When I made the decision to be a stay-at-home mom, returning to the workforce seemed light-years away. Yet here we are—my youngest is about to start school full-time, marking a significant shift for our family. As I ponder this transition, I find myself wondering if I should spruce up my resume or see if any of my old work clothes still fit (are they even still in style?). But the question lingers: should I extend my time as a stay-at-home mom just a little longer? After all, we’ve been managing just fine—what’s a couple more years?
My partner, Jake, is self-employed, working tirelessly from morning until night. It’s a demanding role, and while it can be exhausting to witness, he thrives on it. His drive is rooted in providing for our family, but to do so effectively, he needs someone to handle the day-to-day chaos of our four kids and our spirited dog. That’s where I come in. I handle everything from morning routines to doctor’s appointments, and I do it with joy because that’s what our family needs right now.
Our children are all in elementary school and attend the same institution. I find fulfillment in volunteering for activities like playground duty and the book fair. My oldest will be entering 8th grade soon, just a heartbeat away from high school. I want to relish these moments when he casually greets me in the hall, trying to maintain his cool among friends. Soon enough, those moments will become scarce.
My youngest is about to step into kindergarten, and I want to witness her little milestones. I cherish the thought of her proudly waving and exclaiming, “That’s my mom!” Then there are my two middle boys, who have their ups and downs with affection. I seize the chance to say hello, and more often than not, I’m rewarded with a smile. This window into their lives is limited, and I’m not ready to close it just yet.
Over the years, I’ve learned that I’m not your typical career-oriented woman. I have no desire to climb the corporate ladder. I find contentment managing our household rather than aspiring to lead a Fortune 500 company. There are many who are far more qualified for that role. It’s not that I lack capability; I am intelligent, dedicated, and skilled. My strengths are simply better utilized at home, and that’s perfectly acceptable.
So, what will I do with my time? There’s plenty to keep me busy. I’ll tackle household chores, but for the first time in years, I’ll also have moments to focus on myself. I plan to sit at my computer and finally put pen to paper on the book I’ve been dreaming about. I also do freelance work, which allows for flexibility. I can continue pursuing my passions while being available when my kids need me, and I can spend precious time with my mom, who I want to cherish for as long as possible. My volunteer work will continue to grow, and I’ll find fulfillment in that.
I ask that no one guilt me over this choice. I recognize that being at home is a privilege, one that my husband works hard to afford me. He wants me here to share the load, and this arrangement works for us. We’re not living extravagantly; we’re simply happy and content on one income.
My family is only young for a short while, and I want to relish every moment. Before I know it, I’ll be handing out car keys, and everything will change. But for now, I’m the driver, the cook, and the chief organizer of our not-so-tightly-run ship, and I intend to make the most of it.
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Summary
As my youngest prepares to start kindergarten, I reflect on the choice to remain a stay-at-home mom despite the impending transition. My role is vital for our family as I manage daily routines, volunteer at school, and cherish these fleeting moments with my children. I’ve found fulfillment in my decision to prioritize my family over a corporate career, and I plan to use this time to focus on my passions, including writing and volunteering. Ultimately, I embrace this stage of life without guilt, recognizing it’s a privilege supported by my husband’s hard work.