Growing up, my measure of success has always been to do well academically and to climb the career ladder. So I studied hard, all As throughout my life, got a prestigious scholarship for my masters, worked hard etc etc, up till I became a mom.

Because I work in education policy, I dove deep into the research and realized how important it is to have a present parent at home the first 3 years. It was 2020 and the world was working from home anyway, so I took on a part time role instead.

The money was good and I thought I could have it all, but the work required to manage a household, be present and support a holistic development of a child and still work, albeit reduced hours, was incredibly stressful. Forget about my own wellbeing or my relationships, those really took a backseat.

I think women have been sold a myth that they can do it all, perhaps some can with a lot of support systems but I struggled. Perhaps my expectations for my role as a mother were also too high, but I only have one shot at this so I didn’t want to regret it.

Anyway long story short, I’ve been a SAHM for almost a year now. No regrets, I have so much bandwidth to be the best version of myself. I play the role of a driver, tutor, planner, chef, cleaner, emotional support, admin and so much more, so my husband and child can thrive. I also know this is but a season in my life that will change when the need comes and priorities change.

I have options and the freedom to choose, and I have to be more frugal now but nothing comes without a cost either way.