Monday, February 9, 2009

Job Benefits

"Do you work?" is often the question.

Me: Yes, I just don't get paid. And the benefits aren't really great.

So Jordan's teacher surprised me today when she said, "actually there are great benefits. I'd like to be able to stay home."

That's when I felt bad. I admit, the job's hard and often it seems there are few breaks. I mean sometimes its hard to feel like you really get a good break. So I guess my typical reaction to "do you work?" needs a little revising. Its true: I do like to stay home, love it in fact. Sure its a sacrifice (money mostly comes to mind) but darn it I chose the job and I think its the job that makes me happiest. (Should I also mention that it brings out my miserable side--still working on that.) So next time someone asks me if I work I'll say, "I have the greatest job in the world and as long as I get a vacation every once in a while, I love it!"

Here are some of the benefits:
  • hysterical, rolling on the ground laughing, seriously, who does that at their place of employment?
  • Cute little chubby people toddling around (really only Grant is chubby now) I'm thinking cute little buns running from the bathtub.
  • The look on kids faces when they've figured out something new
  • playing ball, riding scooters, going for walks
  • making and eating cookies
  • listening to wild stories about Lego people and possible Playmobil scenarios
  • kisses
  • "i love you" for no reason
  • hugs
  • impromptu helping

Of course the list could go on and on but really who else gets so much entertainment (and I admit, misery at times) in a days work.

7 comments:

nanci said...

Great thoughts - motherhood is tough at times (okay, most of the time) but as you said - the rewards are many.
The thought of you rolling on the floor laughing hysterically made me grin!

Christy said...

The bitter with the sweet right?
I usually answer the same way..thanks for making me rethink my response too. Maybe I think no one would really believe me if I said out loud it is the greatest job! (I don't think I could say it with a strait face) But it's still true.
Your not CEO for nothin!

leigh said...

I sure liked my job today when Charlie told me, "thanks for the good dinner mom". pancakes and scrambled eggs with cheese, in case you were wondering.

Jen said...

Looks like you are getting all settled in after the move because you've picked up your blog again. I still have one room that I haven't ever really organized (it's a storage room) and we've lived here for 1 1/2 years. I hope that hasn't happened to you. Thanks for the great thoughts. I agree that motherhood has its ups and downs but even on the bad days there's nothing else I'd rather be. I always really enjoy reading your witty blog!

tralina said...

What a great reminder! I was reading an anti-family article yesterday, (I can't believe someone actually publishes stuff like that!!) and it made me so grateful to live in a family- friendly place, with the supports we have around us, and to know the FUN!! you can have with more than two mandated children.

Swimmingmom said...

This goes along so nicely with some things I've been thinking about lately. Infact, I just finsihed reading President Monson's conference talk on Finding Joy in the Journey. Such a good talk to revisit as mothers as we try to cherish the small moments that will quickly fade as they grow so fast.

Trueman twins said...

How about the fact that we can wear our pajamas all day long to work if we so desire?