If given the chance, I would not choose to be a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) again. There, I’ve said it.
Let me clarify; when I decided to stay home with my first child 13 years ago, it was the best choice for our family. We were in the early stages of our lives, and it made sense for me to manage the home while my partner worked. After years in the workforce, I was looking forward to embracing the daily joys of motherhood.
I left behind a rewarding and well-paying job, fully committed to my role at home, and for a time, I didn’t look back.
My days were filled with diapers, bottles, and the inevitable tantrums. I found satisfaction in nurturing my children, and for years, being a mom was enough. I pushed aside the nagging thought that perhaps leaving my career had been a mistake. That voice was stifled, tucked away in the recesses of my mind.
However, things have changed. My children are now 10 and 13, and their need for my constant presence has diminished significantly. The house falls silent shortly after 7:30 AM, and I quickly realized that there’s only so much laundry I can do to fill my time. After initially adjusting to my daughter’s full-time schooling, I balanced freelance work while remaining available for my family. I felt like I was successfully navigating both worlds.
But as my writing career began to flourish, the pull to revive my professional identity became undeniable. I often find myself staring at the dishes in the sink, pondering, “When is it my turn?” Frustration and resentment have begun to surface; I feel tethered by my responsibilities at home. I’ve poured so much into caring for my family that the moment I neglect a chore, it’s noticed.
I’m ready to reclaim my life. The kids are capable of doing their own laundry, and it’s perfectly acceptable to use paper plates every now and then. Changes are coming, as I set my sights on pursuing my dreams.
Now is the time for me to step away from my SAHM duties and leap back into my career—without any apologies. For 13 years, I have dedicated myself to my family, but now I’m ready to breathe new life into my professional aspirations.
I refuse to feel guilty for wanting to transition from “Mom” to a woman who is preparing for a future where my children will soon go off to college. Just as I adapted when my youngest started school, I am now aware that I have many years ahead to chase the dreams that were placed on hold when motherhood began.
I will have the freedom to make career choices without the constant worry of school schedules and parenting duties. Long hours and creative endeavors await me, along with the opportunity to engage in adult conversations that extend beyond parenting reports.
While I cherish the experiences I’ve had with my children, I often wonder how I so easily surrendered my professional aspirations. I now understand that any future professional endeavors will carry profound significance because I know the challenge of reclaiming my former self.
I was once a woman with a thriving career and ambitions. I will always be a mother, but soon, I will also be able to rediscover my authentic self. And I eagerly await that moment.
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In summary, my journey back to my career is fueled by the desire to balance my roles as a mother and an ambitious professional. I am ready to embrace this new chapter of my life without regrets.
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