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AIBU?

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Original poster

for feeling smug when mothers of school-agers describe themselves as "Full-time mums" or "Housewives"?

794 replies

CareeringAlong · 29/11/2010 16:22

Name change...

Following from the threads about life at home when you don't do voluntary of paid work, although your children are of school-age, I was wondering if anyone else who does work can't help feeling a tad superior? Oh yes, I know I'll be flamed for this, but there it is.

These housewives seem to do all the things that working mothers do (cooking, cleaning, planning etc, etc, etc) but don't have any purpose outside of this. They seem to think that doing the supermarket shopping is a reasonable replacement for a 'real' career. I can't help but feel prejudiced against them.

I'm currently a SAHM as DD is pre-school, but will do paid (and voluntary) work as soon as she's in school. I'm looking forward to building-up my career again and working for the family.

Oh, and before anyone jumps on this, I've always cooked decent-quality meals from scratch, even when I worked v. long hours; my dogs are walked in the early hours; and my house is always clean and tidy. I argue that ironing is for losers, however!

OK. Hard hat on!

OP posts:
GetOrfMoiLand · 29/11/2010 22:40

I am not planning for him to leave me.

I am just involved in financially planning for all eventualities. And that means earning my own money.

Yes I think I contribute. I design bits of planes. (top tip: avoid A380s)

JamieLeeCurtis · 29/11/2010 22:36

true beca - we'll all be working until we are 75, so there's plenty of time

scottishmummy · 29/11/2010 22:36

really?if you rely on someone else wage life is perilous.your outcomes shaped by their wage earning ability

Maisiethemorningsidecat · 29/11/2010 22:35

I don't know about making a significant contribution to society, but I love getting out of the home, earning my own money, achieving things for myself that don't involve children/the school/pta. I also like mixing with a huge variety of people outside of my narrow, middle class bubble. It's fascinating at times, challenging at others, but never, ever dull.

LadyBlaBlah · 29/11/2010 22:35

1 in 3 (or maybe 4 - can't be ringed to look it up)

It's not ridiculous to think it might happen to you.

JamieLeeCurtis · 29/11/2010 22:35

My DHs midlife crisis involved a campervan and cycling LandsEnd to John O'Groats

(At least he said that's where he was ....)

becaroodolf · 29/11/2010 22:34

But you can end up in shit creek with 2 people working you know!!

I am studying so that I can go back to work in a better job when I choose to. Might be in 2 years, might be in 10....who knows??? A lot can happen in that time and I dont really like the idea of constantly planning in case my dh leaves me Hmm How depressing.

LadyBlaBlah · 29/11/2010 22:33

You just wait til the mid life crisis hits and he's after any pelvic floor in sight

becaroodolf · 29/11/2010 22:31

my pelvic floor is spotless I will have you know SM and my dh is a slave to my sexual allure.

So there.

GetOrfMoiLand · 29/11/2010 22:31

PMSL at SM's last post.

Becaroo - I do love my job. Yes I feel am making a contribution to society, whatever that means.

At the very least I ma paying my mortgage so if the shit hits the fan and DP pisses off I will not be up shit creek.

NEVER rely financially on someone else. Pay your own way.

LadyBlaBlah · 29/11/2010 22:31

Also when you have had enough of your lazy good for nothing wallet 'D'H, demanding sex, you can quite happily trill "off you fuck, love" and be gone.

JamieLeeCurtis · 29/11/2010 22:30
GetOrfMoiLand · 29/11/2010 22:29

I think sweetalice has had a few too many snowballs, gawd bless her.

What you on about, al?

scottishmummy · 29/11/2010 22:28

you sahm-ers have day reckoning,when the wallet dh ups off with a twinky and your pelvic floor is shot

the grafters will of course be solvent and free to buy cake any ole time

becaroodolf · 29/11/2010 22:28

...I wonder how mothers who work outside the home feel about their job??

Are they all super happy and content...do they feel valued?? Do they feel like they are making a significant contribution to society OR do they do it for the money???

I wonder..........

JamieLeeCurtis · 29/11/2010 22:28

SweetAlice - are you referring to a vibrator?

melodyangel · 29/11/2010 22:28

Ah wouldn't it be nice if every family had a choice for one parent to stay at home, but for a lot of people that is not an option. For a lot of others they would dearly love to go to work but can't for a variety of reasons.

If you are lucky enough to be able to have a choice, or are just happy with what your doing, then yes by all means feel content but to feel superior??? Get over yourself.

Maisiethemorningsidecat · 29/11/2010 22:27

I like the mix of working and being at home - would hate to do either full time. I mean, I like carrot cake with thick vanilla frosting, but not every day. I'd get bored - and green round the gills. Bit of variety is what keeps things interesting.

LadyBlaBlah · 29/11/2010 22:27

PMSL @ no one coos over flat mammie cakes,made by a kyle fan

GetOrfMoiLand · 29/11/2010 22:27

Pack of 12 value fairy cakes - 56p.

JOKE

Waitrose Florentines, obv.

becaroodolf · 29/11/2010 22:26

Absolutely!!!!

Never done a hard days work in my life!!

sigh.

SweetAlice · 29/11/2010 22:25

I am a stay at home mum of school age children and I recently discovered "il bel far niente" (if you found some time to read "Eat, Pray, Love" snuggled up on the sofa next to a bar of extra dark chocolate and a glass of good red wine you'll know what that means). All I can say is: I can't get enough of it.
But hey, if keeping busy gives you satisfaction and a sense of purpose in life ...well done you! Keep going!

JamieLeeCurtis · 29/11/2010 22:25

GetOrf - indeed - Mr Kiplings French Fancies always go down well

scottishmummy · 29/11/2010 22:25

what the fuck is a full time mum,is that slang for no workey

becaroodolf · 29/11/2010 22:24

I am a full time mum.

I also do voluntary work.

I am also doing a PT degree with the OU.

I spend most of my time watching "Vampire dairies" and eating malteesers.

Obviously.

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