I've wanted to write something like this for the longest time, really, I have been meaning to write an article like this but never did have enough support and material (and GUTS) to do it. You see, let's start with how to evaluate the term 'housewife'. When you think 'housewife' or 'SAHM' (Stay At Home Mom), you think of an overblown Barbie doll with five kids hanging off her skirt, broom in hand, unkempt hair and leftover carrots and peas hanging off her smudged apron. Not a very 'sexy' image. On the other hand, think career woman and you think of the actual Barbie doll with heels so high that she's literally tipping over, she has immaculate dressing, articulate communication skills, laptop over shoulder with a big job title and huge pay at the end of every month. Very attractive.... Which brings me back to my point...this is a case of housewife vs. career woman. Who is worth more? Actually, if you look the word 'housewife' up, you'll see that the term 'housewife' is referred to as a kind of occupation...a usually unpaid occupation with primary aim of caring for the family or kids. It's a job...an unpaid and inglorious one at that. But why? Caring for loved one is the most important career ever...and I mean, EVER; and we're practically doing it unselfishly and unconditionally for the sake of the family. Then how come whenever you mention that you're a stay at home mom or stay at home dad, people give you that....'Oh, so, you don't work, huh?" look? In fact, if I had it my way, I would go all out to employ housewives for one simple reason....they are capable of handling stress (think multiple screaming kids and a whole load of laundry to wash, dry and fold) and is so diverse that they can literally do four persons' job at the same time! As a housewife, they are involved in personal work, volunteer work, outdoor activities, education, religion, health, cooking, hygiene and general medicine! Wow, eh? And funnily, even as a WORK at home mom, people look at me funny, as in.... "You don't have a job?" to which my quick retort would be, "Yes, I do. I have a job...two, in fact". A blank look follows and I quickly explain, "One, as a mother/wife. Two, as a copywriter and designer. Which one do you want me to elaborate on?". I think people should give Stay At Home Moms a whole lot more respect that they are getting right now. After all, if you drag a SAHM out of her home and plonk her in one of those nice cushy CEO seats, she can probably do the job decently well. But if you drag a CEO out of her top floor office suite and make her take care of an army of kids, cook, clean, bathe, tutor and manage the home, they're a goner before the day is gone. Wouldn't you agree? |
