Tuesday, February 2

Lesson #61 - Being A SAHM Has Advantages

Hello!

It’s me, Dumb Mom, and I’m taking over the Working Mom’s blog, but just for today.

She can have it back shortly, because I don’t think my lounge pants and Isotoners are particularly appropriate for the working world.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if they were though?

If I could just roll outta bed, shower if I want, work my locks into a loose ponytail, and go! Actually, that’s exactly what I do.

But that’s only because as the official Casa de Dummies DOHH! (more on that title below) my audience is just not that picky. They couldn't care less about what I wear as long as I make it happen in the kitchen (and the bathroom, and the bedroom, and the basement, and anywhere else they require my assistance).

And, my life as a problogger (I totally am ‘cause I made like $50 last year), a prophotog (a largely seasonal position that is WAY more busy in the summer), and a freelance writer (very exciting gig that requires more computer time than it does face-to-face time) is pretty flexible when it comes to clothing.

Lucky, right?!

So, I’m dedicating this post to The Working Mommy and to those of you who hold down a full time gig and still manage to be a successful (or semi successful) parent, I salute you.

You women rock because honestly, I don’t think I could cut it.

I mean, as it stands, I run a moderately successful blog and an occasionally successful photography business (pictures good; marketing, client base, and income not so much), I write articles for local publications on a freelance basis, I work part time at the hospital, and I consider myself a mediocre Director of Homeland Happenings, DOHH! (thinking of converting this position into five separate ones since I attempt to do the work of five separate people).

If I had to add full time teacher (my pre-kid title) to my resume, I’m pretty sure I would run away.

I know people are always saying you figure it out, you (and your family) adapt, but I’m not so sure.

I didn’t choose to stay home because I was afraid I couldn’t hack it as a full time employee and a full time mommy. I chose to stay home when I was pregnant with my first, which meant I was still mildly delusional about life with kids. My decision to be a SAHMish person was influenced by numerous factors (not all well thought), none of which were that I didn’t think I could handle my job and my life as a mom. I was 23 when I had my first son, so I was still in the “I can do anything you can do better” phase of my life.

I’m so over that.

Three kids later, I realize that I’m just not cut out for life in the workforce. I’m not sure I could pull myself out of bed each morning, squeeze myself into professional attire, and schlep off to work leaving a happy, healthy household in my wake.

Call me lazy, or unmotivated, or weak.

Call me all of those things if you must, I know my weaknesses.

Let’s not forget, I am the person who breastfed all three kids for a full year each simply because I didn’t want to have to tromp downstairs in the middle of the night to get a bottle.

Some people call my commitment to nursing “an amazing devotion to baby”, I call it being lazy.

So I’m giving a big round of applause to all of those mommies who are out there doing their thing, making money, and growing people.

Because seriously, you rock!

Not that we SAHMs don’t do our share, ‘cause really, we do.

But, at least I get to do it in a muumuu, and that is a huge advantage in my book.

HUGE!

Now, come on over to my blog, parenting BY dummies, and see how this Dumb Mom of 3 handsome boys singlehandedly teaches them that life is not all about sacrifice and responsibility, it’s about awesomeness too! Well, I guess it’s not exactly singlehandedly because I do share this responsibility with my hubby, aka Dumb Dad, but he really doesn’t do much in the way of hands on teaching; he’s more of a what-your-mom-said kinda guy.

Oh, and I’m running a super fun photo contest that just started today so get on over there right now for your chance to enter and win!

21 comments:

Mindy said...

One thing I've noticed about the blogging world: sometimes it seems like we get all wound up about demonstrating that what we do/choose is best. I like that you are two blogging mamas who became friends online and appreciate each other's choices. It's so refreshing. As a fellow SAHM and part-time writer for a local paper (which is to say I write 2 articles a week for pittance), I can absolutely relate to this. Although, I really do feel like I consciously chose being a SAHM with my eyes (fairly) wide open and I still have big plans to return for my masters, etc. one day. I guess that's my version of "doing it all." ;0)

Baby Sweetness said...

Love it! Some days I wear little better to my office job. Certainly no better than a crap attempt at a ponytail!

Amy said...

I feel the same way. I am not cut out to work out in the work force. I enjoy the work I do at home as a SAHM..

