We’ve been tagged in A Mother’s Work Meme by Musings from a Mum. The Meme was established by Mother. Wife. Me and Pret-A-Mummy to discuss whether or not society values and supports mothers. It’s right up our street so we were more than happy to take part. Loretta blogged on a similar theme recently on the soaring costs of childcare so she’s going to fill this one in.
Here are the rules….
Rules:
Please post the rules
Answer the questions in as much or as little detail as suits you
Leave a comment on mother.wife.me so we can keep track of the meme
Tag 3 people and link to them on your blog
Let them know you tagged them
Tweet loudly about taking part (well ok, that isn’t a rule, but how about if we start a hashtag – #amothersworkmeme)
Questions:
1. Did you work before becoming a mum?
I did work before becoming a mum. In fact just before I found out I was pregnant I reduced my full-time working hours to 4 days in order to spend some time developing some of the other interests and ideas I had. I was self-employed registered as a session singer so made up my income that way. Once I was pregnant I was pretty sure I would not want to be a SAHM but also sure I wouldn’t want to work full-time. My then husband had always insisted he would look after our child when I worked and as he was self-employed it seemed like a perfect plan – that we’d have childcare sorted between us.
2. What is your current situation?
My current situation is that I work part-time and I am also a single mum! It’s all a real struggle and juggle financially and childcare wise. My son is in nursery 2 days a week which I can’t really afford and on a Monday gets shipped around between my sister and lovely, helpful friends whom I don’t know what I’d do without. Thursday’s I work from home which is more and more of a challenge as he gets older and wants my attention! I can’t afford to work full-time due to child care costs as I have no family close by a part from my sister who is very busy but helps when she can. I’m teetering on the line of whether I’d be better off not working at all. This frustrates me as I really enjoy working but don’t want to miss out on my son growing up, especially as he may now be the only child I have! I also do not do much singing work anymore due to child care issues being a single parent so my income has dramatically dropped.
3. Freestyle – got your own point you’d like to get across on this issue? Here’s your chance…
I just really sympathise with those affected by recent news on soaring costs of childcare, women not being valued in the work force, poor maternity and paternity conditions etc. It is ridiculous to be in the position when it may be more financially viable to not return to work as a mum. Other countries such as Norway and Sweden have a much better balance so it really is possible. Furthermore, I think this can have a direct hit on Mum’s self-esteem. I get a huge amount out of being a mum and my son is no doubt one of the best things that ever happened to me despite my situation. However, part of the reason that MTAM exists is because we realise that many mums can lose sight of their identity as a woman in the process of motherhood. Even though our identity should not and generally is not ‘only’ wrapped up in our jobs or careers, I think the misplaced value of women in the work place really doesn’t help this. I personally think the way forward is the rise of ‘mumpreneurs’ and flexible work so that mums can be there for their children and have fulfilling work roles too – at least that is what I’m aiming for!!
So there you go, there’s our contribution and we tag:
Gemma @makencreate
Fiona @morganandpink
