I always thought I would want to quit my job when I had a child.
But in the four short years I have been a mother, I now cannot imagine why.
My daughter enjoys visiting me at work. She loves to see where I go every day, the people I interact with daily, and where my creative juices flow freely.
And she’s already gotten into the habit of sitting at my desk, producing masterpieces of her own. I think she’s destined trolo be in my line of work.
I’m a confident woman when I’m at work. And when Amara joins me there, I see her confidence skyrocket to levels that even surprises her dad.
My workplace has a fair share of women in it. And Amara is able to experience at her young age just how empowered women can be. My boss is a working mom. And she and I remind my daughter that a woman can be everything – a mother, a professional, anything her heart desires.
At work, I am able to do one of my life’s passions: write. How can anyone turn their back from their passion – paid or unpaid?
At work, I can truly be me. I’m not simply mom. Or wife. Or Girl Scout leader. I’m me.
Yes, a lot of my pay now goes towards childcare.
And yes, if money were no object I wouldn’t have to put in long hours to meet a project deadline. I could pick Amara up from school on time. I could make it to every recital.
But I’ve learned an important lesson working. Money may not grow on trees but my daughter’s reaping the benefits of having her mommy as a role model.
And for that reason alone, I think I’ll keep clocking in.
