It seems that, no matter how much society progresses, there is one dilemma that almost every work mom faces. If you struggle to decide whether to become a stay-at-home mom or rejoin the workforce after you’ve given birth, you’re not the only one. Both choices come with certain ups and downs, which makes reaching a decision hard. For that reason, we’re going to take a deeper look into the subject, in the hope of providing answers that will make it easier for you to make the final judgment.
A topic still up for debate
What we cannot begin to stress enough is that the subject of being a working or stay-at-home mom (SAHM) is probably one of the most discussed topics of all time. You are constantly put under pressure by society that, somehow, you need to make a choice, and the majority of you struggle to decide. Hats down to all the lucky exceptions, but juggling between a career and bringing up a human being can be extremely difficult.
Is there enough support?
When it comes to new moms in the workforce, lately, there have been many changes that make the process of returning to work after you’ve taken your maternity leave easier. We are seeing plenty of new moms who return to their work responsibilities without any major hassle, and we’re happy to witness this systematic improvement.
However, no matter how progressive the environment is, there always seems to be a chair waiting for you to sit back and fade into the background once you’re back at work. And this gap in the support system isn’t because women, in general, are uninterested in pursuing their careers. In fact, it’s because it fails to consider that some of you still find it hard to find the perfect balance between caring for your children and being 100% focused on your work. And that is okay!
Convenience for all
On the other hand, being a stay-at-home mom is an equally full-time job as being a work mom. Actually, it’s considered one of the most difficult jobs there is, as motherhood can sometimes be a blessing in disguise (all you moms out there, we feel you). There are so many aspects to consider when you focus on raising a child that you may need a checklist – just to ensure you’ve done everything properly.
So, what helps all moms like you come up with a decision is that they consider all the pros and cons of returning to work or becoming a SAHM. It’s the only way to weigh the differences and decide what will work best in your specific situation.
Working mom vs stay-at-home mom
Without any further ado, let’s have a glance at all the prominent advantages and disadvantages of being a work or a stay-at-home parent.
Working mothersPros
- Becoming a work mom will give you financial independence, which is really important nowadays, especially if you have a child.
- As a woman, your voice is heard more than often. You get to weigh in on the family decisions and have courage as well as self-confidence about it.
- Not everything boils down to financial independence. As a working mother, you will get an opportunity to be alone for a while, which can sometimes be exactly what you need.
Cons
- You might feel guilt about not spending enough time with your child. This is a normal feeling, although sometimes, it may overwhelm you.
- Being a work mom may stretch yourself too thin as you try to maintain that work-life balance. This can lead to over-exhaustion and doing less than optimal on all levels.
- After a certain period, the stress and pressure of being a super-mom who manages her work and private life may also get to you. It may even have some adverse effects on your health.
Stay-at-home mothers
Pros
- Becoming a stay-at-home mom means you get to spend all of your time with your little one. Sharing all those special moments with them, and watching them grow and develop into a grown-up is a wonderful experience you might regret missing out on.
- Because you’ll spend most of the time at home, you’ll have full control over the household.
- Maintaining discipline is a skill you get to tackle and succeed in while taking care of your children from your home. On top of it all, you get to enjoy spending plenty of quality time with all your loved ones
Cons
- You might feel like you are in a bubble, and the routine may become too much. This is especially the case for those who have had quite adventurous jobs before becoming mothers.
- After a while, getting all the chores around the house every day might become tedious. You might start missing the time you’ve spent with people your age, exchanging thoughts and ideas in a progressive environment.
- Giving in on financial independence may end up making you feel like you are less of a provider (even though you are not). This can take its toll on your confidence.
Don’t rush into your decision
Remember, we are only scratching the surface here. Deciding between being a work mom or a stay-at-home parent can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make. Take all the time you need, and don’t be hard on yourself. Also, don’t be scared of letting your heart take the lead on this one. It’s okay to be confused at the beginning, but we’re sure your views will clear after a while.
If all else fails, consider your specific situation and take it from there. We can only hope that our pros and cons sections helped you out!
Meanwhile, feel free to discover all our products you can use during pregnancy and when the baby arrives! Take a look at our extensive list and choose from the many options!
After all, our only goal is to make the change process toward motherhood easier and gentler for you!
