At 5 p.m. each day, I often feel the urge to clock out. I want to grab my bag, shut down my computer, and make a swift exit from work. But there’s a catch: my workplace is my home. I am a stay-at-home mom (SAHM).
For the past 19 years—those long, tiring, fulfilling, sometimes frustrating, and never dull years—I have embraced this role. After the birth of my first child, I left my traditional job and chose full-time motherhood over my career, a decision I have never regretted.
For my family and me, it was the right choice at the right time. As more children came along, the idea of returning to work became unthinkable due to the high costs of childcare. In fact, we ended up saving money because I was home.
Then the kids started school, and suddenly, I felt the unspoken societal pressure to re-enter the workforce full-time. After all, with no daycare expenses and free time during the day, it seemed logical to ask, “What will I do all day at home?”
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work part-time on a few occasions, enjoying positions with incredible flexibility that allowed me to work as little as five hours a week in my field. When I wanted to work, I did, but more often, I chose not to. The emotional pull to stay home outweighed the desire to return to work. Yet, I still face questions like, “What do you do all day?” and “Will you ever go back to work?” My personal favorite is, “Don’t you want to earn a paycheck and contribute to society?” For years, I didn’t have the courage to answer, “Why does it matter to you?” but now I do.
More importantly, it’s no one’s business but my own, and I am incredibly busy as a SAHM—even with all my kids in school.
So busy, in fact, that the thought of juggling a full-time job while managing four kids and a household sends me into a state of panic, making me deeply respect the working mothers I know. Yes, even with nothing apparent on my schedule, I keep myself quite occupied.
I’m busy saving money by handling most household tasks myself. Whether it’s fixing things that are broken, cleaning, or organizing, I take care of it all.
I’m busy volunteering at my children’s schools during times when working moms can’t. It’s a privilege to help out, and I appreciate the chance to contribute. It truly takes a village.
I’m busy in my community, helping to organize events, fundraisers, and bake sales. Giving back is a fulfilling way to spend my time.
I’m busy supporting fellow moms when childcare fails, kids are sick, or when a SAHM friend returns to school and needs a little help. It’s the right thing to do, and I genuinely enjoy it.
I’m busy cooking, doing laundry, and taking everyone to their appointments and sports practices—enough said.
I’m busy managing all the responsibilities my husband can’t handle because of his frequent work travel.
But sometimes, I’m also busy doing absolutely nothing. I mean, like, “I’m lounging on the couch binging on reality TV until the kids come home” kind of nothing. And I refuse to feel guilty about it. I might even do that for several days straight! And since I’m in charge, there’s no one to reprimand me for my so-called lack of productivity.
Ultimately, I’ve earned that freedom. I do what I want, and I’m unapologetic about it.
There’s something empowering about being a SAHM who doesn’t feel the need to justify her choices or explain how she spends her time. Let’s call them trailblazers.
And remember, until you can show me a SAHM who clocks out at 5 p.m. every weekday, I’ll stick to my own narrative about what I do all day.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this informative article on intracervical insemination. If you’re interested in understanding more about the process, Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit is an authority on this topic, providing excellent resources. Additionally, if you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of pregnancy and related subjects, visit MedlinePlus for valuable information.
Summary
In this article, Jamie T. Collins shares her experience as a stay-at-home mom for 19 years, discussing the challenges and rewards of her choice to prioritize family over traditional employment. She emphasizes the busy nature of her life, taking on household responsibilities, volunteering, and supporting her community. Jamie also addresses societal pressures to return to work, asserting her right to choose how she spends her time without needing to justify her role.