Sorry, but I don't think being a SAHM is harder...

[sportsgirlmom]

I am a SAHM for 5 years now, before that I worked full-time for a mortgage broker.  I did the whole daycare thing and let me tell you, I firmly believe  that being a working mom is harder.  Yes, as a SAHM I get tired, I feel underappreciated, overworked, and I guess underpaid, but I'm also my own boss, get to hang out at the pool with my kids all day, get things done when they need to be done, stay up late to watch a movie without fear of being tired for work, PLAN a dinner (not in my car on the way home, either) and have it ready a a decent hour, attend school functions with my kids, etc.   When my 2nd daughter was born (I had quit my job), if she was up all night I didn't worry or freak out like I did with my first one.  If my kids are sick, they stay home and I don't worry what I'll do.  That was a horrible feeling. These are luxuries that a working mom does not have.  When I worked, my vacation days were used when my daughter got sick.  I never got a 'vacation".  I can't imagine having to work full time and try to get my kids to all the places they need to go either.  Not to mention missing out on the daily things kids do and achieve.   I've gotten to see my kids do so many cool things at school that I would have missed.  I've been a working mom and hope I never have to go back....

[littleindiana]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM Thank you so much for understanding both sides of the issue.

[pinkmom66]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 3:46 PM

Thanks, for saying all of that.  Us working Moms were a little miffed by the poll.  I am a working Mom.  I have no choice.  If I could afford to stay at home I would love to.  I like you use up all my vacation taking care of my kids.  I will have to add that being a single working Mom is even harder!

[navyjen]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 3:49 PM Thanks for saying that.    The past week has been so busy son had 5 baseball games and with work and trying to put a healthy dinner on the table  its been hectic to say the least.    Nice to hear from someone who has been on both sides of the fence...

[wendy46121]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:02 PM

I dont think being a SAHM is the hardest job I've ever had. 

But it is the only one I have actually ever cared about. :D 

Seriously though, in the poll I voted "It's hard but not that hard"  But I wish there was an option that said "It's not THAT hard but I still deserve a dang vacation!!!"

LOL... my s/o works 40 hrs per week (10 hrs per day/4 days) and gets three days off... but I am still the one to do all the SAHM on his days off!  And his offfice job is EASY AS PIE. Literally.  He will even admit his job is way too easy. 

Working moms have it hard to (I have been one!) Especially if single, or have an unhelpful s/o.  Not only are they putting 40 hrs in at the office weekly, but they have to come home to cook and clean and STILL have to find good quality time to spend with the kids!

 

[LoriKeet]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:12 PM

I guess, some of us who responded to the SAHM job being harder (me, for instance), took in to account WHY we are SAHMs, as some of us have special needs children, and dumping them off in daycare, while satisfying a need to feel "fulfilled" just doesn't seem as important, as tending to our childrens' needs--therapies, school, tutoring, doctor's appointments, etc.  Also, some of us do not have extended family members nearby to watch our children when we need to get things done.  Taking special needs children with us to OUR doctor's appointments is a real "treat."  Am I jealous?!  Sometimes.  But it is what it is!  I will ensure that my children become independent productive members of society some day...it's just gonna take more work than many of those with typical children have. 

I had always planned on being a SAHM once I married and became pregnant with my 1st child at age 33.  I had fulfilled my career ambitions by that point (made a decent 6 figure salary), and was ready for new challenges...I just didn't know how challenging they would prove to be.  Once my younger son (now 4) begins full-time school, I will once again enter the working world..albeit part-time "mother's hours" and for my children's school district, so that when they are off from school, I will be too (or at least have a little more flexibility than traditional jobs).

Now, don't get me wrong...I love my children more than life itself, and I do not begrudge them or their disabilities in any way...I'm just saying that everyone has a unique situation and you simply do what you need to do to get by.  I'm sure each of us feels that their job is the hardest--whatever that may be.

 

 

 

 

 

[Melissa1018]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM This is such a great post!  I am a full time working mom but it was so refreshing to hear from someone who can see both sides of the situation.  Thank you!!

[Kim3787]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:24 PM Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!

[dispatchangel91]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:33 PM Great Post! Thank You...

[mellie369]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:50 PM I've done both and know exactly what you are speaking of..... great post! :)

[bluiidmommy]

Jun. 27, 2008 at 4:52 PM Thank you for this post!  I was kind of upset by the poll too--sure, it's a hard job, but not harder.  Sure, it'd be nice to get a break sometimes, but I get to do what I want when I want and see my girls every day.  I don't have to rush around to get everything done.