Diane Rehm - "Womenomics"

[GrayMatterWife]

I've had so many conflicting emotions about these issues. Even when I'm not conflicted I question WHY I'm not conflicted (to be a SAHM was basically my choice and I've never seriously looked back). Am I not as motivated as the next woman to achieve outside our family? What's wrong with me?

There is NOTHING AT ALL wrong with you. The idea that you can be a successful woman--or person, for that matter--only if you work outside the home, or work at a specific type of job, or maximize your specific degree or whatever, is socially imposed. Honestly, I wouldn't worry too much about what society says you should be doing. Other people can't live your life for you--and not all judgments are worthy, anyway. Just because someone is being judgmental doesn't meant that their judgment is worth your time!

I WOTH and, about twice a week, I consider quitting. Not because I don't love my job, but because the older I get, the more I see the precious time with my young children slipping away. And I would absolutely love to homeschool. Seriously. I go to the area's homeschooling support website quite a bit and dream.

Of course, then I wake up and realize that it would be WAY MORE WORK than I do outside the home, and think, "Uh, maybe not." How's that for a lack of ambition???

[migirl]

I have nothing constructive to add but this topic fascinates me.

I've had so many conflicting emotions about these issues. Even when I'm not conflicted I question WHY I'm not conflicted (to be a SAHM was basically my choice and I've never seriously looked back). Am I not as motivated as the next woman to achieve outside our family? What's wrong with me?

Anyway, sorry for the hijack -- carry on. I'm just reading with interest.

This describes me so well. I'm perfectly happy being a SAHM, I left the (very male-dominated) corporate world when DS#1 was born and I haven't regretted it once. Not once. But when I read/hear about these types of conflicts that women have, I do sometimes wonder why *I* don't.

I realize that this adds absolutely nothing to this thread. Continue to talk amongst yourselves...

[DCJenn]

Actually I think everyone's experiences are really interesting. I thought being a SAHM was the best and worst job I'd ever had. I couldn't hang. I had him in daycare here before I'd even found a job. (although in my defense, it's kind of hard to look for jobs and go on interviews with a two year old in tow)

Our week off was great fun but he was definitely ready to head to summer fun camp this morning! and I was ready to take him.

Jenn

[MrsK]

Yeah, it's a struggle either way. I mean, when I married DrK we discussed how his training would impact my career. Ultimately, I wanted to taper off a bit and spend more time with our babies anyway. . . but not until his career was stable. Seems that having become a trailing spouse, I've been "mommy tracked" regardless of what my intentions are. I was going to call my boss today to complain about the lack of interesting assignments coming my way. They aren't doing me any favors at this juncture.