Attention Working Moms
I have something to tell you that you might not know. I hope I don’t get in trouble from all the other SAHMs and WAHMs that I socialize with for letting you in on this, but I’m going to tell you a secret:
Once in a while, we’re awfully jealous of you.
Okay, maybe I’m not speaking for everyone here, but I figured that you probably had enough of reading articles that talk about how great it is to stay at home with babies and watch them flourish and all that jazz. Yes, it’s great. On the other hand, I’ll be the first to admit that I can’t imagine how wonderful it must be to get an hour lunch break every day that you can do whatever you want, whether that’s grabbing a bite to eat with other adults, catch up on some work, or even take a nice stroll outside alone. Don’t even get me started about how great it must be to have a little bit of time alone in the car every day when you get to pick what you listen to and you don’t have to drive while wiping boogers off someone’s nose.
Don’t get me wrong…working from home is the best choice for me. Even though I would get a lot more work done every day if I was holed away in an office somewhere other than home, this is my choice and I’m happy to do it.
Having said that, I can still fantasize about speaking to other adults throughout the day and once in a while having a boss that says, “Good job!” instead of the usual, “This is so unfair!” that I get from my oldest child.
I know what you do is hard. I’m not glamorizing it. I just thought you should know that every so often, you’re the envy of many SAHMs and WAHMs.
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Dawn Allcot says...
I see your point, Tamsen. Is there any way you can join some local networking groups and get someone (whether it’s your husband or someone else) to care for your little ones once a week? The networking groups will benefit your business AND your sanity.
If you can’t find one near you (look into Lion’s clubs, check with the SBA for women’s groups, or call your community college to see what’s going on), take one night or even a lunch hour per week, get a babysitter, and call some friends for a get-together.
You can also join a book group, a writer’s workshop, or maybe even take a class of some sort. It’s absolutely true that even WAHMs and SAHMs need adult interaction beyond the playground.
Also, find some clients that say, “good job.”
They are rare jewels and treasures! A note from one always makes my day. 
BTW, I may not be your boss, but good job on this post and others! I always enjoy your work.
Tamsen Butler says...
Thanks, Dawn! That’s a great idea to join a professional group in town. I’m going to look into that one for sure.
jess says...
Hello to all mothers!
What I would like to say is that even as a working mom, I don’t get that lunch break. Instead I break it up throughout the day to do what? I express breast milk in the lounge every 2 hours to get my baby the food he needs. So where is my break? When I am stuck in rush hour traffic. I get to listen to the radio and breath in toxic fumes from the car ahead of me. Nope not bitter. Really. Just a complete realist who wants to say that working or SAHMs never really get a break.
Science-mom says...
I’ve lived both lives – office mom and WAHM – and each has its pros and cons. When I was a working mom I didn’t have any lunch break either – had to work thru so I can leave the office early to pick up the kids on time. So it was a sandwich over the keyboard. And I envied SAHMs and WAHMs then. Now a WAHM for almost two years, there are times (lots of times!) when I am ready to pack and take up those headhunters on their offers.
So I guess it’s a question of the grass being always greener on the other side…
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