What a tough subject to tackle. My mindset used to be straight across the
board for everyone…you shouldn’t. I have
come a long ways in my thinking…matured and broadened.
Becoming a working mom is a personal decision that you have
to base on what is right for you and your family.
When we had our first child, I became a stay
at home mom. I stayed a stay at home mom
for the next nine years. Then one year
ago, my husband and I decided together for me to enter back into the
workforce. It didn’t happen overnight
but once it did, I knew it was the perfect decision and God had blessed us with
just the right job. (I am a caregiver at a company called Senior Helpers for the elderly.) I thought I would share what factors we based
our decision on to return to the work force.
1. Do NOT base going back to work based on what
someone else has done and is successful at.
You are not them. Your family is
not their family. Your life is not their
life.
2. Determine the reasons why you are going back
into
the work force.
Our reason for me to start working was NOT
based on raising our standard of living.
We had lived for nine years up to four children on one income. We decided if we were to take control of our
finances and get out of debt, this would be the way. I began to work and my paychecks went to pay
off our debt. In less than 8 months, we
paid off over $10,000 in debt! We made
the decision…and we stuck with it.
3. Choose a job that will not affect your
responsibilities as a wife and a mom.
-I chose to work at night so I am with my
children during the daytime hours.
This
allows our family to continue to home school and does not create a need or
expense for child care. We decided we
would only choose something that would continue to allow me to fulfill my role
as a wife and mother – which is my number one priority.
-I chose a job which does not interfere
with my church attendance.
This is a
decision that I made aware to my employer before I was hired. I have chosen to place my Lord above any job.
-I chose a job that worked around my
husband and his schedule.
Yes, he is
wonderful and does extra to manage the household when I am gone nights. However, if my job began to demand his
schedule to accommodate mine…I would quit.
His calling is his work as a pastor.
My calling is a wife and mother.
Always keep that priority in mind.
4. Choose a job that keeps your focus on Christ.
I don’t want a job where I may focus on
moving up in a career. I don’t want a
job with temptations of relationships that could lead me astray from my
marriage. I don’t want a job that is
more enticing than being in my home – my haven.
In basing our decisions on what we felt would best honor the
Lord, He has truly blessed us. For you
see, eight months ago, my husband and I stepped out on faith. He quit his job as the regional manager of a
local medical company
to go full-time in the pastorate.
I now say…Working my job allows me to support my husband so
he can do what his life’s passion truly is.
He said to me a few days ago…”I love going to work. I get to do every day what I love. How many people can say that?”
There is no greater reason in my mind to do what I have
chosen. I am blessed.
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