I am a housewife.

As Maddie gets older and more independent I find myself with time to reflect on what has happened in my life and where I am going.  Lately I've been doing a lot of that and I've come to a realization that I have been denying for years. . . I am a housewife.

Sure, I have my two businesses and I like the extra income they bring.  But almost as much, I like being able to fill in that survey oval that says "self-employed" rather than unemployed, stay-at-home mom or what have you. 

And I also homeschool, which puts a spin on things, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm here -- at home -- pretty much all day every day.  (24-7 for you youngsters)

So what does that say about me, or in a broader sense society, when being a stay at home mom is something to hide?  And why would I even want to?  I love being with Maddie (I already fear the day she goes off to college -- yes I clearly have issues) and I love baking and cooking.  I love being the family nutritionist and keeping things running.  I love not having to go in to the office (but I miss it too -- especially being around other adults) and I like that I can work when I want and let things slow down when I need that.

I will say that I don't like cleaning -- I have a service for that.  But I do like tidying up and doing spot cleaning -- I like a clean sink, I'll tell ya!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have it pretty good -- whatever you want to call me.  I'm learning to enjoy myself in this roll and I really do cherish my days with Maddie.  I also know that this won't last forever.  As I said, Maddie is growing up and one day she will leave (god, that's difficult for me to write) and I will move on to the next phase of my life (which is exciting).

I always wanted to be an English Lit professor. . .

Comments

[Bonney]

Maybe as an aspiring English professor you want to write that last sentence again? Julie, you are hilarious without even trying!!

[Jenny]

I was an at home mom, with side business, and homeschooling, for 18 years just about. As my kids approached college age, I went back to school to fulfill my dream of becoming an accountant. :) I feel blessed to have had the chance to live both lives.

[--Deb]

My mother was always adamant about NOT wanting to be called a housewife. (She was married to my father, thank you very much, not the house.) She, instead, proudly calls herself a homemaker! But, yes, no matter what you call it, there's certainly nothing wrong with it! (grin)

[Linda]

I think the brand of feminism which is being referred to must come full circle in order for us to find some sort of balance. As long as women don't feel pressured to stay at home because society deems them incapable of anything else - fine. As long as men have the opporunity to be homemaker or househusband without any resentment from their spouse - that is also fine.

[jessie]

I too am a housewife. And bookkeeper/office manager for my husband's business. And I have a yarn business. And I have a regular column in the local paper.

But when people ask me what I "do," I still say I'm a stay-at-home mom.

Is that a problem?

(BTW: Cleaning service. Worth it?)