A Feminist Homemaker Reenters the Workforce
I'm on the cusp of a life change, on the shirttail of another life change, moving, which occurred seven weeks ago. The world as I've known it the past twelve years is about to end: I am starting a job tomorrow.
As a feminist I believe we women have the right to choose whether we want a career, to be homemakers, stay-at-home moms, or any combination, and society should honor and respect us no matter what our circumstances. I chose all of the above. Twelve years ago I left the career track to pursue full-time motherhood. With my husband's and my student loan debt, times were often lean. Initially, we thought we could only afford for me to stay home for six months. With a little sacrifice, creative planning, and God's grace, I was able to fulfill my dream. Sometimes, I worked PRN jobs. Sometimes I taught as an adjunct professor. But always, my family was my priority, as it will continue to be when I resume my career tomorrow.
I'm scared. The challenges that lay ahead seem like a mountain too high to climb. Not only will I be learning a new job and protocol, memorizing huge amounts of information, and meeting lots of new people with whom I will spend lots of time, I will have to find a new rhythm in the home. I wonder how the grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, errands, homework, yard work, child pick-up and drop-off at school, play dates, and family time will be accomplished. Will I have any down time? Writing time? Volunteer time? Exercise time?
I believe that attitude determines outcomes. Though I'm scared, I am excited. I'm ready for this new challenge, ready to use my degree, professional knowledge, and skills. It will be fun to dress up and wear make-up every day (that may get old!). So with a positive attitude, I'm strapping on the proverbial hiking boots and starting the trek.
As a feminist I believe we women have the right to choose whether we want a career, to be homemakers, stay-at-home moms, or any combination, and society should honor and respect us no matter what our circumstances. I chose all of the above. Twelve years ago I left the career track to pursue full-time motherhood. With my husband's and my student loan debt, times were often lean. Initially, we thought we could only afford for me to stay home for six months. With a little sacrifice, creative planning, and God's grace, I was able to fulfill my dream. Sometimes, I worked PRN jobs. Sometimes I taught as an adjunct professor. But always, my family was my priority, as it will continue to be when I resume my career tomorrow.
I'm scared. The challenges that lay ahead seem like a mountain too high to climb. Not only will I be learning a new job and protocol, memorizing huge amounts of information, and meeting lots of new people with whom I will spend lots of time, I will have to find a new rhythm in the home. I wonder how the grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, cleaning, errands, homework, yard work, child pick-up and drop-off at school, play dates, and family time will be accomplished. Will I have any down time? Writing time? Volunteer time? Exercise time?
I believe that attitude determines outcomes. Though I'm scared, I am excited. I'm ready for this new challenge, ready to use my degree, professional knowledge, and skills. It will be fun to dress up and wear make-up every day (that may get old!). So with a positive attitude, I'm strapping on the proverbial hiking boots and starting the trek.
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