A hundred years from now
it will not matter what size my bank account was,
the sort of house I lived in,
or the kind of car I drove...
but the world may be different
because I was important in the life of a child.
- Forest Witcraft
I know of many high flying colleagues, especially the females, who think I am putting the focus on the wrong area by taking too much time off work to bake for the little ones, or to attend to him when he's ill. Many times I was asked "why not leave the child to the maid?", or "why not just buy a cake from the confectionary to save all the hassle?". You can see they chagrined when I replied "I am the maid", or "I enjoyed the hassle."
I believe each of us has different priority in life, and just as I do not judge how good a mother they are, I do not want to be judged how good an employee I am based on the amount of time I spent with my child.
Sheen is now 4, I have about 9 more years to spend good quality time with him cos by the time he turns 15, he will have his own circle of friends whom he probably would prefers to hang out with. By comparison, I will have at least another 20 years of work life.
Sorry for the grumbles, I am so annoyed by some colleagues commenting on me taking annual leaves to bake. Perhaps in future I should not tell anyone how I spend my free time. Afterall annual leave is my entitlement, who cares what I do :-o
Bravo! Well Said! I salute to you to stand up to all this. You have a child for yourself and your hubby to have and to have, to love and to cherish. Not to give to your maid or in-laws. Tell your friends this: Why celebrate Mother's Day? Because Mothers are the only parent who take the trouble to make things perfect for us. Fathers are people who holds the world for us, keep us safe and sound. Mothers care and nurture. Or else, why the world scientists call nature as Mother Nature? Why not Father Nature? :)
ReplyDeleteThanks... only in the virtual space I can find like-minded mothers (and bakers)! Now I have more reasons to refute the arguement :-)
ReplyDeleteWomen in my workplace think that working is the god-given rights to delegate all things at home *shake head*
cookie, when I used to work full time, I used to take leave to do things like that too. For my kids' birthdays. The good thing back then was, everyone envy my kids and ask me to cook for their kids birthday too.
ReplyDeleteKeep to your belief, I'm with you. Don't miss out their growth and those fond memories in their childhood.
ReplyDeleteThose folks really miss the points, the family value.
i wish i can enjoy doing "motherly activities" as much as you. i miss the working world sooo much.
ReplyDeletei was "forced" to quit my pretty awesome banking career six years ago when my younger girl was 18 months, cause my hubby prefers me to be around for my 2 girls.
i have gotten used to be a stay-at-home mum, but yet to enjoy it.
Hi skinnymum,
ReplyDeleteIt is good to be a SAHM, but what's the point if the kids have unhappy mum at home?
To each its own - I love to be SAHM but will not give up the paycheque for pragmatic reason. I encourage you to follow your heart. If you are cut for a corporate world, find a time to make David understand what you really want. I'm sure he wants you to be happy as well!
Though the employment market is quieter now, there'll should still be opportunity if you look hard enough.
I will be reading your blog, so let us know how it goes!
Keep Smilin!
Have been reading your blog for e past 2 hours. I like the way you write about things happening, your work, your men etc. in fact, you sounded just like my ex-colleague! Like you say, work leaves is your entitlement. Do what you like with it, or simply do nothing (just sleep!). What matters is you are happy with how you spent our time.
ReplyDeleteHi Fong,
ReplyDeletethanks for dropping by and appreciate your comments.
Becos of your comment, I get the chance to re-read my old post, and surprise to see how time flies - B will soon be 8!!! OMG. My time with him is ticking away....