Workin 9-5

Each family has to decide what is best for their family when deciding if both parents will work or if one will stay home. Neither decision is better than the other and both come with their challenges.

For my family we knew that I needed to go back to work. My job had the better benefits package and I loved my job too much to leave. So over the last 10 months I have had to learn how to be both a mother and an employee.

Wearing both hats has proved challenging more than once during that time, but today I wore both hats simultaneously and I have never been so exhausted. I have also never been so thankful to work in a place that loves my child and who she is comfortable being around when needed.

Being a working mom is the hardest thing I have ever done. Juggling your responsibilities both in the home and the work place is exhausting, stressful, and guilt ridden. Like I said before I love my job, but the guilt I have when it requires I work extra hours or takes my attention while I'm at home is very real.

I once read someone say that working moms get an 8 hour physical break from their child and responded with a bit of frustration. This isn't because it is untrue, but because it did not take into account the fact that working moms typically replace physical attachment to their child with emotional attachment/guilt. Often skipping lunch, bathroom breaks, and social events in order to complete their required tasks and then make it home to their families.

Working moms also face pressures when they have a sick child that requires them to stay home from work. Some jobs are easily completed while home (well not easily if you are home alone), but many jobs require you be physically present to complete your job duties.

I've been fortunate enough to be able to bring a sick Bug in with me to finish a few quick tasks and grab tasks that can be completed at home. They've been supportive and flexible as we've struggled with frequent sinus infections and fevers. They understand that as a mom you want to be at the doctors appointments and home comforting your baby of at all possible. And that babies sometimes favor one parent over the other when they are unwell. But I still have responsibilities that require I be physically present and it is hard when I neglect those duties because baby bug is sick or has an appointment. This isn't because i'm made to feel guilty, its the opposite in fact, but I have the guilt none the less.

I've used the word "mom" throughout this article, but all of this can be said about dads, grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc. Being a parent/primary caregiver for a child is hard and each has my respect for keeping their tiny human alive and safe.