Anyway, because of her many roles, Jen has a wide circle of friends and last night's event was populated by a wonderful group of women, all of whom happen to be currently working as stay at home Mums.
Because my Joy, Love and Work radar is on high level right now, I was interested to hear these women's perspective about the work they do and how they feel about it, but uniformly the response I got was an embarrassed "I don't do anything, I just stay at home and look after the kids"...and fade to grey
REALLY???
It seems to me that the women (and men - Hi Howard!) who make the choice to stay at home to raise families are performing an enormous act of love. On call 24/7 with no discernible reward, recognition, pay or benefits often with no 'grown up' conversation or treats. This seems like a hard life to me.
As someone who has never left the workforce I'm often struck by the big wedge of judgement and 'perceived unworthiness' that creeps into the lives of people who choose to exit paid employment to raise families - this makes me sad. And as an HR professional I'm acutely aware of the 'transferable skills and competencies (corporate code for 'really useful stuff') that people like my friends last night acquire, but the accompanying deterioration of self esteem that often seems to be present - this makes me furious and curious...what could I do to help?
"Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends"John 15:13 - Isn't this what Mums do every day? they put their lives & careers on hold (lay them down) in favor of their families, so their families can thrive. This is an enormous act of love at work.
Bravo Mums. Truly, I'm a fan - just help me work out how to support you in your labor of love.
Alison! I never looked at the John 15:13 verse in that context before - thank you for the perspective. Love reading your blog, sister!
ReplyDeleteLady...I'm really loving your blog. Seriously. Let's please get together soon for a cocktail/coffee - I saw your fb post with a shout-out to those who have a love/hate relationship with work and I'd LOVE to talk with you more! Keep on doing what you're doing.
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Megan
Hey Alison, just wanted to say thank you. I sent this blog update to my sister in law who does daycare for my Hunter Grunter and her two toddlers! Because it made me realize I need to thank her more often for caring for, teaching and guiding my son 40 hours a week while I am at work. I wish I could be home with him (anyone want to buy a condo in Minneapolis?? :) but until our condo sells, we need my income.
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