Guilt, doubt and constant worry – woes of a working mother. Though endlessly debated by both sides (the working mom vs. the stay at home mom), it still is a totally individualistic viewpoint. Me? I am a working mother. Working since eight years and a mother for a little over a year out of those.
How has it been so far? Umm….the jury is divided on that one. I am presently living in a town where there are no day care centres and the concept of babysitters does not exist. My husband, parents and in-laws stay in different cities and have their own commitments. Luckily I have found a temporary maid who has agreed to babysit for a couple of months. What then? We shall cross the bridge when we reach it. Clichéd I know, but that’s the best that I can do right now.
The basic worry taken care of, I still have doubts and endless guilt at the end of each day. It breaks my heart to see my darling baby cry when I leave him in the mornings. Sometimes he wakes to find his mommy gone and those are the good days. Out of sight out of mind right? He was mostly off breastfeed but has relapsed, seeking the comfort of the breast every time I am at home. His sleep pattern has drastically altered with him trying to stay up whenever I am around to ensure I do not go anywhere while he sleeps. He wakes up scared, crying. So people who think it is easy leaving your baby while you work – it’s not dearies. It is difficult, very difficult.
The negatives seem to go on and on. So why do I work? It pays the bills. Also if I leave I would have to change cities and move (but I am already moving every two years- transferrable job you see). Some say that seeing me work will instill a little independence in the baby but right now all I see is him clinging to me every second I am home. But being a SAHM? Will I get the satisfaction or will I regret later? In my opinion SAHMs are master managers; I don’t think I have it in me. Give me a board meeting any day but a hyperactive toddler and a house to run by myself? I am in shallow waters there.
So till I gather courage and take a plunge or finally decide otherwise I guess my dilemma continues like so many before me. This is one lesson each one of us has to learn on our own.
priyankagahlawat.com 
15 responses to “SAHM vs Working mom”
Very nice write up, Woman is the onsite manager of the house.
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True
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And thanks for reading and taking out time to appreciate.
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Agree with you Priyanka. I too am working and can very well relate to your post. My recent post on Spring fashion for kids http://mommystimeline.com/summer-childrens-fashion-trends-2017-little-girls/
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Hi. Sorry for replying so late. But thank-you for reading my post. I keep adding new ones once in a few months currently but plan to write more frequently. Also ur daughter is very cute and already a model. Stay blessed.
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Throw the guilt out young lady- your baby gains nothing from it! Just be a cheerful mom when you are around the baby- no matter what, and the little one will soon grow up to side with you. I worked for us. Love and take care.
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Thank-you aunty. Your encouragement means a lot. Presently my baby is with his nana-nani. Haven’t got a reliable maid. The earlier one left. So it hurts even more.
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Aunty if you could share your e-mail ID. Akshay was a coursemate and a very dear friend. I did YO’s course with him as well as was posted at zirakpur when his unit was there. Would love to share whatever pics I have of him.
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Thats so sweet Priyanka. My mail id is megirish2001@gmail.com. And dont worry, your little one is in loving care that made you what you are beta! Stay cheerful- its a phase and will turn out fine. Love and take care.
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Aunty I had sent a few pictures of Akshay by e mail. Did you review them or should I forward the mail again?
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I dd Priyanaka. Thank you so much. Sorry missed letting you know. Apologise. Love and take care
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No problem aunty. Take care. Regards to Uncle as well.
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Yes,to each her own..conditions are different for all ,depends how we want to deal.Still important for both kind of moms is to feed themselves too.Hope u like..https://dpoojablog.wordpress.com/2016/11/18/feed-yourself-first/
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Very Well written priyanka.you have exactly portrayed my(and may be many other working moms) dilemma.
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Hey Sarita. Thanks for reading. The feelings are universal I guess.
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