“Who me?”
“I’m just a housewife. ”
“I was a Primary School Teacher though. I did contribute something to the world… honestly.”
A housewife. I am a housewife. I have been unemployed for three whole months. I am one of the number of David Cameron’s unemployed. I stay at home, all day, every day. Accoridng to my title, I am married to a house.
It seems that being a housewife is no longer as socially acceptable. Maybe it’s because at one point it was the only option for women and we learned to fight against it. Maybe it’s because we believe in equality? Maybe it’s because some people need to work, and some people love to work?
But why is being a housewife looked down on?
I feel like I have to justify myself constantly. I have to tell people that I do have a degree, and yes I did work before having Holly. I’ve spent my whole life working, I have never been unemployed. I’ve been:
- A Waitress
- A Bar Maid
- An Office Cleaner
- A Home Cleaner
- A Receptionist
- A Social Carer
- A Teacher
- A Housewife
I loved working and teaching. I felt of real value and worth. I looked after 23 kids, and my job was important. I was helping to educate the next generation.
But I also love being a mum. I feel of real value and worth. I look after 1 child and my job is important. I am helping to educate the next generation.
I feel very lucky, that we are in the position where I don’t HAVE to go back to work. But that didn’t make it an easy decision. I worked at an amazing school with great staff. I loved it and it was hard to leave. But I really want to raise Holly. I think SAHM’s (stay at home mum) have such a value in raising the next generation. I don’t just sit and watch TV all day, I’m a Wife, Mother, Teacher, Nurse, Chef, Cleaner, Taxi, Business Manager, Banker, Volunteer, Time Manager, Family Coordinator..
I don’t look down or judge anyone else for what they decide to do. I may work part time or have to return to work full time at some point but for now…I am a mother. That’s how I define myself.
We need not justify our situation.
Your child goes to nursery full time… great.
You have a nanny… brilliant.
You are a doctor, a lawyer, a librarian, a dinner lady… superb.
You’re a housewife… huzzah.
I have learned this year not to be ashamed of my decision not to return to work.
I am a mother, and some days my job makes me crawl out of cardboard boxes.
J is for Job.
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