Since I have become a stay at home mom (SAHM) a little over 4 years ago, I have often felt useless and felt as if I’ve lost my sense of purpose. Many times I have felt unimportant, like what I do doesn’t matter.
I have worked since I was 16 years old. Most of the time I worked two jobs while also in school. I had corporate goals. I had a cushioned bank account. So when I got pregnant for our first child and decided that I’d become a SAHM, this new “job” was foreign to me. Going from having coworker community and purpose at the workplace to the solitude and chaos of motherhood- I slowly began to feel like I didn’t belong and wasn’t worth anything in this new territory.
I want to take a minute to acknowledge all of the working mothers out there too — you are doing an AMAZING job with your little ones and know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for you in this season of life.
I began to feel useless because I wasn’t contributing to my household’s bank account.
I think in this society, accomplishments are often related to your worth in commas and zeros – at least that’s what I used to believe. Now I realize and remind myself often that accomplishments are SO much more than that! Now don’t get me wrong, being a one-income household has many challenges but that will never change me wanting to be a SAHM. Why? Because money cannot compare to accomplishments I see as being a SAHM. From achieving a tantrum-free grocery store trip, to potty training success, to reaching milestones, to hearing my little one recite the alphabet. These things might seem inconsequential to some but to me, these feats are worth more than any paycheck I’ve ever received. At the end of the day, witnessing things like those mentioned above make me feel so much more accomplished and valuable than any paycheck.
If you are a SAHM, I’m here to drop this truth bomb on ya real quick- realize that you are accomplishing the most worthwhile thing that money can not compare to and that’s raising the future generation! Even on your easiest day, you are still a teacher, nurse, housekeeper, chef, story-teller, chauffeur, monster killer, planner, best friend, and a freaking superwoman! You may not be contributing to your household’s financial state but you are adding value to your home. We are significantly valuable and full of worth! Our worth isn’t connected to how much we make or don’t make.
The work that we do as mothers is completely PRICELESS!
