We’ve all heard the saying, “Motherhood is a thankless job.” Well, let’s be real—this notion is utterly misguided. Yes, motherhood can feel like the most underappreciated role ever; you pour your heart and soul into everything for your kids, and the moment something goes awry, it’s like you’ve committed a crime. However, I firmly assert that motherhood is not a job.
Take today, for instance—my youngest had a spirit day at preschool, meaning he was supposed to wear a designated shirt. I distinctly remember washing, folding, and putting that shirt in his drawer. But, of course, it was nowhere to be found when we needed it. Naturally, this mishap turned into a full-blown catastrophe, and my middle child went off to school wearing an entirely different shirt, probably thinking I just lounge around all day munching on snacks (which, trust me, I might start doing if clothes keep disappearing).
A job, by definition, involves work in exchange for payment. Honestly, unemployment could be considered more of a job than motherhood! With a traditional job, you get vacation days (I can’t even recall the last time I took a break from motherhood) and sick days (I’m currently battling a sinus infection and a double ear infection, yet I’m still on mom duty) plus those oh-so-precious mental health days (don’t even get me started on how I could use one of those right now).
No, I’m not “working” at being a mom. There’s no severance check, no quitting time, and no lunch break. Some nights, as I lay my head down, I reflect on the sweet moments shared with my kids: a giggle, a heartfelt “thank you,” or a tender “I love you,” and for a brief moment, my heart feels full. But most nights? Most nights, I fall into bed exhausted, my body heavy from the relentless demands of motherhood.
This role isn’t a job because it’s never-ending. It’s like being a janitor in a mall—you clean the floors repeatedly, only to watch people trample over your hard work, leaving a mess behind. The difference? Even that janitor gets paid!
I often wish I could heed the advice of the kind stranger at the grocery store. You know, the one who coos at my baby and tells me, “Enjoy every moment; it goes by so fast.” I know she’s right; time is racing by, but I can’t take a moment to savor it because I’m too busy just trying to keep up. Motherhood has engulfed me, and while part of me longs for it to be a job I could quit with a dramatic “I’m done!” I know I can’t. It’s my life.
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Summary:
Motherhood is a fulfilling yet relentless experience, distinctly different from a traditional job. While it can be overwhelming and thankless, it is also filled with precious moments that make it worthwhile. The lack of breaks and the constant demands highlight that motherhood is not a job one can quit but a lifelong commitment.