Like all of my friends growing up, I stayed home with my mom during the day. Instead of working outside the house, she looked after me and my three brothers, our pets and the entire household.
I knew she was busy but I never truly understood how exhausting the work was until I had my daughter and stayed home with her for nearly two years. And I only had one kid to look after!
Since I was on the quieter side growing up, I loved having my mom home during the day so I could come home for lunch or call her if I was sick at school.
I had the occasional babysitter and attended preschool a couple times a week but, like my friends, I never went to full-time daycare when I was a toddler.
This is why the decision to go back to work is difficult for many women, even in the year 2016.
There’s no right answer and, even though it’s somewhat of a cliché, moms should do what’s best for them and their family.
While some moms can’t fathom leaving their young children in the care of someone else, other women enjoy going back their job, while others must return to work out of economic necessity.
I enjoyed the nearly two years off that I had with my daughter. It was a great opportunity to bond with her and I wouldn’t have given that up for anything, but life became much more difficult when I decided to work from home while also juggling care for her. My mom, afterall, set up her business at home and looked after all four of us, but it was really hard for her. (A shout out to mom-preneurs. It’s a tough job!).
I didn’t want to give up my career completely and the extra money was important. I kept thinking: What was the point of me going to university for five years and working so hard at my job if I don’t continue after having a baby? Plus, I really enjoy what I do.
But my daughter was left watching a lot of Peppa Pig while I worked during the day and into the night.
So, after touring several daycares and asking dozens of questions, I placed my daughter in one that I’m very happy with. I think she’s better off there than watching TV all day.
I love my job now and we are both happier than before. Our lives now are much less hectic.
But there’s a nagging question in the back of my mind: Is going to daycare eight hours a day good for her? I hear from moms who say they would never let that happen, and other moms who say it provides the perfect work-life balance.
We’re both so much happier when I’m working. My life feels fulfilled and my daughter is happy with all the attention she gets at daycare. It’s a tough decision but, in this case, it’s a win-win.
