SAHM is not for me
SAHM — Stay At Home Mom, formerly known as housewife or homemaker. That’s opposed to Working Mom. There’s now a new category, WAHM — meaning Work at Home Mom, for moms who telecommute or have a home based business. I’m more of a Working Mom, but I work only part time.
I am very lucky that I am currently working in a specialty that I love. I am even more lucky that Ophthalmology offers me a lot of flexibility in terms of working time. I only have 4 clinic days, and they’re all half days. I deliberately didn’t fill up my schedule for 2 reasons. Firstly, because I do need to have some time where I can schedule any surgeries I might have. Secondly and more importantly, so that I can have time with my son. What happens is that I am a working mom only part of the time, and a stay at home mom for the other part.
I love my work so much that I am glad I do not have to give it up. My husband is very good in that aspect. I know some husbands who demand that their wives give up their career to stay at home, keep house and raise the kids. I married a man who is very hands on with our son and shares both bread-winning and childrearing duties with me.
I also know some moms who willingly give up their careers because they feel that they are happier by being there 24/7 for their kids. This is not a bad idea, too, but this is simply not for me.
You’re so right and thank goodness that we’re all different. The balance for me was to leave the corporate world to work at home around everyone else’s schedule but I think you’ve hit the nail right on the head with this post and the other one you mention. The key is to find your own balance and to make it work best for you and your family!
April 5th, 2008 at 1:57 pmNice post! Are you in the PI? I’m an ophthalmologist in the Mariana Islands. I practice much the same way you do, except with three more kids, and I’m the dad.
David
April 5th, 2008 at 4:27 pmMy Book
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Lisa — You are so right! Like you, I believe that every family and every person is different, with different needs. We do have to find what is right for our particular situation.
David — Yes, I’m in the Philippines.
Thanks for visiting. I like the laid back practice so I can be with my kid (and my future kids) while in their formative years but at the same time find fulfillment.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:54 amIt’s fantastic that you were able to find a job that would allow you to spend ample time with your kid and be able to do something that gives you a sense of fulfillment.
April 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pmTahn — I’m grateful that while I may not have perfected the art of balance, I can be both a doctor and a mother and not feel that I have compromised either of my roles.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:45 amhi, doc joey! my friend lui gave me your email add and links. i’m looking for an ophtha for my 2-year-old lucy, actually parang 2nd opinion of sorts. are you in the las pinas/alabang area? Ü Godbless!
April 25th, 2008 at 8:04 pmDinah — I’ll send you an email.
April 27th, 2008 at 10:29 am