So just quit mommy

I think I was meant to be a stay at home mom or at least have a home based office and career. In an ideal world I would be there for my kids when they come back from school, have their lunch cooked and waiting, full of energy and ready to spend the whole late afternoon and evening together. In an ideal world they will of course appreciate it every single day, and I will have my days filled with activities and fulfillment and would not regret making the sacrifice. But even stay at home moms cannot devote their whole time solely to playing with their kids, in fact, some may be so busy at times that their actual quality time with their kids might not be longer than my quality time with my kids.
Ever since my daughter was born I dreamt of being able to work from home. I realized that not working at all is not a financially realistic option and also my time off will never be as fun as it is now since I have to go to work at any other given time that is not off. I also noticed that when I come back home from work, the change in environment and atmosphere makes it easier for me to create a clear distinction between my work and my private life. I also found out that I get my energy load while I am at work, busy with my own things and then going home for my family, while staying at home didn't have the same effect on my energy levels. I might be really tired after a whole day at work but would still have a better mood (it helps if you like your job of course).

So maybe being a working mom that works full time is not such a bad deal for me. My daughter also thinks I should work, she wouldn't be pleased with the thought that I have the whole day for myself while she is busy at school, she'd rather make sure she is not missing anything, but she have different ideas as for the work I should be doing. "Wouldn't It be nice if you could be my teacher In class instead of Ms. Jones?" she asks these kind of questions rather frequently. And I always say: "yes it would honey, but then I would have to give attention to so many kids and won't be able to focus just on you" this part would always end the fantasy, as most kids wouldn't like to share their mom with non siblings, understandably. But one day she came back with a brighter idea. "Wouldn't it be nice if you could be an assistant in the after school activities?!" totally ignoring my already ongoing career for the past 10 years as a scientist. I was planning to just come up with my usual response but she had that part covered. "You will not have to give your attention to all the kids because there are several assistants and you can focus on only a handful of kids; me, Jennifer, Kira, Emily and Jacob". (best friends). "That sounds really cool but I already have a job honey" I answered. But she had that part planned thoroughly as well: "So just quit mommy" she said simply.