THE CAREER HOUSE-WIFE

A woman renewing her license at a transport office was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.’ “What I mean is”, explained the clerk, do you have a job or are u just a….? Of course I have a job said the woman “I am a mom”. We don’t list mom as a job, house wife covers it said the clerk emphatically 

I forgot about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, the clerk was obviously a career woman poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like a “town registrar”, what is your occupation she asked? What made me say it, I don’t know but the word just suddenly popped out. “I am a research associate in the field of child development and human relations”. The clerk paused, pen frozen in the midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right, I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold black ink on the official questionnaire.

          “Might I ask, said the clerk with new interest just what do you do in your field? Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard my self reply, “I have a continuing program of research (Which mother doesn’t), in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said in and outdoors), I’m working for my masters (my whole family), and already have five credits, (five children). Of course the job is one of the most demanding in all humanities, (any mother care to disagree), and I often work 15 hours (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the reward are more of a satisfaction rather than just money. There was an increasing note of respect in the lady’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally offered me the door.

          When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistant, (my children). I could hear a new experimental model (my six months old) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern, I felt I have triumphed over bureaucracy! And I had gone on official records as someone more distinguished and indispensible to mankind than just “another mom”. Motherhood….. What a glorious career, especially when there is a title on the door.