I looked up the word in the dictionary and this is the first definition: a piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price.
So... no. I don't have a job by this definition.
My "job" is taking care of my children. And it is hard. Some days are harder than others.
My job lets me hold many titles such as:
Chef - I make about 98% of all of the dinners, lunches, and breakfasts in my household. I am constantly looking for new foods for the kids to eat, and for a variety of things so we aren't always eating the "same 'ole thing."
Doctor - I am not a legit Doctor. I didn't get a Doctorate or a PhD or anything like that. But upon one of my kids getting a boo boo, I administer care to them. Band-aids, ice packs, treats, kisses, etc...
I also have to determine when one of my children needs a referral to someone who is actually a Dr. Then I become a
Chauffeur- I drive my kids around to places they need to go, and places I need to go. Well, until they are 16 and able to drive me around.
Maid - I clean up after my kids, and my husband all the time. I do all the household chores ( my husband does help me, he isn't exempt ) I do dishes and mop and sweep and dust and vacuum and fold laundry, do laundry, clean windows, scrub the toilet... etc... the list goes on.
Entertainer - I dance when a song comes on that I like. I make the kids dance with me. I read to them and put on plays and play peek-a-boo with them to keep them entertained. I am waiting for my Oscar for best
Actress. I should be getting it some day soon. I put on a good show. I can't sing, but I am quite funny. Just ask my kids.
Teacher - I teach my children things that they need to know. We learn not only lessons in subjects, but life lessons and lessons in morality and right and wrong as well.
Judge, Jury and executioner - Not to that extent, but when there has been a "crime" committed and someone has broken a rule, I dole out the punishment and make sure that it is completed, whatever that may be.
Customer Relations - When they kids have a problem, they bring it to me to fix it. Georgia is being mean! Elle hit me! I handle it so that they can go on about their days.
There are so many titles a mom or dad can have when it comes to taking care of their kids.
As with other jobs, I do not accumulate vacation time, paid time off, sick days, etc...
When I am sick, I still get up and take care of my kids. I can't take a day off. ( I can ask my husband to help me if I am sick enough, and he usually helps me ) But that doesn't mean that my mommy brain turns off. I will still check on the kids to make sure they are okay, and make their lunches. The kids still know I am there, and will still come to me when they need help. I am still a mom. I don't punch out at the end of the day. My days are 24/7.
I don't get vacation time. Nor do I necessarily want it. I like time with my kids. Some time away from them may be nice, but right now I'm not ready to cash that in. I'd like to experience any vacation time I have with them. They're here for a reason.
My job is making sure that my children grow up to be outstanding, upright citizens in this world. I want them to be moral and kind and do the right thing when given the opportunity to. I want them to be polite and wise and commit acts of greatness. I want all these things for them, and its my job to make sure that they have the right tools in order to do these things... like being their teacher and entertainer and role model.
If I don't do my job right, I'm not going to the boss to get a reprimand and potentially fired. No. If I don't do my job right, another co-worker isn't on the line and I'm not making another person's job harder. I am making my own job harder. I am making it hard for my kids' to succeed in life. I can't fail at my job. The people depending on me to do it are priceless and can't be replaced.
I chose this profession. I chose my co-workers and I chose how many kids I was going to have. I chose this daily life. So, as people in other professions have chosen their path, this is the one I choose.
My job is always changing. It's a constant stream of curve balls being thrown at me day to day. There's not a manual on how to do the job right, you just have to use your mind and your heart and know that what you're doing from day to day is the right thing. No day is ever the same.
This can be nerve racking!
I think I'm doing a good job so far. My kids are happy and healthy. They are learning new things daily and developing into little people.
The conversations aren't as interesting as they used to be when I held other jobs. Talk of potties and bottles and My Little Ponies are my daily routine nowadays. Sometimes I crave the attention of adults and of topics of things other than what Elmo was doing on Sesame Street today.
Will I ever know if I've done the job right? They'll always be my kids, even when they have their own. Then they'll be asking me for advice, and I'll have even more job titles in my repertoire.
Grandmother, mentor, advice giver, old person. :)
My payment is seeing my kids grow up. My payment is in hugs and kisses and laughs and cuddles. My payment is the satisfaction that these little people love me, and will one day go into the world and make a difference not only to me, but to others as well. This is the best payment. I'm a billionaire by comparison. My heart is full, and its an amazing feeling. There is no reward or payment greater that I have ever gotten than my daughter(s) telling me that they love me.
This is my life. This is my job. This is the BEST job I have ever had, and will EVER have.
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