I’ll just get right to the point.Do you work?
Of course, the answer for all of us is yes. We moms work like crazy.
But do you work outside or inside the home to earn money for your family? Have you ever done that—either part-time or full-time?
How do you feel about that—personally, for yourself?
Now, I’m not asking how you feel about other moms working. I’m asking how you feel about being involved in work or ministry that sometimes takes you away from your family.
I’ve been mulling over a project for awhile now and its focus is becoming more clear. I’d love your prayers for that as well as for a speakers’ conference I’m attending this week. (No, not Relevant. Wish I could be there with so many of you, though!)
But I’d love to hear your thoughts on all things “work,” related to you.
How do you feel about working—personally, for yourself?
Talk amongst yourselves. I'm off to put the can opener away...
Linking up with Jen at Finding Heaven Today for Soli deo Gloria. Click on over and come along with us!
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11 comments:
I keep trying to find words to write about this very topic...like you say not about others, but just my experience. I work outside the home - I'm a pastor of a church. I have two small children. Somedays the balance is great. Somedays I feel like I fail both. I feel called to both. I don't know what to do when they don't sync.
My husband is on disability. He's home all the time. I do editing for money - though not as much as I possibly could - from home. It helps supplement his disability payments. For ME, I'm fine, and he likes me bringing money in like that.
I haven't worked outside the home since being pregnant with my firstborn. When they were little, I wanted to be the one to see all their "firsts" and to instill godly values into them. I wanted to be home when they got older -- when I was a teen, it was sad and lonely to come home to an empty house, and I wanted to be there and be available for my kids even through their teens. Plus, I knew I only had so much time and energy -- I've known other moms who worked and seemed to keep on top of everything, but I had trouble keeping my head above water just with home responsibilities.
I tried a few things working from home, but they were mostly sales, which did require me to get out and about -- and I am not a salesperson, so that didn't go well. There are so many things available to do with the computer now, though, that I don't think I would have had a problem doing something like that at home when my kids were young.
But we have to be careful even with volunteer "ministry" jobs. It's a tough balance -- I wanted my kids to see that active serving is a part of life, but not to be so active serving that they felt they were sidelined by Mom's activities.
I've never felt called to work outside the home, but I did start blogging as a ministry. I recently realized that the blog I had started as a ministry I have 2, actually, but I am referring to one specifically) had turned into a job- and while it was bringing in much-needed income for our home, it was taking me away from my other duties I was called to first. So I made the hard decision to give it up, because I feel like God was asking me to. My experience is just that- my experience. God doesn't ask us all to do the same thing. Praying your path becomes clear!
I've done both.
I've worked full time, and I've stayed home, but now, I've got the best combo. I work part-time teaching (only mornings!). Not only does it refresh me, on most days, but I feel more productive, and a better mom because of it.
Oh, this is something I've been trying to figure out for a long time! I haven't worked full time (as a lawyer) since my first child was born. I've did it part time from home for about 4 years, and didn't enjoy it much but did feel pride about contributing monetarily for my family. Now I help my husband (also a lawyer) on an as-needed basis. I honestly enjoy being at home with my kids and I do not feel pulled toward full time work. And even though my husband is gracious about it and fully supports me being at home, I sometimes feel guilty about my choice because I went to law school but only "used" my degree for a short period of time. Though my husband hates it when I say that because he talks to me about his work all the time in a way he would not be able to if I hadn't gone to law school . . . so maybe I just need to let go of the guilt?? A familiar mom tune, I'm afraid :)
Hmmmm, can of worms indeed! ;) I haven't worked outside the home since our first child was born and I love being home with my kiddos. It has been a great decision for me (although I, too, sometimes feel guilty about that degree languishing in the back of the closet) and I have grown *so* much as a person and in my faith through this incredibly sanctifying experience! :) This is not to say, however, that there aren't days I beg my husband to let me go do his job and him stay home, lol.
I feel conflicted. I mostly work from home when I work, but it still makes it hard. I feel like I don't do anything well because I am trying to do too many things. I feel guilt at times for the time I am not with the kids, but I also feel guilt when I get behind in my work.
Sharla
http://thechaosandtheclutter.com
P.S. I wish you all the best in making the decision that is right for you and your family.
I worked full time when my first was born, went down to part time when my next one was born and then quit completely when my youngest was born. I have not regretted it a bit. It does make it harder financially but the benifits for our family are worth more than the money.
But I do feel that doing something to help others or even just for yourself is important. Even when it may take you away from your family for a short time.
You will be in my prayers and if it's something God has called you to do, go for it!
Only you know if it's right for you and your family.
Good luck!
Ladies, I so appreciate your comments and honesty! Many of you know I'm a high school teacher, but there's a writing project I'm being felt called to that would minister to working Christian moms. I'd be working on it when I'm not teaching, but I'm always working on some writing. It's a sense of focus I'm praying about.
I'd love to hear from any of you about your situation, and I do covet your prayers!
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