‘I am very happy as a house mother and this is why’

Colleen was once a career woman. “I had clients, wore heels and made a lot of money,” she says. ‘And money meant I could buy stuff. When I had children, it became even more important. I wanted my kids to have everything, so I kept working. Early mornings, late nights, often away from home – but I was making money so it was worth it. ‘

But one day Colleen lost her job. “My husband and I decided I would take the summer off before looking for a new job to be there for our kids. They were nine, seven, four and one then. Apart from my leave, I had never had the opportunity to spend long with them. For example, to have breakfast with them every morning, instead of running out the door. ‘

Privilege

The calm that came over Colleen surprised her. ‘I could attend performances at school, take my toddler to the library or take a walk together. It felt liberating. I didn’t need expensive stuff or a luxury vacation – life was simple and I was happy. ‘

Also read:
From career tiger to family man: ‘Some ask if I still find him attractive now’>

In fact, she liked it so much that she eventually decided to remain a house mother. ‘I know it is a privilege to be able to do that financially. But don’t think I sit on the couch all day and watch series. I do the laundry, clean and drive our children to school. ‘

Making memories

She admits that her life is no longer as exciting as it used to be. ‘I am no longer trying to become the quarter’s account manager. Now my goal is to get rid of the laundry. And that’s totally fine – I’ve learned that my worth in the family isn’t measured by a salary. I’m equally important because I change diapers and make meals. ‘

Most of all, Colleen is happy with the amount of time she has now. ‘Later, in my old age, I don’t think: I just had. I will have a wealth of family memories that I would never have had time to pursue had I pursued that successful career. ‘

Source: Scary Mommy