
** This is a sober post to complement the Monday blues.... Proceed ahead with caution. Dullness ahead **
The rules ~~~Instructions~~~ Here’s how it works: 1. So easy peasy, if you were given a choice, would you be a SAHM or FTWM? Just provide 3 good reasons. 2. Include your post link to the list below and Finally, 3. Tag other mommies1.
Immomsdaughter prefers to be a SAHM
2.
Miche prefers to be a SAHM too.
3.
SweetPea is happy being a PTWM
4.
AllThingsPurple choose to be a WAHM
5.
Dr. Bernard Chan is both Mom and Dad
6.
5xMom wants to be ... both?
7.
Samm ....?
When
5xmom tagged me to write if I were given a choice would I want to be a Stay At Home Mother (
SAHM) or Full Time Work Mother (
FTWM)? This turned out to be harder than I thought. I guess we can use the word choice but we know it's not really a n0-boundary, non-consideration 'I do what I like' kind of decision. The world of decision would be so much easier if it is just in black or white, right or wrong. The truth is, choices we make, especially good ones, are a sum of many parts which mostly include putting our loved ones into the equation.
I was a single working mom with a son back then. I think
SAHM was never an option. Personally, I
do not think being a mother meant I have to miss out on a healthy social life. You see, being on a rebound from a not-so-happy relationship, I got plenty to prove to myself. It's a female thing. It's never healthy to feel unwanted and helpless. So, working and interacting with people is my means to redeem my self-worth. I've not given up on a happily ever ending, you know. I reckon if the prince don't come calling at my door, I might as well take the initiative to meet him half-way. Meeting him half way means I got to get out of the house. Yes, work.
So, straight to the point. FAHM or FTWM?
Assuming I'll have to pick one with no regards to the rhetoricals, the pros and cons, age and state of mind crap of a woman, I'll say FTWM is definitely better. I'm generalizing here, but in a nutshell, a woman needs a working life to balance her family life. Financial consideration aside.
The sad thing is, women are expected to be the sacrificial lamb when it comes to motherhood vs career. The expectations not only comes from the men, sadly, the most vocal critics are women themselves. As a mother you're expected to sacrifice for your child as if that is the only infallible proof of your maternal love. Is it why most middle class mothers ended up looking like a Filipino maid just so they can buy their children RM200 Guess clothes and ever expanding Barbie accessories?
I just hope young mothers out there will not be bullied by the critics. Having a career, slaving away in the working world do not make you any less of a mother than one who stays at home 24/7. Like I said before, you cannot let others grade your choice with just right or wrong. It

cannot be that easy.
So, is FTWM better? Definitely, according to me and sadly, the world does not revolve around me. Is it then the right choice for everyone? No. Like I said before, choices are governed by many factors, so, whatever your choice, it's probably what works for you and you alone. The best choices are like cheong sam. It has to be Custom made to accentuate your curves and take care of the flaws.
Yes, I would like to be a FTWM. Reason?
#1. I like to work because I love to wear makeup. Nobody can see me if I'm not working. My audience will be limited to postman, gasman, garbage man and my man.
#2. It is less stressful finding an object to vent your anger... the boss and stupid colleagues.
#3. My boy thinks I'm a very important and smart person because I have a job.
I'm supposed to tag other mothers, but, you know what? This is the fun part. The fathers. Guys are practical, but come, this is the time to tell your side of the story. How? Given a choice, would you prefer your wife to work or stay at home for the kids?
I tag
Ah Pek - who else? Contrary to his hamsap blog persona, I know there lurks a doting fatherly figure...
Maverick - I pestered Maverick for the CTOS post and now should I push my luck with this one? No pain no gain....
Adrian - I don't know Adrian of Void Sky very well, but, I've seen him blogged about his boy. So, willing to share some insight here?
**refer to blog rules**