Working motherhood is not for everyone. It’s a balancing act like no other, a challenge to juggle work, mom stuff, housework, relationships, side hustles, and time for yourself. But as a mom who has been back at work for over five weeks now, I can say without a doubt- being a working mom is the right fit for me.
I have to be honest – maternity leave is really hard on me in so many ways. Being at work is my normal – getting up in the morning, getting ready, working, and coming home. The business? It’s my normal, and without it I feel a bit lost, so maternity leave just throws me for a loop. While I loved having the time to bond with Ella and get to know her on leave, when the day came to go back, I was perfectly fine with it. I knew I’d miss her but I’m a much better mom to my girls when I work.
See, when I was on maternity leave, my days blended together. My patience with my girls was shorter. I was tired, even when I didn’t do much all day. I truly missed being around adults, missed using my brain and skill set, and missed being needed for more than just my boobs. Since I was always home, I ate poorly and too much. Since I was always looking for something to do, I took entirely too many trips to Target. The entire time I was on leave, I craved distraction – I craved something that was my own.
Now that I’ve been back at work for a full month, all those feelings have faded. I’m much more patient with my girls after being with adults all day. My thoughts and opinions are needed at work. I’m much more in control of what I’m eating since there’s no time to search for the junk. Our Target trips are fewer (which is a blessing to our wallets, even if I miss it). I have that piece of myself back.
Our days are beyond busy, but to be honest, that’s the way I like it. I appreciate our family time so much more. Is it a perfect fit? Well, nothing really is – I sure could use a shorter commute or an extra few hours in my day. But the truth is, I’m pretty content to be a working mom. It’s who I am at this stage in my life, and I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be one. I’m just a better mom as a working mom.
What about you? Do you feel you’re better as a working or SAHM? What would you choose if you could?
4 Responses
I definitely feel better as a working mom. I kind of get a nice mix being a teacher and having summers off, but I will admit that by the end of summer, I’m ready for everyone to be back to work/daycare.
I know what you mean! I felt like that at the end of maternity leave!
I am totally a better mom working! I fully admit I am not made to be a SAHM and I give SO much credit to those who are! It’s not for me. I don’t have that type of patience and when I am home with Sadie I can make sure I intentionally spend that time with her and not be rushed/unfocused/etc.
Exactly! I have nowhere near the patience required to be a SAHM!