When I first decided to become a stay-at-home mom, the thought of returning to work seemed like a distant reality. However, time has flown by, and that moment is just around the corner. In a few months, all of my kids will be in school full time, marking the start of a new phase in my life. Should I dust off my resume? Do any pieces of my work wardrobe still fit? (Or are they even in style?) Or should I extend my time as a stay-at-home mom for a bit longer? After all, we’ve managed well this far—what’s a couple more years?
My partner, Jake, is self-employed, leading a lifestyle completely different from the standard 9-to-5. His workday stretches from morning until night, and although it can be exhausting to witness, he thrives on it. His drive is to succeed and provide for our family. To support him, I take charge of our four children and our attention-seeking dog. I handle the wake-ups, breakfasts, school drop-offs and pick-ups, sick days, doctor’s appointments, and countless other daily tasks that he simply can’t fit into his schedule. And I do it with joy. I want to continue in this role because it’s what our family needs right now.
All of our children are still in elementary school and attend the same institution. I volunteer for activities such as playground supervision and the book fair. My eldest will be entering 8th grade next year, just a heartbeat away from high school. I cherish the moments when I see him laughing with his friends and casually waving at me with a nonchalant “Hi Mom,” trying not to attract too much attention. Soon, he’ll be off to high school, and I won’t have these chances again.
My youngest will be starting kindergarten, and I want to witness all of her milestones—like when she proudly declares, “That’s my mom!” with an enthusiastic wave. Then there are my two middle boys, who have their moments of affection and indifference toward me. But I still seize the opportunity to greet them, and more often than not, I’m met with a smile. This access to their lives is fleeting, and I’m not ready to close that door just yet.
Over the years, I have come to realize something important about myself: I am not your typical career-focused individual. I don’t miss the corporate rat race. I find fulfillment managing our household rather than climbing the corporate ladder. Running a Fortune 500 company isn’t my ambition; so many others are far more suited for that. It’s not that I’m incapable; I am intelligent and industrious. However, my talents are better utilized at home, and that’s perfectly fine.
So, what will I do with my newly available time? There will be plenty to keep me busy. I’ll still manage laundry and cleaning, but for the first time in years, I’ll have moments to focus on myself. I plan to sit down and finally put pen to paper for the book that has been waiting inside me. I’ll also continue with my freelance work, which offers the flexibility to pursue my passions while being there for a sick child or visiting my mother, who—though it pains me to say—won’t be around forever. I want to cherish that time. I’ll keep up my volunteer efforts and even hope to expand them. I promise to find fulfillment in all that I do.
But please, don’t make me feel guilty for this decision. I recognize that it’s a privilege for me to stay home, thanks to my husband’s hard work. He wants me here, helping to lighten his load. We aren’t living extravagantly, but we’re happy and fulfilled on a single income.
My family is only young once, and I have a limited window to be there for them. Before long, I’ll be handing over car keys and navigating a different set of challenges. For now, I’m the family chauffeur, chef, and chief organizer of our not-so-tightly-run ship, and I intend to take full advantage of this time.
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In summary, as I prepare for my youngest to enter school, I embrace my role as a stay-at-home mom. I cherish the moments I have with my children and plan to focus on my passions while supporting my family. This choice brings me fulfillment, and I believe it’s the right path for our family right now.