What would you say, you do here?

     When I meet someone for the first time, among the barrage of questions I always encounter: “What do you do?” My husband tells me they are just asking this out of habit and general courtesy, but I don’t understand that concept…when I ask a question I want to know the full and honest answer, not some stock reply to appease social norms. I do have enough couth to not say what I am truly thinking in my cynical head, so I usually just say, “I am working part-time as a consultant.” That ends the inquiry, most of the time, because it sounds rather boring. However, my reply has changed over the past several months, as I recently decided to stay home full time with Lili (one of the best decisions of my life, by the way). I have yet to be asked that question since my newfound “job” as a stay at home mom (SAHM as the blogs and forums love to use).

     I am sure we have all seen those e-cards on social media and the chain emails listing what a SAHM really does. Things like: “To replace Mom we would have to hire a cook, chauffer, housekeeper, teacher, manager, childcare provider, designer, etc.” They are rather cliché, albeit very true, but no one is going to reply to a “What do you do?” question with the aforementioned list, that would just be rude. I would find it much more telling to respond with, “What don’t I do?”

     I certainly do not see the need to shout from rooftops all that I do on a daily basis to “justify” to others why I do not bring home a paycheck. I hold a very traditional mindset of gender roles, and fully embrace my role as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, etc. Not only that, but I am really damn good at my job. I am thrifty, organized, resourceful, intelligent, patient, intuitive, loving, handy around the house, a good cook, and more. I am not only good at my job, but I LOVE it. I am a true believer that in this short life we have, doing what we love and loving what we do is paramount.

     I know I will face a lot of judgment, even from those close to me, for our decision to have me stay at home with Lili instead of putting her in daycare and going to work. Our situation may change one day, and I will probably face judgment then as well. I think the biggest lesson I have learned thus far on my parenting journey, is that everyone has advice (especially unsolicited) and beyond willing to share it. I shall simply nod politely, because that is how a lady acts J