Did you know, there is such a thing as a “worthless” job? That a type of job that many people do, is actually considered worthless. Or useless? You’d be surprised to know what that is. I don’t think anyone would guess… Want to know which job that is? Being a Homemaker. Since when did taking care of your child and your house, become worthless or something that is absolutely “good for nothing”. As I have found, it has always been that way. I am surprised. When I took a break from my career 4 years ago to do this job, I gradually lost the respect of my spouse and probably most of his circle. You know, the people who measure a person’s worth by the amount of money he or she can bring in. You know, the type of people who measure success by the amount of dollars in your bank account.
Being a homemaker is an unpaid job as we all know. I know of many women and even men who do this. I wonder if they all feel this way? There are so many reasons one chooses this “career” path. My intentions in choosing this path were very simple. Since my spouse moved to the United States, I wanted us all to be in the same place and since my child was a baby then, I wanted to be a stay at home mom. Little did I know, that I would be made to feel utterly worthless, useless and demeaned just because I have now become a sort of “burden” in the house. This is what happens to a person on this type of job. The world narrows down. Your world is now your family – the four walls of your home. You will always be compared to other working women around you and you will always fall short. You will be judged on the way you look or dress because let’s face it you aren’t going to be cooking in high heels now are you? The glamour and the style you adopted before everyday, will be something you do once in a while. The technical world of computers and engineering now narrows down to nursery rhymes and giggles. Your circle will be other moms and your discussions will revolve around nutrition, play time and immunizations.
Some women in this type of job, may be also involved in studying further doing an online course or something to add to their skill set. Not all, but maybe few might. Its great if they can. And if you can’t, that is fine too. But beware, if all you do is take care of the house you are deemed “lazy”. How hard can it be to do this? Why couldn’t you learn something else in this time? You wasted all this time just taking care of the house? How will that help you if you want to restart your career? What will you add in your resume? Cooking? Who will give you a job based on that? No one would, but does that mean you are “worthless”? How is it that success is only measured by your career path? Isn’t raising a healthy, happy and kind child also as important, if not more?
I am absolutely amazed at those women who have it all – a career and a family. Those working moms who are able to contribute financially to their families. Its wonderful that they get an opportunity to do so. I wonder if they are being judged for not spending time with their children? Or spouse? I wonder if they are being made to feel like their priorities aren’t right? If I had an opportunity to work while here, I am not sure if I would have taken it or not. I don’t regret the time I spent with my son all through his early years. Now, that he has started school full time, I feel its the right time to restart my career. It isn’t easy to find companies that would take a chance on someone who has been on a break. I can understand that. If all you did in the last 4 years is cooking and cleaning, then how will you contribute to the organization? I mean, yes that is a valid question. Having said that, why are we deciding that without even knowing them or giving them a chance.
It is never too late to start or restart something. You may have wasted all your time doing nothing, but you are by no means worthless. You do have value. I learnt that the hard way. Your worth is never measured in the amount of money you make or the number of promotions you get, or a job that pays well. If anyone is measuring your worth that way, there is something wrong with them, not you.
There was this movie that came out many years ago, “The Prince of Egypt” and there was a song in it that was all about a person’s worth –
How can you see what your life is worth, Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life through heaven’s eyes!
This is the most difficult thing you will ever do. To never let another person decide your worth no matter what you do. But if you can, tell me how, because I am still learning too.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:10
Thoughts - Random or Otherwise 