Spending the days with your children is all well and good, but do you ever feel that you are ‘invisible’ from society?
At least when you have a job you’re out there in the workplace, with other people to talk to and not just the four walls a’la Shirley Valentine.
“Hello, walls, how are you today?!” Yes, that will be me soon if I’m not careful.
If your children are still small, it’s a full time job in itself and you’re always kept busy wiping bums, feeding, taking out for trips.
Albeit an unpaid one.
What happens when the smallest gets to school age though, and you’re at home all day? You think “hurrah, I’ve got time to myself! The luxury! I can do whatever I like!”
That quickly wears off though. Then you’re left thinking “OK, I’m bored now. I need to keep myself occupied.”
So, in my case, while trying to find a job that fits in with school and shift work patterns of the other half (which are virtually non existent) I start to build blogs and write articles.
Just because I’m so called ‘sat at home’, doesn’t mean I’m not doing anything.
I’m still here all day though. There’s no water cooler to gather round, or tea break chats to be had.
When you go for a night out and everyone’s talking about how they chaired a meeting at work, gave interviews or are flying off somewhere, it’s a case of smile and nod.
I’m here for picking up small people from school if they need collecting early, I sort out uniforms and packed lunches, take them to Cubs/swimming lessons, wash clothes, iron, tidy away things left out all over the floor, wash up, and even act as mediator when there’s arguments. 🙂
While at home and wanting a job, I’ve self taught myself to build two blogs, regularly produce content, add code to them, and promote the finished blog posts via social media and networking.
So don’t assume I sit here all day and do nowt…..
Though if I wanted to that would be entirely up to ME.
I so know what you mean! I work from home as I run the farm business, but people just drop by for a coffee, in the middle of the day when I’m working! And my mum rings me at all different times during the day, when I’m working! It’s so frustrating.
CJ x
It must be hard when they start school, like you say while they are small there is always something that needs to be done. I think there does need to be more decent employment out there for mums with school age children, it has been a problem for a long time.
I have toddlers as well as a school age child, but my toddlers nap in the afternoon so I also have free time on my hands….except its not free time as such, there is always mountains of housework to be done. But why should I feel that I have to clean the house in every spare minute I get? As long as the essentials are done I think that I should be able to spend my “free” time as I want. I used to work, so I’ve started blogging to keep my mind active, and I enjoy writing. I don’t know why us stay at home mums are meant to feel like doing something we enjoy at home is so wrong!
Keep doing what you’re doing I say!
you should see if thre are any local businesses that might benefit from your self taught skills – if you have mastered social media, there are lots of businesses that haven’t – and as it’s all online, you could do it from home and fit itaround your kids’ day. I was lucky enough to find a job that is from home and I can work when I like. It’s pretty unique – although it has nothing to do with my previous career – but I felt it was more important to be aroundfor the kids albeit that financially I had to do something. And you never know where your blog might take you – if you want it to – but don’t be disheartened. If you’re doing what you think is right then have the courage of your convictions – and if you would like to be working well, think laterally, keep going, and something might just come along.
That’s a great idea, thanks. I’ve been toying with the idea of doing something with social media, contacting companies could be a good way to start.
This is a timely post for me as my youngest is just starting school. He’s doing 1/2 days atm but in a couple of weeks I’ll have entire days to myself.
Part of me is terrified and part of me can’t wait!
Snap!!!!
Had a ‘discussion’ (argument) with my husband about that this week. he’s under the impression that I do nothing when my son is at pre-school. the fact that I spend that time cleaning or working (I’m a freelance writer) is lost on him. He doesn’t seem to realise that me working from home whilst being a SAHM is a bonus and that most SAHMs are just that and don’t work at all. And that that’s their choice and they’re not taking the p*ss. Oh, I’m still furious.
Anyway, he annoyed me that much that when R was at pre-school on Monday and Tuesday I sat around and did nothing ON PURPOSE. If he’s going to be accusing me of that, it might as well be justified. So there.
Lisa
I completely and totally sympathise and know exactly where you’re coming from! Going on strike sounds like a good plan 🙂
Well I would never assume you are sat at home doing nothing. Yes, I have 3 small children that keep me busy, but even without them there is loads to do. And like you say, building the blogs from scratch is no mean feat!
x s
Good for you for filling your time in doing something you enjoy and feels like an achievement. I’d love to have more time on my blog, but I’m at work! I feel invisible too because I’m part-time, so I’m not rated at work. That gets me down. I’ve reached the point in my life where I don’t want to be doing the same old job and seeing people getting promoted ahead of me 😦 The grass is always greener.
I am a stay at home mum too and I know exactly what you mean! It is hard work being with children but these precious years are flying away fast, so why not make the most of them? Your children are young only for a little while.
Great post!
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