Friday, July 15, 2011

I'm a Domestic Engineer, Okay?

Robin:  Domestic Engineer
I've held several jobs over the years.  Some, I've gotten paid for.  At this point, aside from the pittance I've made writing in various places (not enough to get a check, yet!), I'm considered unemployed.  As the at-home person in our family, I do a lot of the financial legwork on things, like calling about bills, taking care of banking, etcetera.  The thing is, I don't actually HAVE any money.  According to all of these important people, I  am worthless.  I have no job, no income, no title.  I may just as well not exist.

I know this is not true, but it's hard to remember that when you're mumbling to yet another person "I'm a homemaker" or "I'm a stay-at-home mom" or even worse, "I don't have a job."  These positions are not considered worthwhile in our culture.  I have to quickly say "But my husband has a job."  At which point I need to give information about him, as he is obviously the important one.

So, I've decided to promote myself.  I thought of all the things I do at home.  They are things that someone else would have to do, if I didn't.  If I were not here, my family would have to hire a cook, house cleaner, child care provider, school teacher, piano teacher, chauffeur, financial planner, personal secretary, gardener, animal caretaker, nurse, librarian, and laundress.  This is just to get the basics done, and doesn't include the "extras" like snuggling, playing games, and making chocolate chip cookies with a three year old (next on my agenda!).  Now, I'm not saying that my husband wouldn't be able to do any of these things.  Of course, he would, but that would pretty much give him two full time jobs, wouldn't it?  I know there are plenty of men and women who are in this position.  My mom did it all for us, and I'm so grateful for all that she did.  But can anyone say that their "paying" job is more important than the things they do for their own family?  Probably not.

I've decided that my new title is "Domestic Engineer."  I am basically in charge of everything that goes on in the home.  Now, this is not to say that I am above my husband's authority, here.  I believe that these are things he expects of me, and needs me to take care of.  Now, if I could only figure out how to pull a paycheck, I'd be all set!

5 comments:

  1. You have the highest calling there is! I actually joined the ranks of domestic engineer again beginning today. I resigned my position at the school. I feel good! :-)

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  2. Here is an article you may find interesting: http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank

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  3. Hey, Terri - maybe we should start a Domestic Engineers' Union! Thanks for the link. It really does put things in perspective!

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  4. I love you, I thank you, and I DO appreciate all you do for me, the kids, the animals, and the house. There, you've just been paid!!!

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