Intellectual stimulation!

[bEATieDRINKandbeMERRY]

In these WOHM v SAHM articles/debates.... why is 'intellectual stimulation' equated with paid employment?

My idea of being intellectually stimulated is to read, keep up to date with current affairs and to take part in debates (mumsnet ). All of these activities can be done alone and a workplace setting doesn't necessarily allow you to do more of them.

Sorry - I just had to get that out there. I know what people are implying by those two words but it's not especially accurate.

Yes, but you get less interruptions if you do those things at work

I get loads of intellectual stimulation by being a SAHM.
I can juggle finances and look for bargains (hard work in itself)
watch re-runs of who want s to be a millionaire and other games shows whilst I sit on my arse
decide how many soap powder tabs I need for a wash cycle

I agree but I feel it is more of an effort when you are a SAHM. I miss talking to ADULTS, you know just passing the time of day and casually discussing current affairs. Mumsnet is of course fab but can't be solely responsible for human interaction in my life, although it does feel that way sometimes

It's a good point. I think it is the whole package that comes from being at work. I read books etc while I was on mat. leave but found being at work and talking with intelligent grown ups to be something different.

You are right though, work is not the only place that is ever intellectually stimulating.

Of course it depends on what type of work you are doing. I once worked in a cafe with a load of Italian blokes who were very nice but talked only about football, so there wasn't much chance of intelectual stimulation.

bloody hell i was rarely INTELLECTUALLY stimulated at work - and i used to run an art gallery. most of the staff only wanted to talk about heat magazine and dresses.

also the implication is SAHM is just changing nappies. what about child development, education, healthcare etc. that demands intellectual engagement doesn't it?

You see, I never worked with anyone interesting when I worked, so that's probably why I hold this opinion. Our conversations would be about TV, clothes, what we did at the weekend, wasn't it annoying that a parcel was left outside... that kind of mundane thing. I honestly never felt intellectually stimulated by work colleagues. But that's just me. When I return to work I must make sure that I check out who I'll be working with before I accept the job.

I think what I really miss, in the way of intellectual stimulation, is chatting to University friends in the SU bar over a pint of beer. Now that was the best kind of intellectual stimulation and in the best setting.

I had loads of "intellectual stimulation" at work,
the rows and debates you have being a barmaid were great

my idea of intellectual stimulation is 3 sudokus one killer sudoku in my "lunchhour" whenm dd is asleep
Ha ha dp cannot do them and he is a physics grad with very "mentally" stimulating job
His brain is far mushier than mine, he gets rice and pasta mixed up too