If you had told me in my early career days that I would pause my ambitious journey to become a stay-at-home mom, I would have laughed. I was a fiercely independent, career-oriented woman, and the thought of stepping back from my professional path seemed absurd. Yet, life had other plans, and I found myself in this role not once, but twice, due to unforeseen circumstances.
My first experience as a stay-at-home mom was in a quaint village in Greece with my eldest child. I was teaching full-time until the day I gave birth, only to find myself relocating when my husband, who is Greek, got a job transfer. With a newborn and no job opportunities in sight, I was left to navigate motherhood in a completely new environment. Thanks to the guidance of my new friends, some online resources, and plenty of trial and error, I managed to adapt and grow into a competent mother—until we returned home two years later, and I dove headfirst back into the workforce.
My second stint as a stay-at-home mom was not by choice. I was “recruited” to care for my two-year-old while he underwent major surgery, but this temporary assignment has now stretched indefinitely. The differences between being a stay-at-home mom in Greece and in the U.S. have become glaringly obvious, and I’m realizing I’m not cut out for the American version of this role.
1. My Wardrobe Lacks the Right Gear.
In Greece, the typical mom attire was simple and practical—sweaters and scarves suited for the warm climate. Here in America, the expectation is to don matching workout outfits for school drop-offs. Just last week, I overheard a mom mention her “yoga-dress.” What even is that? Clearly, many moms invest more time in their appearance than I do, and I’ve resigned myself to wearing jeans instead.
2. I Dislike Playgroups.
In Greece, socializing happened spontaneously at the beach or park—brief encounters without the pressure of ongoing commitments. In contrast, American playgroups feel obligatory, often leading to forced friendships and constant scheduling. I prefer my social interactions to be sporadic and low-key, thank you very much.
3. I’m Not a Fan of Mom Conversations.
When I gathered with other mothers in Greece, we engaged in light-hearted gossip rather than endless discussions about parenting. Here, I’m bombarded with “mom-talk” everywhere I go. Sometimes, I even resort to speaking in another language to avoid the chatter. Sure, I can join in on discussions about babywearing and breastfeeding, but my heart longs for conversations about more diverse topics—like politics or literature.
4. I’m Not Into Playing.
American mothers seem to spend a lot of time playing with their kids. In Greece, that’s typically left to the grandparents while mothers manage the household. I appreciate that approach; I don’t have time to become every character in a children’s show. If my kids want to play a game, I’m in for a quick round but won’t be drawn into an all-day adventure.
5. I Miss Working.
I’ve always thrived in environments where I can engage with adults. The isolation of being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t suit me. I enjoy dressing for work, having meaningful conversations, and uniting with colleagues over shared grievances. I never thought I’d find motherhood more challenging in my own culture than abroad, but here I am, doing my best while longing for the office environment.
Despite my shortcomings in this role, I’m committed to pushing through this phase of motherhood. And yes, I could definitely use a few more pairs of yoga pants.
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Summary:
Becoming a stay-at-home mom has presented unexpected challenges, especially when comparing experiences in different cultures. From wardrobe struggles to a lack of interest in playgroups and mom-centric conversations, I find myself longing for my professional life. Despite these difficulties, I’m determined to navigate this journey with resilience.
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