We’ve all heard it a thousand times: “Motherhood is a thankless job.” Well, I’m here to tell you that’s a load of nonsense. Sure, being a mom can often feel like the most unappreciated gig in history—doing everything for everyone only to be recognized for your efforts when things go wrong. But let’s be clear: motherhood is not a job.
Take today, for instance. It was spirit day at my little one’s preschool, which means he had to wear a specific shirt. I distinctly remember washing, folding, and placing that shirt in his drawer. But, of course, it was nowhere to be found. Cue the epic meltdown as my middle child left for school in the wrong shirt, probably thinking I just lounge around all day eating Cowboy Bark from Trader Joe’s (which honestly sounds tempting if shirts are going to sprout legs and disappear).
By definition, a job involves working for pay. Seriously, unemployment offers more structure than motherhood. With a job, you get vacation days (which I can’t even remember the last time I had), sick days (I’m currently battling a sinus infection and a double ear infection, all while managing my mom duties), and mental health days (don’t get me started on how much I need one of those!).
Being a mom is not about “working” in the traditional sense. There’s no severance package, no clock to punch at 5 PM, and no lunch break. Some nights, as I lay my head on the pillow, I find solace in recalling a sweet moment with my kids: a hearty laugh, a heartfelt “thanks, Mom,” or a genuine “I love you.” Those moments fill my heart with joy. But let’s be honest—most nights, I’m so exhausted that I don’t even remember how I got into bed, my body weary from the endless physical and mental demands of motherhood.
This isn’t a job because it never really ends. It’s like being the custodian of a mall—mopping the floors repeatedly, only for a crowd to trample over your hard work and leave muddy footprints behind. At least that custodian gets paid!
I often wish I could take the advice of that wise woman at the grocery store who squeezes my baby’s cheeks and says, “Cherish these moments, dear, they go by so fast.” She’s right, of course. Time is racing by, but it’s hard to savor it when I’m drowning in tasks. Motherhood has consumed me entirely, and while sometimes I fantasize about it being a job so I could just toss a pile of laundry on the floor and shout, “I QUIT! SHOVE IT!”—I can’t. I don’t. Because it’s not a job; it’s my life.
But a mental health day? Now that would be nice.
For more insights into family life and resources on pregnancy, check out this excellent guide on IVF and fertility preservation. And if you’re looking for at-home options, this blog post offers some great information. Also, be sure to visit Make a Mom for authoritative resources on self-insemination.
In conclusion, motherhood is a relentless journey, one that doesn’t come with paychecks or time off. Yet, the love and laughter shared with your children make it all worthwhile, even if it means never fully clocking out.