My idea to own an oil rig I thought was a good one but grown-ups, as usual, saw only problems - where will you get the money to buy it? - where I saw opportunity - I'll borrow it from the bank.
In fact I don't ever remember the careers teacher giving me any helpful advice or suggestions. Maybe she realised what I didn't discover until later, but because it was the dawning of the age of feminist consciousness she wasn't allowed to say it. If she'd felt able I think she would have said, 'Find a man and have babies.'
Once I'd found the man and had the babies I knew without doubt what it was I was born to be - which was just as well because if I'd had to rely on talent and ability to get through life I'd have been screwed.
Motherhood - and now grannyhood - that's what it's about it. For me at least. It's where I've found my niche in life, my place. I don't claim to be good at it but I'm better at it than at anything else.
I was discussing with someone yesterday the fact that society has changed so much. When we were young parents mothers who went out to work were few; now it's the norm, a necessity in some cases if you want to pay the mortgage this month.
Some claim this is good and a woman's right and where a woman has a career or job she loves and wants to do, that's fair enough; but I'm sure there are plenty of others, like me, who only ever wanted to be mums. Which I happen to think is the most important job in the world.
4 comments:
I think these days for most people to pay the necessities, food, housing, utilities etc. both have to be breadwinners. My wife and I were lucky we were on the last wave I think of the generation where you could consider not working to bring up your kids - I really don't think it is an option now.
It is without a doubt the most important job but sadly all of society seems to be turned around... how many people simply view themselves as defined by their work rather than their family?
I can't see anything wrong with being a full-time mother if that's where your natural talents lie. Expecting people to get a "proper job" when they're not suited to it makes no sense at all. In any case, childrearing IS a proper job.
I am glad I have been able to bring mine up to the age of 4 and 7 without working. Then I got a job working at schools so I could always be with them.
Sadly they don't seem to remember all that we did together in their early years, and during that time I have lost a career.
I'm not sure I'd recommend the same path to my daughter. And meanwhile, I really need a proper job now!!
Good for you!
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