What jobs have you had?

I have held many jobs throughout my life, from a cashier at a fast food restaurant to a program assistant director at a university. As much as I learned from and loved each job I held, nothing could compare to the job of being a mother.

Quitting my job to become a stay-at-home mom was one of the most difficult and easiest choices I have ever made.

On one hand, I knew I would struggle without the routine and the accomplishment seeking I was able to achieve at my job. I watched my sister struggle with the day-to-day monotony of being a stay-at-home mother, and knew that would also be a struggle for me.

On the other hand, I knew my greatest priority in life was the wellbeing of my children, and I felt that me working was hindering their potential growth.

Now, I consider my job to raise my children. My work responsibilities include ensuring they are fed, clean, and happy. As well as being instrumental in their physical, emotional, and educational development. It is a lot.

This job doesn’t have hours. This job doesn’t have a break. It is a constant grind, some days without any praise or noticeable achievements. But then there are the days where my kids look at me with light in their eyes, like I am their whole world. There are the days where I get the best snuggles unprompted that lighten my heart. These are the moments that help me realize this is worth it and that I am doing a good job.

One day I will return to a career setting. it is hard for me to stay away, since it is hard wired in me to hustle and seek personal achievement. But for now, I will enjoy the extra time and effort I am blessed to give to my children.