The epitome of the mother who wanted more! |
Now I don't want to offend any of you that chose to be career mommies. I think it's great that you are doing what you love, but this isn't me. I desperately need to have a job--a purpose and identity beyond my wife and mother role. I need the challenges, stimulation and COMPANY that comes from working outside the home. I don't feel like I contribute my fair share when I'm not bringing in a paycheck and frankly, I blame that fact on Women's Lib.
Sometimes I really believe that the Equal Rights Movement didn't do women any favors. Sure it opened up a world jobs, equality, and purpose but it also taught us that we can and should expect to have it all! And frankly, they lied. I admit that when I was a career woman I looked down on SAHMs. Because what woman, in their right mind, wouldn't want to have it all? A fulfilling job, loving family and dinner on the table by six. This illusion/delusion has set up many a woman to fail.
The "Have It All" attitude is extremely pervasive in our culture and now that I'm on the other side of that coin I feel the judgement of working women bearing down on me. And here is where the disparity of the situation becomes clear. In the 1950s there was a societal expectation that mothers stayed home and nurtured the family. There was also that support of other women to draw from. The problem I find myself in, is that because I didn't choose to be a SAHM and since I don't work steadily outside the home I fail to find support from either side. It seems that my "swinger" status is bothersome to all.
To be continued....
Check out the series.
Part 1
Peace Out!