Working mom.
Those two words put side by side can be interpreted in many ways. It describes every single one of us since being a mom is a 24-hour gig. Even when we are away from our children, we’re still planning the logistics of their day and delegating our trusted circles. The working mom is a stay-at-home mom, a work-from-home mom, a work-outside-the home mom, an entrepreneur mom, and for some moms, they’re a combination of one or more of these titles.
I’m not going to lie. I have entertained the idea of being a stay-at-home mom. The mom guilt of leaving your kids in the care of someone else, who can initially be a complete stranger (or a lot of strangers if they are in a daycare center), is so real. I recall having several internal struggles during the time I returned to work after having my son. Fast forward five years, and I found that I have several reasons to love working outside the home.
Adult Conversation
When my kids were infants, the only words I heard spoken were my own to my child, who could only respond in cute coos and hangry cries. Now they both can talk, and we can have some adorable conversations. I love it when they tell me about their day: nap time, their friends, exciting activities, and other big headlines in daycare land. Even still, I genuinely do appreciate conversing with other adults, sharing stories, and discussing current events. A lot of times, I’m behind on what’s going on in the world. I’m thankful for the quick updates from coworkers.
Part of the Village
I’ve been at the same pharmacy now for almost 10 years. It’s a pretty busy place to be, and, fortunately, I get to work closely with some incredible people. After working with a team for several years, you really get to know one another both professionally and personally. Some of my coworkers have been there since the beginning of my motherhood journey and are mothers themselves. We often exchange our experiences of our children and families with one another. I can honestly say that I have learned a wealth of knowledge from these ladies and am grateful for them.
Realizing My Working Mom Reality
Going back to work was tough. Plain and simple. Some days, I would get home and spend a whole two hours with my kids, and, before I knew it, it was time to get them ready for bed. Then I would hold them for an hour or two while they slept just so I could spend a little more time with them. I still miss them in the hours that we’re apart, but it’s much easier now. I remembered why I worked so hard in college and pharmacy school. Back then, I didn’t have children, but I knew one day I would and that I wanted to help in providing a comfortable life for them. On top of that, I also realized that I enjoy the work that I do. I have a purpose in what I do and an opportunity to have a positive impact on others.
