Last spring, I opened my credit card statement and felt a wave of dread wash over me. The amount was shockingly high—much more than I had anticipated. I couldn’t help but groan as I laid it back down on my desk. It wasn’t due to an extravagant shopping spree or a lavish vacation, which would have been far more enjoyable. No, the culprit was a hefty bill for two months of summer camp for my kids—who, it turns out, require structured care when school is out.
Since my children are young, and out of love for them, I ensure they have proper childcare during breaks instead of leaving them unsupervised. In my area, day camp runs about $225 a week per child—similar to daycare costs. With summer break spanning roughly eight weeks and my husband and I taking two weeks off, we were left to cover six weeks of paid childcare that is both safe and enriching. No big deal, right?
So, last spring, I dived into researching options, gathered recommendations from friends and fellow parents, crafted a schedule, and ended up spending several thousand dollars on camp fees. Bring on the summer! (By the way, is it too much to ask for more affordable childcare options in this advanced society? And why does school have to be out for eight weeks straight?)
I thought managing camp fees and outdated academic schedules would be my biggest challenge, but I was wrong. There’s another hurdle: Justifying My Role Beyond the Home.
Both my husband and I are professionals. Yet, shockingly, many perceive our roles at home and work as unequal. I’m often seen as “choosing” to work while my husband is simply assumed to have a job. As a feminist, I’m not surprised by this double standard. I know society views me primarily as a mother first and a professional second. While my husband is commended for any parenting he does, my work seems to be viewed as a mere bonus.
On days off from school or when one of the kids is unwell, people assume I’ll be the one to stay home while my husband heads to work. In reality, we alternate responsibilities—but he often gets sainted for participating in parenting.
Then, during a recent conversation about summer camp fees, a family member asked me, “Is it even worth it for you to work?” I was taken aback, yet I heard variations of this question from different friends and relatives. Each time, I brushed it off, but it lingered in my mind.
“Is it worth it for me, as a mother and a woman, to work outside the home?”
If we’re talking finances, absolutely. My income covers childcare costs and contributes to our household, just like my husband’s paycheck. We have similar earnings, so why is it assumed he should work while I must justify my role?
Emotionally, the answer is complicated, thanks to the ever-present mom guilt. I adore my children and miss them when we’re apart. I’m their mom—I make breakfast, cheer them on, mediate disputes, and soothe them at night. My husband shares these responsibilities, of course, but we both find fulfillment in our jobs and appreciate the financial stability they offer.
Regarding my career, it existed long before my kids came along and will remain once they’re grown. I’m passionate about my work and can’t imagine giving it up entirely. This isn’t to say every parent should work outside the home; both stay-at-home and working parents face unique joys and challenges.
So, is my work worth it? Yes, without a doubt. It’s what I want and what my family requires. Like every individual, I have skills, interests, and aspirations. I dream for my children, and I dream for my career, and those dreams can coexist. The real issue lies in having to defend my choices while my husband’s path is simply accepted.
For more insights, check out our article on home insemination kits or visit WomensHealth.gov for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in giving back, consider checking out charity donations as a way to support families in need.
In conclusion, the question of whether my work is “worth it” is not just about finances; it encompasses my identity, fulfillment, and aspirations as both a mother and a professional.