The Hardest Job

I think that being a working mother is one of the hardest jobs ever. Every week day except for Summer vacation, I must get up and leave my child. It is crazy how much it hurts to this day. I know that many of you may be saying to yourself that I could easily stay home and you are right. I could stay home, but then my family would definitely struggle. This leads me to the question of whether my child would be happy even if we were struggling or am I doing the right thing by providing a comfortable life for my family and me by working? The problem is I do not think there is a wrong or right answer. It's a decision that must simply be made by Jeremy and me.

If I didn't work, we would lose half of our income and our insurance. Money is just not that important but insurance most definitely is. It is so wonderful to not have to worry about the possibly enormous bills that come along with routine check-ups and emergencies. For instance, during the month of June, I went to the local ER three times and my regular doctor four times over poison ivy and an allergic reaction to medication. Had it not been for insurance, we would probably be up to our eyeballs in debt for these medical expenses. Think about the "normal" medical expenses for a year. An adult should have a yearly check-up, two dental visits, women's health check-up (for females of course), and an eye exam annually. Also, my child is still having her well-baby check-ups so she is seen more than one time a year. Those annual exams alone could add up to a lot of money with no insurance which is why insurance is one major justification of me being a working mom.

Another reason I choose to work is financial stability. It is nice being able to do things and provide extra for my family. It is also nice being able to have a savings account. It is nice to have already started Chloe's college fund. Trust me, I understand that when all is said and done that money is not important, but the truth is that the lack of money can cause a great amount of stress.

My husband hates when I say this, but I also think that being a working mom makes me a better mom. I feel that I cherish the time with my child more than stay-at-home mom. I'm sure that statement may make some people angry, but it is just my opinion. I don't feel the need to have "me" time that I see so many stay-at-home moms desire. I look so forward to time with Chloe that I want to get down on her level and play with her when I can.

Lastly, I choose to work because I love my job. I love reading and writing and teaching. So it makes me happy that I teach English which is essentially two of my favorite things. Plus, it enables me to continue learning. I hear so many parents say they never get adult interaction and when they do all they know to talk about is their children. Now don't get me wrong, I could talk about Chloe all day, but I'm sure not everyone wants to hear every single "cute" thing she does. And I'm sure some people will argue that at least I have the summer with her, but what non-teachers do not realize is that teaching isn't simply an eight hour shift five days a week, it is sometimes a 12 or 14 hour day six or seven days a week when you consider grading, coaching, etc.

And while I sit here and type this out, justifying to myself why I work, it is still the hardest job ever being a working mother. I love my child and I want to spend every waking minute with her, but I realize that it is just not the best thing for my family. Luckily, my parents are helping to raise her since my mom is her babysitter. I love my mom and I think that she is so wonderful with Chloe. I know that she is in good hands even if they are not my hands.

Here is a picture of Chloe at the pool this Summer on one of our mother/daughter bonding adventures!