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I’m Done Playing Housekeeper, So I’m Bringing in a Pro
It’s that time again. My home is spotless, as I finally manage to organize everything, scrub every corner, and create a moment of gleaming cleanliness. The air is filled with a synthetic scent reminiscent of a tropical rainforest. We can lounge on the couch without our clothes transforming into a furry mess of cat hair. Everyone drifts off to sleep in freshly made beds, wrapped in clean pajamas.
And all of this comes at the cost of my entire day, a day that should have been spent playing with my children but instead saw them glued to the TV while I tackled endless chores. I’ve sacrificed not just my free time for days, but also an entire weekend, all for a few hours of cleanliness. The irony? I have two little ones, and by morning, our home is a disaster zone once more. It’s enough to make anyone consider a life of sweatpants and chain smoking.
The reality is, nobody openly admits to wanting to be a housewife anymore. I never intended to be the maid of my own home; I chose to be a stay-at-home mom. The title may suggest a shift in focus, but the responsibilities have only multiplied. My role has expanded beyond keeping the house tidy. I’m also expected to whip up healthy meals that require chopping a mountain of fresh produce and to cherish every fleeting moment with my kids, who grow up too quickly but somehow not quickly enough.
Do you know why the homes of women in the 1950s were so immaculate? Because they weren’t juggling all the other tasks we face today. They simply threw some ground meat and soup into a dish and called it dinner. Their kids were off entertaining themselves, usually out in the neighborhood, until it was time for that comforting meat-soup meal. And let’s not forget, that was also a product of a very different societal structure.
I’m not one to thrive in chaos. While my home is often a mess, my own mental state operates at a constant threat level orange, directly linked to the state of my surroundings. By the time I finally get my home back in order, I’m utterly drained and can only manage to relax for a fleeting eight minutes.
So, here’s my realization: it’s time for a change, and I should have made it a long time ago. I’m hiring a housekeeper.
Absolutely, I am! My priorities are clear—I want to be a nurturing mom. I want to prepare nutritious meals for my family. I want to carve out time for myself to enjoy a little exercise to avoid turning into a statue in my 40s. Maybe I’d even like to take a proper shower! But all of those desires often take a backseat to the never-ending chores of home maintenance, and I’m done putting my needs last—especially when self-care is also essential.
From now on, every two weeks, a professional will come into my home to tackle the big tasks: cleaning baseboards, vacuuming and mopping, scrubbing bathrooms, and washing windows. I’ll still manage the day-to-day upkeep, but I’ll be free from the enormous stress of needing to squeeze in the deep cleaning.
I’ve contemplated making this leap many times before but always hesitated, feeling it was wasteful to spend money on chores I could do. Yet, the truth is, I’m not doing them. The likelihood of my habits changing overnight is minimal. However, the chances of my daily life improving are significantly higher now that I won’t feel guilty about not sorting socks when I could spend quality time with my children or engage in work that I enjoy.
While we aren’t wealthy, I can adjust my budget and limit spending elsewhere to make this work. I will make it happen. We women often place immense pressure on ourselves and each other to be constantly “on,” and something has to give. I’m tired of that something being my well-being, sacrificed at the altar of cleaning products.
I choose to feel no guilt or shame. Instead, I’m excited about the newfound time I’ll have in my days to do what I want. (Spoiler alert: it definitely won’t be dusting.)
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Summary
The author expresses her frustrations with being overwhelmed by household chores while also raising young children. She shares her decision to hire a housekeeper, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the desire to reclaim her time for family and personal well-being. The article reflects on societal expectations of women, the challenges of modern motherhood, and the relief that comes with delegating household responsibilities.
