What's the best thing about being a working mom?

This is still sort of a negative, but if your family does not appreciate you, your boss and co-workers often do. You don’t get paid for what you do at home, and if they don’t thank you and let you know you are appreciated, it can hardly seem worth it. At times like that I remember thinking that work was far better. I could look in my wallet and see proof of what SOMEONE thought my contribution was worth.

Not being a housewife in the 21st century.

Being a working mum means, first and foremost that you have to be organised.
Yes it is hard work, and you won’t see your child as often as you would perhaps want.
But the benefits are the following:-
1. Your child/children will learn to socialise with lots of other people
2. They will become more independent
3. You will appreciate and use your time more wisely when you are with your child, making the most of each and every hour you spend with them
4. You will have more money to spend on the finer things of life, both for yourself and your child

I’m not a working mom, but I would guess if the mom works outside of the home in a job she enjoys that’s a positive thing. Feelings of accomplishment, and positive reinforcement from coworkers, and interaction with adults. I hear a lot of moms who need or look forward to having adult conversation not about the children or something that has to get done at home.

You provide for your family. You help others. You contribute to your career and the field in which you work.

1. Not having to worry about re-entering the job market after my children are grown at a level that is far beneath my former experience level or capabilities.

2. Modeling first hand for my children how to achieve balance between work/home obligations.

3. The stable income that my job has provided has been the only thing to keep us from being homeless during times when my spouse has been laid off. I have been the sole provider of our health insurance benefits our entire marriage as well.

Honestly.. in this day and age I am always amazed by any family that isn’t a dual income family…

I think women who are working towards their goals are good role models for their children, whatever that goal might be. For some women, their goal may be to be a good homemaker but this does not suit all women. For other women having a career is important to them. I want my daughters to have choices. I hope the way I have managed being a working mother (and a stay-at-home mum) will demonstrate you can be a successful person whichever choice they make.

I agree Simone, Geeky and Mz Lizzy – it’s about modelling and contribution.