once a woman with a promising career and aspirations. I will always be a mother, but soon, I’ll get to rediscover the real me again. And I can’t wait.
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Summary:
The author reflects on the challenges of being a stay-at-home mom after choosing to leave her career. As her children grow older and require less of her time, she acknowledges a desire to reclaim her professional identity and pursue her career aspirations. Emphasizing the importance of balancing motherhood with personal ambitions, she expresses her readiness to step back into the workforce without regret.
Keyphrase: reclaiming my career after motherhood
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