Economically Speaking, Now What?

Leah lives in Winnipeg.

Leah says:

When I was 27 years old, I completed my Master's Degree in Family Studies. My focus of study was child development. My first child was born shortly after I finished that degree and, taking my education to heart, I decided to stay at home. Three children later, I've been a full-time, stay-at-home mother for almost 13 years.

Once my youngest child entered school, I thought I might step out into the workforce. Through my children, I had become interested in Montessori education. Being a Montessori schoolteacher, I reasoned, would complement the education I already had and would allow me to keep similar hours to my children. I signed up for a correspondence course. Because Montessori schools are licensed childcare facilities, I needed to be certified by Manitoba Child Day Care. I assembled my particulars and applied for certification. To my great dismay, none of my education or experience was recognized and I was awarded the Childcare Assistant certificate. This is the lowest standing and not enough to qualify me for a job in a Montessori school. I was advised to enroll in a two-year community college program, a program where one of the instructors had the same education as me!

Family portrait by Leah's daughter Madeline

I must say that, at 40 years of age, I'm frustrated. How do I fall into step with the broader economic world? My education is dated. My work of the past 13 years is not recognized. My resume doesn't amount to much despite how busy I've been these past years, but I can tell you that I'm bright and motivated and have something to contribute. Somewhere. But, how do I get there?

As women and mothers, we are all faced with the balance of home and career. I believe that, as women, we are entitled to freely make our choices and that, as women, we should support each other in those choices. When I made my choice 13 years ago, I heard suggestions that choosing to stay at home with my children would jeopardize my career. It certainly has. I heard suggestions that I would regret it. I will never regret my choice. These years have been challenging, rewarding, miserable and triumphant. I've fought to maintain both my sanity and my self-esteem in a society that does not recognize nor reward my work. My education has been my advantage, however. I know that the value of my contribution is not measured by what I earn, despite the prevailing attitudes of our culture. In my mind and in my heart, I know that my work is important. However, I am certainly appreciating the impact that this choice has made on my economic life after children.

I have not resolved this issue and wish that I could offer a succinct solution to this problem. I am interested in learning how other women in my position have done so. Lucky for me, I feel like I have the luxury of time to sort this out. This luxury though, is something of a gift from a financially and emotionally supportive partner. Financially independent I am not.

I would like my children to inherit a world where home and family are valued and where a choice to devote time to their care and maintenance is an economically viable option. Perhaps if we undertake to learn from those who have gone before us and teach those who follow, this will be possible.

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