I met up with a few ex-co workers recently. It has been a few months since we last saw each other. As usual, everyone updated each other on what has been happening these past months. When it was my turn to tell them that I'm still staying at home and starting to homeschool Kowi, well, let's say there were a few nods and odd responses. And none of them were enthusiastic.Most of them asked when I plan on going back to work. One even said I was so lucky to "do nothing all day." As I was explaining my reasons for staying home, I could see it in their eyes, pity, sadness, disbelief. Oh, I see this reaction from a few family members as well.
It's shocking to learn that most people don't know how tough it is to stay at home. Managing a household, homeschooling Kowi, afterschooling Kuya and working at home is a lot on the plate. The dishes do not clean themselves while I watch Oprah and drink iced tea. It takes a certain amount of effort, ability and love to juggle all these and still find a reason to smile at the end of the day.
While some may think that I am unsuccessful in landing a job or wasting my education by staying home, I beg to disagree. I do have a double degree from one of the top three schools in the country, have been a consistent dean's lister and have been given a national award for academic achievement. I stay home because my children will benefit the most from my skills. Isn't that a better use for it?
Although my "career" is put on the backburner, my children are only young once. I figure I can always be CEO in a few years.
Now, if somebody asks me again when I plan to get work...arrrrgh!!!
14 comments:
This line "do nothing all day" reminded me of how my Mom reacted before to somebody who remarked that she must be soooo bored already from just staying home after retiring from work. Well, my Mother simply said "only the indolent housewives feel that way."
Some people just do not understand that being a Stay-At-Home-Mom (and Wife) requires much more effort and presents greater challenges than working in a corporate environment.
Haay, sana nga we can get away with doing nothing all day. Kainis talaga! Hehe
I'm hoping to become a SAHM soon with more opps and time for blogging hehe :)
I hear ya. When I decided to stay home last year it was the same...a few people were enthusiastic but for the most part, people don't get it. Either that or they are just plain jealous. I ended up going back to work but I do it now at home (and only because I want to). I still think people don't understand though because I don't go into some office (literally) that it hardly counts as work. I pity them.
good for you for doing what you feel is best and spending more time with your children. Teaching them and managing a household is by far one of the hardest jobs around.
I hope to someday be a SAHM. I'm hoping that my blog is helpful enough to bring my family some income and hopefully help out other mothers who are struggling. I don't post scams or anything on my site... I post things to save money and ways to actually avoid scams... do have a look!
got the same, exact reaction from friends and some relatives!!!
may i know where u graduated?? char!
Hi. I was surprised when I read your blog. I thought someone wrote about my own experience. When I met with my ex-office mates and told them that I resigned to home school my son, everyone looks like there's something wrong with me or my son. After one month of home school, I am certain I made the right choice.
i know exactly what you mean sis, carry on na lang, take it as it is. kainis lang at times but we dont need this. sigh.
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Hi Carol, I LOVE LOVE LOVED being a SAHM...hard work and really a big sacrifice. You should really be proud of yourself, for choosing to devote yourself to being with your children all day. Recently I decided to work again, and ... I regret it. Hahaha! I just miss Quito so much. Sigh.
saw your blog in another site and saw that you are a military wife too... hi! :)
i wish i can be a stay at home mom like you, or even a work-at-home mom. especially since we are also planning to homeschool our eldest starting january (this is when work here at the office is the leanest). i just wish i'd have the energy to go to the office, take care of a newborn, continue my masters and homeschool all at the same time...
i am at awe at how you are able to manage the budget. how do you do it? as for me, i can only retire if they start paying our soldiers more...
To everyone,
Thanks for the nice comments. I know that I am happiest staying at home and I'm not going to let opinions of the people who do not matter to me affect it.
Thanks again. This really means a lot.
wAAHHHHh!! gO GO GO Sis! Nakakarelate ako as in !Hahahahhaa....
Yaan mo sila.. heehe... Priceless ang pagiging SAHM! Hehehehe...COngrats and we can do it !go go go! eheheheh
i agree with you. i also once decided to leave my job and settle in the province. all my friends and relatives thought i was crazy and they were so against my plan. i have the same thinking that i dont want to grow old and then say that i wish i spent more time with my family.
If the family income would allow me, I'd prefer to be a SAHM too. There's nothing more fulfilling than watching your kids thrive under your care. Plus, with husband's line of work, my schedule should always be flexible. Yung tipong wala ng pagpapaalaman ng leave. =) Hopefully, in 10 years, matupad na ang pangarap na to. =)
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