The history of this blog...
When I started this blog it was to express the frustrations involved when you have to work, and still balance being a mom. I worked an eight to five job that left no room for kids and their schedules. I had three sleep disorders which just seemed to aggravate the work situation as well.
Life was fine as a professional woman until I became a mom. The very first week I returned from maternity leave, I faced a female boss, who resented women that had children. As she couldn't have any, her mission was to punish those who could. She took me out of my outside sales territory, that was near my son's daycare and put me in a far south territory, that held lower-income areas and much further distances for breastfeeding. Instead of being fifteen miles from my child for a lunch break, I was over fifty miles.
Not only did I put more miles on my car, but by the time I was ready to breastfeed or pump...I either had to pull over in 'the hood' to pump and hope no one would walk up and see me... or pray a trucker didn't drive by and look down for a look. It was either that or drive fifty extra miles, to get to my son, which left me so engorged...I couldn't steer or move. She thought this daily grind would make me quit. IT didn't!
I got a new boss soon, thank the Lord! But the environment still wasn't ideal for mommy-hood. I had to be there too early and stay too late. We had meetings before work and after work. I knew when school started in a few years, I'd have to find another job that allowed me to drop him to school and then get to work.
This schedule left me worn out and frustrated, because by the time I picked up my little angel I wasn't the mom I needed to be. I wasn't rested and ready to play. I wasn't patient enough, now was I easy going or laid back. In fact, I was the opposite. I was a worn-out woman, who needed to make a better life for her son.
When my son turned three, I knew things had to change. I took steps to make sure I had time for him by taking a work-from-home job. Unfortunately, it has since changed to an office position. I recently left that job because I couldn't keep the mom-schedule I was promised when hired. I want to do whatever I can - not to earn the moniker worn-out woman. I want to give my son a better environment than that. I want a better me than that.
Because I've been out of work for a month I'm so relaxed. I've slept and slept in with my son. So for the moment, I'm thankful that I'm all but a wornoutwoman. Even though I'm more rested, I still can't give up my moniker. I've grown to love it too much. Not only because it fit me for so long but because it represents ALL women and men, who struggle with the balance of work and family.
I applaud all of you, whether you're full-time working or stay-at-home parents. You, who do what you can to make your children's life a better place, are truly the ones who deserve any support out there to give.
Unfortunately, there's not many places that support working or stay-at-home parents. Corporate America hasn't found out that mommies work harder than anyone to provide...and maybe they should cater to them instead of punishing them.
Some companies won't admit it...but they're harder on moms than any other employee due to the fact that their kids come first - that a mom's focus isn't 100% on their job. Things like their kids getting sick, doctor's appointments, school schedules or activities, are seen as a liability. I pray one of these days our society will change enough to have a clear vision of the power of an empowered mom or dad. Parents who are supported WORK HARDER for their company because they not only feel valued, but appreciate the fact that they are able to work to live not live to work. We make better employees because we have more on the line.
I think I've rambled enough. I've just had a lot on my mind as my professional status has been changing. I'm getting ready to get a part-time job to supplement our income until my substitute teaching schedule kicks in. This job truly will cater to my son's schedule! :) I will be working toward building my photography business as well. One day I'll strictly work for me! And this girl will be her own boss....a boss that will reward being a mom!
Life was fine as a professional woman until I became a mom. The very first week I returned from maternity leave, I faced a female boss, who resented women that had children. As she couldn't have any, her mission was to punish those who could. She took me out of my outside sales territory, that was near my son's daycare and put me in a far south territory, that held lower-income areas and much further distances for breastfeeding. Instead of being fifteen miles from my child for a lunch break, I was over fifty miles.
Not only did I put more miles on my car, but by the time I was ready to breastfeed or pump...I either had to pull over in 'the hood' to pump and hope no one would walk up and see me... or pray a trucker didn't drive by and look down for a look. It was either that or drive fifty extra miles, to get to my son, which left me so engorged...I couldn't steer or move. She thought this daily grind would make me quit. IT didn't!
I got a new boss soon, thank the Lord! But the environment still wasn't ideal for mommy-hood. I had to be there too early and stay too late. We had meetings before work and after work. I knew when school started in a few years, I'd have to find another job that allowed me to drop him to school and then get to work.
This schedule left me worn out and frustrated, because by the time I picked up my little angel I wasn't the mom I needed to be. I wasn't rested and ready to play. I wasn't patient enough, now was I easy going or laid back. In fact, I was the opposite. I was a worn-out woman, who needed to make a better life for her son.
When my son turned three, I knew things had to change. I took steps to make sure I had time for him by taking a work-from-home job. Unfortunately, it has since changed to an office position. I recently left that job because I couldn't keep the mom-schedule I was promised when hired. I want to do whatever I can - not to earn the moniker worn-out woman. I want to give my son a better environment than that. I want a better me than that.
Because I've been out of work for a month I'm so relaxed. I've slept and slept in with my son. So for the moment, I'm thankful that I'm all but a wornoutwoman. Even though I'm more rested, I still can't give up my moniker. I've grown to love it too much. Not only because it fit me for so long but because it represents ALL women and men, who struggle with the balance of work and family.
I applaud all of you, whether you're full-time working or stay-at-home parents. You, who do what you can to make your children's life a better place, are truly the ones who deserve any support out there to give.
Unfortunately, there's not many places that support working or stay-at-home parents. Corporate America hasn't found out that mommies work harder than anyone to provide...and maybe they should cater to them instead of punishing them.
Some companies won't admit it...but they're harder on moms than any other employee due to the fact that their kids come first - that a mom's focus isn't 100% on their job. Things like their kids getting sick, doctor's appointments, school schedules or activities, are seen as a liability. I pray one of these days our society will change enough to have a clear vision of the power of an empowered mom or dad. Parents who are supported WORK HARDER for their company because they not only feel valued, but appreciate the fact that they are able to work to live not live to work. We make better employees because we have more on the line.
I think I've rambled enough. I've just had a lot on my mind as my professional status has been changing. I'm getting ready to get a part-time job to supplement our income until my substitute teaching schedule kicks in. This job truly will cater to my son's schedule! :) I will be working toward building my photography business as well. One day I'll strictly work for me! And this girl will be her own boss....a boss that will reward being a mom!
Comments
I don't understand why a job is 40 hours a week, but you are suppose to work through your lunch and late into the night for the same amount of money and not have a personal life.
What's worth it all is the peace you now have - that says so much - you are now on His path, and He knows what you need, and is going to provide it!
it is just around the corner - I know!
You've got my support!