Every evening at 5 PM, I feel an overwhelming urge to clock out. I want to grab my bag, shut down my computer, and make a dash for the door. But here’s the catch: I live at my job. Literally. I am a stay-at-home mom.
For the past 19 years — yes, 19 long years filled with exhaustion, joy, frustration, and countless unforgettable moments — I’ve embraced the role of a full-time mother. After my first child was born, I decided to resign from my traditional job and never looked back. Opting for this less financially rewarding path of motherhood was a choice I’ve never regretted.
This decision was right for my family and me, especially as more children arrived; the cost of childcare made returning to work seem impractical. In fact, we saved money by having me stay home. That’s a reality many don’t realize.
Then, when the kids finally started school, I felt the invisible societal pressure to re-enter the workforce. With no more costly daycare and my days suddenly free, people wondered what I would actually do at home all day.
Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate to take on part-time work that allowed me incredible flexibility, sometimes only clocking in for five hours a week when I wanted to. However, more often than not, I chose not to work at all. The emotional ties to my role as a stay-at-home mom outweighed any desire to return to a full-time job. Still, questions linger: “What do you do all day?” “Are you going back to work?” and the classic, “How do you manage on just one income?”
I used to hesitate in responding, but now I confidently say, “It’s none of your business.”
Moreover, the truth is that my days are filled to the brim, even with all my kids in school. The thought of juggling a full-time job while managing a household with four children is enough to send me into a tailspin. I have immense respect for working mothers. You wouldn’t believe how busy I can be doing what some might call “nothing” at home.
I’m constantly saving money by managing everything myself. If something is broken, dirty, or disorganized, I’m the one who tackles it. I volunteer at my children’s schools, especially during times when working parents can’t. It feels great to contribute to my community by planning events and fundraisers, which keeps me engaged and connected.
I also step in to help other parents when their childcare fails or when they need an extra hand. Whether it’s cooking, ensuring a clean supply of clothes, or shuttling everyone to their appointments and practices, I’m always on the move. I even take care of tasks that my husband, who travels frequently for work, doesn’t have time for.
But let’s be honest — sometimes I do absolutely nothing. I mean, just lounging on the couch, binge-watching shows until the kids get home kind of nothing. And you know what? I refuse to feel guilty about it. I may indulge in these lazy days multiple times a week, and guess what? No one is writing me up for poor performance.
Ultimately, I’ve earned this freedom to choose how I spend my time. There’s a certain power in being a stay-at-home mom who feels no need to justify her choices to anyone. These moms are the true trailblazers.
And until someone shows me a stay-at-home mom who clocks out at 5 PM, I’ll keep doing what I do, day in and day out.
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In summary, being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean I’m not busy; it means I’m busy in ways that matter most to my family and me. Each day is a blend of responsibilities, community involvement, and sometimes, well-deserved downtime.
Keyphrase: stay-at-home mom
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