When I was pregnant with Isla, long before I even went on maternity leave, I always knew I would be going back to work. Whether it would be part time or full time, I was determined to carry on with my career.
There are a few reasons why I felt like this.
I’ve always enjoyed working – I got my first job at 14, even though I got more than adequate pocket money from my parents, and have worked ever since. I’ve been a chambermaid, a waitress, a babysitter, a bar supervisor, a shop assistant and all that that was before I started my chosen career after university! I have made some of my best friends in life through places I’ve worked and love the atmosphere of working as a team.
I like my independence – My parents taught us the value of money and how important it was to work hard to get the nice things you want in life. There’s such a sense of achievement when you manage to save up for something you’ve been working towards for ages. I know that Rob’s and my money combined is ‘our’ money, as we are a family, but it’s nice to be able to contribute and to have a little stash of my own money to do as I please with, with no raised eyebrows from the husband (ahem designer bag collection).
I worked hard to get where I am – I have always given 100% at whatever I do. Whether it’s been at school, during my 4 year university degree (OK, I could have worked harder and drank less there!) or in the jobs I’ve had since graduating, I give my all to what I’m doing and like to do a good job. I get a kick out of being successful in what I choose to do and I like a challenge so strive to work as hard as I can, wherever I am.
I want to be able to provide the best I can for my children – I don’t want my children to be remotely spoilt by any stretch of the imagination but I do want to be able to treat them when I want. I would like to get to a stage where, although you are always conscious of money and being careful with it, it isn’t a worry and you’re not constantly watching the pennies. I’d like to send my children to private school so they can have the same upbringing as me. And I would like them to be able to see the world, with lots of family holidays, like I was lucky enough have growing up. There’s also the small case of being able to afford a dream house as well. Aim high and all that jazz!
I want to be a role model for my daughter – Before anyone gets defensive and says ‘staying at home to be a good mother is a good enough role model’, I’m not saying that it’s not. I just want to show her that she can do whatever she wants as long as she sets her mind to it and works hard for it, whether that be an amazing SAHM or a career woman or both, it’s up to her.
I have the utmost respect for all the mummies out there that are stay at home mums. It is hands down the hardest job out there that I know of!! I loved every minute of my maternity leave but my goodness some days were incredibly tough and relentless. It’s a 24/7 job with no holidays, no overtime, technically no ‘progression’ and all sorts of health and safety hazards (hello poo explosions and balancing a child whilst trying to do 100 jobs one handed). But the rewards are priceless. To be there for every ‘first’ and to see your child grow day in and day out is worth its weight in gold. I am genuinely gutted that I may not be there for Isla’s real first steps and first word, but hey, all nursery kids do their firsts in the evening or at the weekend huh?!
What are your experiences with going back to work or staying at home?
