I. AM. DONE. I will no longer waste my time justifying to anyone why I chose to work after I had kids. DONE. COMPLETELY. OVER.
Perhaps, I should start at the beginning… Today, while picking up a few things at the grocery store, I ran into someone that I used to work with back in the day when I was a secretary (translation – 17 years ago). I had a difficult time working with this person and it was a happy day when I switched jobs and no longer had to see her on a daily basis. I have done a pretty good job of avoidance over the years should I happen to see her out and about because, let’s face it, Columbia isn’t that big. Today, I could not avoid her as I came around the corner into an aisle and she was right there and looking right at me. OK, well, here we go…
Conversation goes like this:
- Her: Erica! How are you? I haven’t seen you in forever!
- Me: I’m doing pretty good and you?
- Her: I’m great. Life is good.
- Me: That’s good to hear.
- Her: I heard you had kids finally. I figured you would come around eventually because everyone wants kids. They are just so fun!
- Me: Yes, Andy and I had two. Our daughter is 7 and our son is 5.
- Her: Well that’s fantastic! Wait, did you say they are 7 and 5?
- Me: Yes, I did.
- Her: And you are still working? You didn’t stay home? (Note: When I worked with her, her kids were the same age as mine are NOW and she was WORKING.)
- Me: Yep, I am. I have always worked.
- Her: Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.
- Me: Sorry? You worked.
- Her: Well, I always felt guilty though because your children deserve better than a Mom working.
- Me: I… You know, I really need to finish up my shopping. It was nice to see you. (I walk away.)
I walked away because it occurred to me that I don’t owe this woman a justification. So, yeah. Enough already. I am no longer justifying my choice of working to anyone. You don’t like it? Tough. I’m not interested. We make choices and, whatever that is, you should respect it. LEAVE. IT. ALONE. Your “helpful” comments are, in fact, NOT helpful at all. You just pissed me off, and made me feel like a pile of shit for doing what I needed to do. It’s none of your business. There will be no justification from me to anyone. ANYMORE. /endrant