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It’s been a while now, since I have returned to working full-time. After several trials and errors in the career zone, I have finally taken on a full-time job in writing, albeit from home. This works for me, as I’m able to balance two of my top priorities—I am available for my children throughout the day and am also able to focus on a productive and satisfying career.
However, I have observed that many people have an agonizing difficulty accepting that for a mother, ‘being at home’ and ‘working full-time’ are simultaneously possible. On numerous occasions, I have been asked when I’ll be returning to a job. This is despite my explaining that I have a full-time, decently-paying job, right now!
And then there are others who think that a ‘Work-from-home-mom‘ is just a fancy term that I’ve picked up somewhere, and I have all the time in the world….enough time to run around paying bills, picking up couriers, babysitting the kids of busy moms who chase their ‘career’ dreams, and to accommodate any plan at immediate notice. After all, I am at home. So how important can work possibly be?!
This message is to all these people, who believe that working women ought to be in an office, to fit the bill. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, it doesn’t change the fact that a ‘work-from-home’ mom has a career that is important to her. She has responsibilities just like any other member of the workforce, perhaps even more.
She is struggling to maintain her work-life balance, and just because she is at home, it doesn’t mean everything automatically falls into place. She has her own priorities and tasks to complete, and is not ‘free’ to take over yours. Where work is concerned, she is no different from anyone who works outside the house. Taking a day off means the same to her. And although it may not be a traditional 9-5 job, she still has people to answer to. And, it pays her bills.
You may not respect or even recognize what she does, but next time, please don’t forget to ask before volunteering her for your needs. In case you still don’t get it, she is not available unless she says so!
work life balance concept image via Shutterstock
Always on the lookout for new things to learn, I am a voracious reader, globetrotter,
Thank you Saumya, Sheetal and Hot Cup of Kaapi for stopping by. It is is a tough situation we all face, nonetheless we have to stand up for ourselves, so our society someday realizes that we are also contributing members of the workforce.
A Few Notes From Mothers On All Sides Of The “Work” Fence
Flexible Work Hours Would Have Meant That I Could ‘Have It All’
As An Indian Mom, Is The Need For Intensive Parenting Killing Your Career?
10 Practical Questions To Ask Yourself Before You Opt To Be A Stay At Home Mom (SAHM)
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