Is ‘Home maker’ a full-time career? Uncovering the truth
The other day I attended a function with my sister-in-law who works for a bank. Somebody in a casual chit-chat asked us what do you do? My sister-in-law proudly said she was a Bank Manager with 25 years of experience. Now it was my turn to introduce myself. I instantly replied that I am not working and I am a housewife!
After I returned from the function, I recalled and wondered why I said what I said. Am I really not working? Have I not given 30 long years for my family, taking a backseat willingly, despite being educated, taking care of my home and family?
My husband often comes home and tells me in a lighter tone what I do the whole day. Trust me, It really puts me off! He conveniently forgets that his freshly cooked meals, a spick and span home & his well-mannered kids were not built in a day. I poured out my green tea after dinner and walked to my favorite cozy corner on my balcony and settled down in a rather pensive mood.
As my husband was coming late that night due to a business meeting, I had plenty of time to Reflect on my life. Suddenly after 30 years of being in the house happily, I felt a little restless and sad. Now I asked myself, “What have you done to yourself? You were so busy shaping your husband’s and kids’ lives all these years that you completely neglected the Real You!
I was a topper academically, my father’s pet, and a go-getter full of life. I loved my parents so much that I agreed to an arranged marriage. I became a dutiful daughter to my parents. I was happy being a dutiful wife and a responsible mother. But am I truly happy? There was an ache in my heart that I could not recognize. What was it, actually? I tried to figure it out. That was to my utter surprise.
Today I am always waiting for someone to return home and spend some time with me. They have all built their worlds while I ignored my life as if they were my life! Now that they are busy pursuing their goals, I am sitting all alone at life’s crossroads, perplexed, exhausted, and clueless about my next step. Suddenly I thought of my dear friend- My Diary- and started writing down my thoughts.
If HOME MAKER were a designation and a full-time career, then the job description would be something like this:
Job Role-The role includes managing all aspects of running a household from routine cleaning to cooking to vendor management for grocery, plumbing, entertainment, and minor repair work. Develop and maintain a family budget, provide childcare, supervise school projects, and attend parent-teacher meetings.
Salary-(in kind)some weekend outings, occasionally a family vacation, shopping allowance for personal needs (when the budget permits)
Number of working days – 7 days a week (sick leave given for hospitalization)
So readers, how many of you would really like to apply for this job? What is the financial security for such women? At the same time, those women who invested the same number of years into a professional career have their regular income and a pension after retirement. Not to forget their secured and intact self-dignity.
Do you think these women with so much talent & experience should be given opportunities to unleash their potential and make an impact on society and their families? I leave you today with this food for thought. Do share your views!
