A few days ago my kiddos and I stopped by the library. Turned ourselves in from being on the most wanted list at the library for overdue books . While there, I ran into a old acquaintance. She went on to tell me that she is on her fourth failed marriage, has 3 children by three different fathers, her oldest is expecting her first child at the age of 15 and that her 12 year old would be released from juvenile detention center soon!!!! I was in COMPLETE SHOCK and my "SILENT" reaction was :
Ok, I know, evil thought... but, just keeping it real! I did / do have compassion for her and her kids. Perhaps her life is 'normal' for her - It was overwhelming for me to comprehend the dysfunction. Her question would soon ROCKMY WORLD!!! she took a moment to breathe and asked me the following:
Do you work full time or are you "just" a stay at home mother
And that my friend, was the most shocking thing (question to me), that came out of her mouth!
Yup, I watch soap opera's & snack on chips all day long!!!! - was my initial thought, but I kept it classy
and told her that I just returned back to the home full time after 3 years of the corporate world. "Just a Mom" - Haa!
I will share with you a wonderful article that came to me this week from the Advocacy for the family
Mothers Job Description
POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama
JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work, in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required -- including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties are also required; frequently, on very short notice.
RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite your tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat -- in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include, floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.
POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.
WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18, because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it, and wish you could only do more.
BENEFITS: No health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered -- however, this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life, if you play your cards right.
