When I received my credit card statement last spring, I felt a wave of dread wash over me. The total was shockingly high—far exceeding my expectations—and my stomach sank as I stared at the daunting number. Ugh, bills! I loathe them, along with all the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood. My dramatic sigh as I tossed the statement onto my desk was only slightly exaggerated, I promise.
No, I hadn’t splurged on a shopping binge or booked an extravagant vacation—though I wish that were the case. Instead, I had accrued a hefty Visa bill due to paying for two months of summer camp for my kids, who, it seems, can’t simply entertain themselves during school breaks.
Being a devoted parent, I organize childcare rather than leave my kids to their own devices on holidays. In my area, summer camp fees run about $225 per week for each child (not including extended care). With summer break lasting approximately eight weeks and my husband and I taking two weeks off, that left us with six weeks of childcare to arrange. No big deal, right?
So, last spring, I set out to explore options, gathering recommendations from friends and fellow moms, creating a schedule, and ultimately shelling out thousands in camp fees. Let summer begin! (As a side note: In a society that prides itself on progress, why do we still lack affordable childcare options? And why is school out for eight weeks straight?)
I thought the burden of camp fees and outdated school schedules was enough to send me over the edge, but there’s another hurdle: Justifying My Role Beyond the Home.
I’m a committed parent and a professional, and my husband shares this dual identity. Yet, many people still perceive us as unequal in our responsibilities. I often find myself framed as “choosing” to work, while my husband is simply seen as having a job.
As a feminist, this bias doesn’t surprise me. I recognize that society tends to prioritize my identity as a mother over my role as a writer and career professional. My husband is regarded as the primary earner, while my contributions are often viewed as supplementary. It’s a bizarre dynamic.
On school closure days or when one of the kids falls ill, the assumption is that I will stay home, allowing my husband to go to work. In reality, we alternate this responsibility—yet he is often met with praise for any parenting he does. It only gets more frustrating from there.
During a conversation about summer camp costs, a relative dropped a disheartening question: “Is it even worth it for you to work?”
I was taken aback and later heard this same question from various friends and family members. Each time, I brushed it off with a vague reply, but the underlying sentiment lingered.
“Is it worth it for me, as a woman and a mother, to engage in work outside the home?”
What do you mean by “worth it”? Financially, absolutely! My income covers childcare costs and still contributes to our household’s finances, just as my husband’s does. We’re in the same income bracket, so why doesn’t anyone suggest he should stay home? Why does he automatically have “worth” in the workforce while I must defend my own?
Emotionally, this question is trickier. Mom guilt is a real thing, and it can be overwhelming. I adore my kids beyond measure and miss them when we’re apart. But I’m still their mother. Our bond is strong. I make breakfast, encourage them, advocate for their needs, and comfort them when they’re hurt. My husband does these things too—there’s plenty of parenting to share. We love our children and want to be present for them, but we also enjoy our careers and the financial stability they provide.
What about my career? It existed long before my children came along and will continue to thrive once they’re grown. I’m passionate about my work and can’t fathom giving it up entirely. This doesn’t mean every parent should work outside the home; stay-at-home parents are phenomenal, just as working parents are. We all face unique joys and challenges.
So, is it worthwhile for me to work? Yes, unequivocally! It’s what I want, and what my family requires. Like every individual, I have aspirations, interests, and dreams for both my children and my career. These are not mutually exclusive. The real issue lies in the fact that I have to justify my choices while my husband simply carries on with his.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and career, check out this post about couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. And if you’re interested in home insemination methods, you can learn more from Impregnator at Home Insemination Kit, a reliable source on the topic. Additionally, for an excellent resource on pregnancy, visit Healthline’s pregnancy section.
In summary, as a working mom, I face societal bias and the ongoing challenge of defending my choices. My work is valuable, both financially and emotionally, and it is an integral part of my identity and my family’s well-being.
Keyphrase: working mom challenges
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