When I first chose to be a stay-at-home mom, the thought of returning to work felt like it was ages away. However, those years have flown by, and now, the time for a career shift is right around the corner. In just a few months, all of my children will be in school full-time, ushering in a new era for our family. Should I dust off my resume? Do any of my work clothes still fit? (Or are they even in style?) Or should I embrace being a stay-at-home mom for a bit longer? After all, there’s no obligation to jump back into the workforce immediately, right? We’ve managed just fine so far, so what’s a few more years?
My partner, Jake, is self-employed. His work schedule is the opposite of a traditional 9-to-5; it starts when he wakes up and stretches until he goes to bed. It’s exhausting to witness, but he thrives on it, driven by his desire to succeed and support our family. For this to happen, he needs someone to handle the chaos that comes with four kids and a demanding dog—someone like me. I handle wake-ups, breakfast, school drop-offs, pickups, sick days, doctor visits, and all the little details he can’t manage. And I do it with joy. I want to keep fulfilling this role because it’s what our family needs right now.
All of our kids are still in elementary school and attend the same institution. I volunteer for various activities, from playground duty to the book fair. My eldest, Max, will be starting 8th grade next year, on the brink of high school. I want to cherish the moments when I see him laughing with friends in the hallway or hear him casually say, “Hi, Mom,” trying to maintain his cool. Soon enough, he’ll be off, and I won’t have those interactions again.
My youngest, Lily, will be entering kindergarten, and I want to witness all her milestones, like when she proudly shouts, “That’s my mom!” with an enthusiastic wave. Then there are my two middle boys, who have their moments of affection and indifference. Still, I seize every opportunity to greet them; more often than not, I’m met with a smile. I know this window into their lives is limited, and I’m not ready to close that door yet.
Over these past years at home, I’ve discovered that I’m not your average career-driven individual. Climbing the corporate ladder doesn’t entice me. I’m content managing our household, and I have no desire to lead a Fortune 500 company—there are plenty of people far better suited for that. It’s not that I’m incapable; I am intelligent, hard-working, and skilled. But my strengths shine brighter at home, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
So, what will I do with my time? There’s plenty to keep me busy. I’ll still tackle laundry and housework, but for the first time in years, I’ll have the chance to focus on myself. I plan to sit down at my computer and finally put into words the stories I’ve been longing to share. I’m determined to write that book! I also do freelance work, which allows me to maintain flexibility. This way, I can continue pursuing my passions while still being available for a sick child or visiting my mom, who—though it’s painful to admit—won’t be around forever. I want to cherish every moment with her. I’ll also expand my volunteer efforts and find fulfillment in that.
Please don’t let me feel guilty for this choice. I recognize that it’s a privilege to stay home, and that’s because Jake works incredibly hard for this opportunity. He wants me here, ensuring he’s not overwhelmed. We’re not living lavishly off one income; we’re not wealthy, but we find happiness in our lifestyle.
My children will only be young once, and I have a limited time to be involved in their lives. Before long, I’ll be handing over car keys, and everything will change. For now, I’m the chauffeur, chef, and chief operating officer of our busy household, and I intend to make the most of it.
If you’re interested in more related content, check out this post, which dives into the journey of home insemination and family planning. For couples navigating fertility challenges, Make a Mom offers valuable insights and resources. Additionally, WomensHealth.gov is an excellent resource for information on infertility and pregnancy.
Summary
As my youngest child prepares to start school, I’ve decided to remain a stay-at-home mom a bit longer instead of returning to the workforce. My role at home is crucial not only to support my husband, Jake, who works tirelessly, but also to enjoy precious moments with my children as they grow up. I’ve discovered my strengths lie in managing our household, and I plan to pursue personal interests like writing while continuing my volunteer work. This is a time to cherish family and find fulfillment in my current role.
Keyphrase: Stay-at-home mom choices
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