ncmomof3's blog

research associate in the field of child development and human relations

 abuse

A woman, renewing her driver's license, was asked to state her occupation.  She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.  "what I mean", explained the examiner, "is, do you have a job or are you just a housewife or a stay at home mom?"

"Of course I have a job", snapped the woman.  "I'm a MOM."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the examiner.

I forgot all about her story until one day, I found myself in a similar situation at our Town Hall.  The clerk, obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like "official Interrogator" or "town registrar" asked, "what is your occupation?" and I replied.....

"I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"

The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair and looked up.  I repeated the title slowly, emphasizing the words.  Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

The clerk asked "just what do you do in your field?"

Coolly, without a trace of fluster in my voice, I replied "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in both the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said indoors and out).  I'm currently working for my Masters and already have 3 credits (all sons).  The job is one of the most demanding in the humanities field (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hour days (24 is more like it) but the job is more challenging than most careers and the rewards are more satisfaction than just money"

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completdd the form, stood up, and ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, I was greeted by my lab assistants, ages 16 and 11.  Upstairs I could hear the experimental model in the child development program (6 mos old baby) testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy and had gone on the official records as someone more distinguised and indispensable to mankind as "just a mom".

Motherhood!  What a career.  Especially when you can add "senior research associates" for Grandmothers

so, the next time you think someone is JUST a mom, think again.  Mom's have to be team players, able to cope in chaotic environments.  We must possess excellent communication skills in a multitude of, until now, undiscovered languages.  We must be available to work variable hours in a hostile work environment.  We must be able to handle on the job training, as there is not school capable of teaching us the skills this job requires.  We must have strong skills in negotiating, conflict resolution, and crisis management and be able to perform these duties within the above mentioned hostile working environment while performing basic and advanced first aid.  We must be able to screen phone calls, maintain calendar, and coordinate multiple schedules and projects of varying degrees of difficulty.  We must also plan social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.  We must be able to handle assemble and repair of a multitude of household items, toys, and battery operated devices.  We must have a diverse knowledge base so as to answer unending questions such as "why is the sky blue" and be able to assist someone with complicated algebra equations.  Above all, we must be able to maintain peace so as to avert WWIII within our own household and not only our personal family members but also assorted inlaws and neighbors. 

Now, tell me a MOM is not experienced to be Vice President of the United States