Shell said...

I always claim that I breastfed for that same reason. Pure laziness. Love it.

I think if I went back to teaching and then came home to my own kids, I might lose my mind.

Margaret said...

I think mom's who stay home work just as hard as mom's who work out of the house.

Dumb Mom said...

Margaret is right! We do work just as much...but, we get to do it in our jammies and THAT is why I'm grateful! Thanks for having my over today. So fun:)

Tracie said...

I work part time. Which means that I have to do everything around the house and my job expects me to basically be on-call because "I don't have anything else going on".

Everyone I work with is resentful of my schedule. Even though I'm hourly and get paid for less hours than I actually work. They are salary and go to the mall in the middle of the day while on the clock. Drives me nuts.

Lift Like A Mom said...

I'm with ya! I think I would be in shock if I went back to work. I occasionally work at home...but once in a blue moon. And I'm at home!

Hissyfits & Halos said...

I can barely handle the stay at home Mom workload....much less, the out of home work, too! I def look at those Mom's with hero worship in my eyes!

I popped over to Dumb Mom's blog....very cute! I never knew you and hubby met on Match.com! Too adorable!!! ;)

Resh Rene` said...

I'm gonna hop over to Dumb Mom too, cause I agree, I can barely keep the clothes clean, dishes washed and all the floors void of a sticky substance, much less do all that on a time schedule :) In moment of adventurism or pure drunken stupor i enrolled in college courses....although I am still super excited, post sobering up, j/k guys I'm a lil apprehensive about what it to come Working MOMS I salute you!

Stalking you from SITS!

Anonymous said...

Great post. I feel, whether a working mom would agree, that I have more work to do...at least in comparison to when I was a working mom. Not that the hubby puts more expectations on me, it's more self-induced, there is just stuff I think should be done and it got brushed under the carpet when I work. But KUDOS for doing the jammies all day. I change right before I pick up the oldest from school; no one else wears jammies or I might not. Stopping by from SITS!

Anonymous said...

i dont call it lazy, i call it knowing what you want!

Baby Sweetness said...

BTW, I've decided you are totally my blogging hero with the number of followers and commenters you've gotten in just a few months doing this. It puts me to shame! How have you done it?!

Care to share your tricks of the trade, lady? ;)

Dumb Mom said...

Maybe it's just Dumb Dad's aversion to house work, but back when I was a mom, a grad student, AND a full time employee, I rally did all the stuff I do at home now (cooking, cleaning, child playing, laundry, mommy & me classes on Saturday, everything) plus all of my outside stuff. Now that I work part-time and have a home business at least I can make my own schedule and don't have to waste time commuting too. Plus the jammie pants. I'm telling you, they make ALL the difference!

And, WM you are a rock star for getting all of your followers so quickly. It took me a long while to break 100. After blogging for a year now I think more people are starting to know about me so it's easier:)

Unknown said...

You know, I think that may have been the reason why I breastfed (and will again) too! I was just too lazy to have to deal with bottles, both during the day and at night! Hopping over to Dumb Mom now to check out the blog a little more. Loved the post!

Vanessa said...

Another blog I'm gonna have to read! I wonder what I'm going to do when my girls are both in school, because I don't know if I'll know how to go back to anything 9-5!

Kori said...

What a doll! I'm sure it goes so fast that it is hard not to try to appreciate every moment! Thanks for the comments on my Grammy post honey. I agree with your opinion of Carrie Underwood...she does always look so classy! Kori xoxo

New Mommy!!! said...

Don't you wish you could slow time down!!! So sad!! But, it's so much fun for all the new stuff too and to watch them grow and meet each milestone, and become little people!!

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks said...

Awww....so cute!

I hate that they grow up so fast. I have a teenager already...shit that even feels odd to say :(

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

Awww, newborn pictures get me every time. G's only 16 (almost 17!) months old, but already, I do feel that "baby fever" whenever I see a picture of a teeny tiny infant!

It's amazing how fast they grow, isn't it? I love your babe's blonde hair. It's gorgeous!!!

~Elizabeth
Confessions From A Working Mom

Farmhouse Fixers said...

You are not too late for the CD!! I will definitely save one for you!! I will contact you on the 12th for you address...

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