Today, there’s still a lot of judgment of mothers regardless of what they choose (or need to) do. For example, many people tend to make a clear distinction between working mums and stay-at-home mums, implying that either decision results in significant negative consequences.
In the second half of 2018, the Workplace Gender Equality Agency found women now make up 47 per cent of all employment. Women are increasingly choosing to work, fighting the stigma of being a working mother.
Unfortunately, even today, working mothers are often derided for being selfish for putting their needs over their children’s and family’s needs, accused of being less invested in their children’s education and caring for the home.
Here are just a few of the reasons why many women choose to work:
Establishing financial independence
Financial independence is liberating. It offers freedom, stability, and more choices, including to leave a relationship or to spend money on what you want. It also helps you develop a sense of empowerment by contributing to the household finances. By eliminating dependence, women who work are in a powerful position to evolve towards a best version of themselves, acting as a role model to their children and improving the relationships with those around them.
Creating a sense of identity
Do you remember what your identity was before you became a mum? What made you happy? What your dreams and aspirations were? Working mothers gain an identity outside of motherhood by using their personalities and skills for a clear goal or purpose. Finding your identity, or gaining back a sense of individuality, gives working mums an opportunity to reconnect with themselves and their relationships. This builds emotional strength as well as refreshing them when it comes to their role as parents.
Becoming a role model for yourself and others
Despite the guilt of sometimes missing school events, drop-off and pick-up duties, and often school holiday time with the kids, working mothers can become role models for themselves and others. It may not be easy, but the sense of accomplishment that comes with everything somehow falling into place is worth it.
Increasing your confidence and self-esteem
There’s no right way to parent. Sometimes it may even feel like, no matter how hard you try, it is never good enough and you don’t always achieve the results you were hoping for. This can take a toll both physically and mentally, impacting the confidence and self-esteem of mothers. Mothers who work outside of the home are given a break from the difficulties of parenthood and can focus on careers where they know how to progress. A good workplace recognises effort and achievements made, which also boosts confidence.
This is not to say working mothers are better than stay-at-home mothers. All parents do it their own way. This is to highlight the benefits of working to mums who have chosen to do so, or are thinking about starting work again and need to beat the guilt. It’s important to do what feels right for you and your family as you won’t feel the benefits of either decision if you end up feeling over-extended and exhausted.
