Please note, the following story is not my original. I received this story in one of those emails that does the rounds. I don't know where it originated but I do think that its a pretty good story. I hope that I haven't offended anyone in terms of copyright and, if I have, I apologise in advance.
"A woman, renewing her driver's licence at the local licencing office, was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job or are you just a .... ?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman, "I''m a mum."
"We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation: 'housewife' covers it," said the clerk emphatically.
I forgot all about this story until one day I found myself in the same situation at our local licencing office. The clerk was obviously set on a career. She was poised, confident, and a little intimidating. "What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it? I don't know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of child development and human relations."
The clerk paused: fingers frozen over the keyboard; and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasising the most significant words. Then I stared in wonder as my pronouncement was input in bold, black type on the official record.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field (normally I would have said 'indoors and out'). I'm working for my Master's (first the kids and then the whole family) and already have 4 credits (all daughters). Of course the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day (24 is more like it!). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of satisfaction rather than just money.
There was an increased note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form and we parted.
As I drove into our driveway, bouyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants - ages 13, 7 and 3. In the bedroom I could hear our new experimental model (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another housewife".
Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door!
Please let me know what you think of this. Click on the "feedback" tag below.
More information about me and how I may be able to help you at http://www.angelalong.com.au/
About Me
- Angela Long
- Before I married I trained as a Mothercraft Nurse and worked in hospitals (including St Vincent's Private Hospital) and institutions (including Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind) in Melbourne both with mothers and new born babies and with children having multiple disabilities. My 3 children are now in their late teens and early 20's and I still love working with mothers and babies. I know from my training and from experience that there are times when pressures get to you. Over the years I have helped mothers handle concerns ranging from problems with feeding and sleeping through to helping cope with post natal depression and dealing with family pressures. I know how to deal with these sorts of issues in such a way that both you and your baby can thrive. I would like to pass on my knowledge and experience to you.
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