More than just a mom - The Star Online
More than just a mom
A WOMAN named Emily was renewing her driver’s licence at the transport office. When the clerk asked her to state her occupation, she hesitated, uncertain about how to classify herself.
“What I mean is,” the clerk explained, “do you have a job or are you just a ...?”
“Of course I have a job,” snapped Emily. “I’m a Mum.”
“We don’t list ‘Mum’ as an occupation.”
“‘Housewife’ covers it,” said the clerk emphatically.
I forgot all about Emily’s story until one day, I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, with a high-sounding title like “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar”.
“What is your occupation?” she probed.
What made me say it, I do not know ... the words simply popped out. “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”
The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasising the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire!
“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 programme of research (what mother doesn’t), in the laboratory and on the field (normally, I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters (the whole family), and already have four 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 a satisfaction rather than just money.”
There was an increasing note of respect in the girl’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 10, seven and three. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (a six-month-old baby) in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy. And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another mum”.
Motherhood ....What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers “Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations”, and great grandmothers “Executive Senior Research Associates”?
I think so!
From the editor: I couldn't siphon out my thoughts for the Easter message. It was too condensed that I found myself unable to express those thoughts. At the mean time, I read this article online and would like to share with those who loves their mom. Those who don't, do wait for an article that speaks about hating moms. Stay tuned.
The article above was plucked from The Star Online.
For a direct link to the site please direct your browser to http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2005/3/27/features/10460588&sec=features
A WOMAN named Emily was renewing her driver’s licence at the transport office. When the clerk asked her to state her occupation, she hesitated, uncertain about how to classify herself.
“What I mean is,” the clerk explained, “do you have a job or are you just a ...?”
“Of course I have a job,” snapped Emily. “I’m a Mum.”
“We don’t list ‘Mum’ as an occupation.”
“‘Housewife’ covers it,” said the clerk emphatically.
I forgot all about Emily’s story until one day, I found myself in the same situation, this time at our local police station. The clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, with a high-sounding title like “Official Interrogator” or “Town Registrar”.
“What is your occupation?” she probed.
What made me say it, I do not know ... the words simply popped out. “I’m a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”
The clerk paused, pen frozen in midair, and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly, emphasising the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire!
“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 programme of research (what mother doesn’t), in the laboratory and on the field (normally, I would have said indoors and out). I’m working for my Masters (the whole family), and already have four 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 a satisfaction rather than just money.”
There was an increasing note of respect in the girl’s voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
When I got home, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants – ages 10, seven and three. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental model (a six-month-old baby) in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over bureaucracy. And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than “just another mum”.
Motherhood ....What a glorious career! Especially when there’s a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers “Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations”, and great grandmothers “Executive Senior Research Associates”?
I think so!
From the editor: I couldn't siphon out my thoughts for the Easter message. It was too condensed that I found myself unable to express those thoughts. At the mean time, I read this article online and would like to share with those who loves their mom. Those who don't, do wait for an article that speaks about hating moms. Stay tuned.
The article above was plucked from The Star Online.
For a direct link to the site please direct your browser to http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2005/3/27/features/10460588&sec=features
posted by greyhound at 2:18 PM
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