It’s happening once again.
My house is pristine. I finally manage to put everything where it belongs, scrub down every surface, and, for a fleeting moment, everything shines. The air is infused with a synthetic scent reminiscent of rainforests. We can lounge on the couch without our clothes collecting enough cat fur to stuff a decorative pillow. Everyone retreats to their beds, nestled in clean sheets and wearing freshly washed pajamas.
And all of this comes at the expense of countless hours I should have spent enjoying time with my kids instead of plopping them in front of the TV, not to mention sacrificing my free time for days—and probably an entire weekend too.
The best part? I have two little ones, and by the time I rise the next morning, my home is a disaster zone once more. It’s enough to make anyone want to retreat into a life of housecoats and chain smoking.
In today’s world, it’s rare to hear someone openly declare they’ve chosen to be a housewife. I didn’t sign up to be the household’s maid; I opted to be a stay-at-home mom. The title implies a shift in focus, yet the responsibilities have only multiplied. My duties extend beyond maintaining a clean house; I’m also tasked with preparing healthy meals that often require chopping a mountain of vegetables. I need to engage with my kids and treasure these fleeting moments of their childhood, even as they seem to drag on forever.
You know why women in the 1950s had immaculate homes? Because they weren’t burdened with the weight of all the other tasks we juggle today. They’d toss ground meat and canned soup into a dish, and voila—dinner was served. Their kids were often off exploring the neighborhood, busy with whatever mischief they could find until it was time to return for that hearty meal. And let’s not forget the effects of a patriarchal society, but that’s a discussion for another day.
I’m someone who doesn’t thrive in chaos. My home may often be messy, but I tend to operate at a heightened level of stress when it is. When I finally get my house clean again, I feel utterly drained and can only relax for a brief moment.
So, I’ve made up my mind: it’s time for a change.
I’m hiring a housekeeper.
Absolutely, yes!
I want to be a mom. I want to cook nutritious meals for my family. I want to carve out time in my day for simple pleasures, like exercising to keep my body moving as I age. Maybe even take a shower? But too often, these priorities take a backseat to household upkeep, and I’m done putting my own needs last—especially when those needs include basic self-care.
Every two weeks, someone will come to my home to wipe down baseboards, vacuum and mop floors, scrub bathrooms, and clean windows. Someone else will handle the dusting, tidying, and disinfecting. I’ll still take care of our daily chores, but I won’t be weighed down by the looming pressure of tackling the big jobs.
I’ve contemplated this decision countless times, but always hesitated. It seemed wasteful to pay someone for chores I could do myself. But the reality is, I’m not getting them done. The likelihood of my habits changing overnight is slim, but the potential for improving my day-to-day life is high if I eliminate the nagging feeling that I should be sorting laundry instead of enjoying time with my kids or pursuing work I’m passionate about.
We’re not wealthy, but I can make this budget-friendly by cutting back in other areas. I will make it work.
With the immense pressure we women place on ourselves and each other to always be “on,” something has to give. I refuse to let that something be my well-being or happiness, sacrificed at the altar of all-purpose cleaner.
I will feel neither guilt nor shame. I will only feel exhilarated about having extra time in my days to do what I truly want. (Spoiler alert: it’s definitely not dusting.)
By the way, for those exploring parenthood, check out this resource on donor insemination, or take a look at the amazing kits available for home insemination. And if you’re interested in a home insemination syringe, this combo kit is a great option.
In summary, I’m taking charge of my time and happiness by hiring a housekeeper. I’m excited to reclaim my days for what truly matters, like being a mom and focusing on my health—no more guilt about household chores!
Keyphrase: hiring a housekeeper
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