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Work

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Original poster

I can't be the only mum who is happy working?!

36 replies

workingmumto1 · 19/03/2013 20:17

I am beginning to feel that I am the only mum in the world to be happy spending time with DD (10 months tomorrow) who also loves working. Don't get me wrong, I so miss my DD, but she loves being at nursery (3 days per week) and with my MIL (2 days per week) and we spend lots of quality time together in the morning and evening as well as the weekend.

I get so many surprised or negative comments, please someone tell me I'm not alone in this! I even got a promotion while on Maternity leave, and was dismayed when a lot of other mothers either assumed I needed the money (actually I am the main breadwinner, but that's beside the point!), or couldn't believe that I was accepting it.

OP posts:

LynetteScavo · 19/03/2013 20:20

You are obviously lucky to have a job you love.

Personally, I would rather stay at home making fairy cakes and finger painting, and watching day time TV day after day.

Sadly my DC are all at school now, so I have no excuse to do the above.

Chubfuddler · 19/03/2013 20:21

Of course you're not alone. Many women feel due to societal pressures that its ok to work as long as they "have to". If there is any element of choice or enjoyment in it they tend not to admit to it.

I love my career and I love my children. The two are completely compatible.

SizzleSazz · 19/03/2013 20:24

'I love my career and I love my children. The two are completely compatible.'

Agree, agree, agree

Workingmum - do what is right for you and your famkly and ignore all the 'noise'

CMOTDibbler · 19/03/2013 20:25

I love my work too. I've had comments about being a ft wohm who travels for work, but I ask if they'd say that to my dh. Which makes them shuffle and mutter

Snazzynewyear · 19/03/2013 20:26

No, you're not alone. I love my job and am very happy working - much more so than I would be as a SAHP. I also like the balance of having quality time with family at the weekend, in morning and evenings, but getting to pursue my career in the week. I have a fulfilling and flexible job, which of course helps.

There was another thread on this lately about the 'taboo' of going back to work where plenty of posters said they enjoyed it and it wasn't just about it being a financial necessity. Have a look for it.

StillStuck · 19/03/2013 20:26

no, I am the same. I was so much happier when I went back to work (3.5 days a week). I absolutely adore DS but I also love my job. I like the balance in my life. DS spends one day with my husband and 2.5 days at nursery. His nursery is wonderful and he told me the other day it is his 'other home'.

we need the money, but even if we didn't I think I would want to work at least a couple of days a week, as I find my job so interesting and worthwhile.

the pay off though is I feel too guilty to leave ds during weekends/ holiday time etc so I have never had a day to myself. and I work most evenings to keep up with the work (which is really a full time job)so I have little 'me time' even when he is asleep - but on the plus side that accrues me time off in lieu so I can take extra days with ds.

KenDoddsDadsDog · 19/03/2013 20:26

I love working too ! But I have utmost respect for those that don't.

mrsseed · 19/03/2013 20:30

I love my job....and my children, I work because I want to. I was made redundant today but it only crossed my mind for a split second that I might become a SAHM. I've been researching the job market this evening already. I worked dam hard for my career and for my children so yes I want it all and most if the time get it

kernowmissvyghen · 19/03/2013 20:31

I love work , DS loves being at nursery 2 days a week. You are not alone!

Dinosaurhunter · 19/03/2013 20:32

I think your very lucky to enjoy your job but sadly many people have to return to work for money . However no one has the right to judge you and your decisions .

WidowWadman · 19/03/2013 20:33

I love my job and at the end of my maternity leaves really looked forward going back. I work full time, the children love their fantastic nursery.

My life wouldn't be complete without my kids or my job.

HeartsTrumpDiamonds · 19/03/2013 20:37

I love my job too. Best decision ever to go back to work, should have done it years earlier.

I love my career and I love my children. The two are completely compatible.

excellent quote, I'm going to use that if you don't mind!

AKissIsNotAContract · 19/03/2013 20:40

This thread is very uplifting for me. I don't have children yet but will have to return fairly soon after I have a child as I'm the main earner. I love my job and can't imagine that changing but am continually told it will once I have a baby.

Chubfuddler · 19/03/2013 20:44

No I don't think it will change AKiss. I don't think having children has changed me. It's changed things about life for me, but I'm still the same.

whiteandyellowiris · 19/03/2013 20:44

one of my friends prefers being at work than at home with her two rather high maintenance boys

and i respect her honesty.

Chubfuddler · 19/03/2013 20:45

Dinosaur it's just as well I love my career as I'm now a single parent and would on benefits if I hadn't kept working when I didn't need to.

breatheslowly · 19/03/2013 20:47

You are not alone. I enjoy going to work and I think DD has benefited from nursery. I can imagine that there are circumstances where I would be unhappy working - for example having a long commute.

dashoflime · 19/03/2013 20:49

This is a really encouraging thread. I'm due to go back to work full time in a few weeks and really looking forward to it.
And to spending time with DS at evenings and weekends of course!

PrincessOfChina · 19/03/2013 20:54

I work full time and love my job. Fortunately DD is also a huge fan of nursery!

littlepinkpear · 19/03/2013 20:54

I adore my job, it defines me and I contribute back to society in a way that makes me feel happy. I adore my DD and ensure that we spend every moment I am not at work or sleeping having as much fun as possible.

10 long years of training means I am at the top of my career ladder and have a beautiful, happy, healthy child. I spent 10 months of maternity leave being miserable and wishing I was back at work.

Embrace it, don't beat yourself up and find decent childcare. It is possible to be a happy working mum.

InNeedOfBrandy · 19/03/2013 20:57

I love my job to! Its not even just the job I need a reason to get up up, put the slap on and wear something nice and get out and talk to people. I would hate and did hate when I was out of work getting up after 9, not getting dressed till lunchtime and watching tv all day. I just wasted my days. Now my weekends get made the most of!

Original poster

workingmumto1 · 19/03/2013 21:15

Thanks everyone! I feel loads better already. I am so glad I'm not the only mum who loves her job! I totally respect SAHP's but definitely wouldn't want to be one myself and I did really miss working when I was on maternity leave!

OP posts:

ExhaustTed · 19/03/2013 21:59

Well I love my job, I love my colleagues (most the time) and I am glad I have a job....
However I don't feel personally I have the balance just right yet, I work too long hours and don't see the kids as much as I like. That being said, I only returned to work after maternity leave 2 months ago and it's taking a bit of getting used to and I hope to address the balance soon!

musicalfamily · 22/03/2013 08:50

I am fairly happy working, it is stressful at times, but not so much the guilt (I have none) but more the sheer amount of hard work, especially with a large family and little help.

I have become totally immune to the sneidy comments, but the few times I do appear at the school gate/birthday parties, I am still amazed and fairly amused at the amount of digs working mums get.

"Oh I am so lucky I don't HAVE TO work (assumes I have to)" - "Oh you must find it so hard to cook your children a proper meal" - "Oh it must be hard to keep the house looking nice/tidy etc" - "Oh it must be such a terribly long day for the children" - I've had all those in the last month!!!

I think if you have just had a baby and have returned to work these comments would affect you, for me it is just hilarious that some people need to validate their own choices through dissing others.

musicalfamily · 22/03/2013 08:52

PS I have also been a SAHM and I don't remember any rude or negative comments from anyone at all, but maybe I have forgotten!

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