Sunday, March 4, 2012

A Different Voice

Some of you may have noticed the shortage of posts around here. No, we haven't been traveling and no one is sick as was usually the case whenever it gets a little quiet in the forefront. Suffice to say, I haven't had time to blog as much as I used to. 

Though I know it is not expected of me to explain and disclose everything I do in this virtual bubble of mine, I owe it to my small yet lovely audience to explain the change of voice in this blog. 

I chanced upon blogging when, as a full time hands-on mother, I mastered the skill a little bit and found time for myself. Time for which I made good use of. I shared to whoever was interested, my personal crusade in creating a beautiful and creative environment for my daughter and how not to lose oneself in the process. 

I dabbled in a lot of things outside motherhood. I styled for local publications, contributed to foreign fashion blogs, ran an online retail site along with some partners and designed handbags and apparel. All these I did over and on top of being a mother to Mischka. I dare not say I excelled in all or any for that matter, but just the mere fact the I am carving a niche for myself outside the shadow of my very supportive husband is enough to keep me going. We do not believe in the conventional "husband goes to work- wife stays at home" set-up. At some point we knew I had to go back to the work force. It was only a matter of finding the right opportunity for me. And for someone who has been out of commission for nearly four years, this is nowhere near easy. 

To cut to the chase, I found a job and one that I absolutely love. May it be fate or pure luck, one lesson learned is to never be idle. Yes, you may have just given birth and deserve to cut some slack but don't lose yourself to the battle of motherhood. Take good care of your family and take better care of yourself.   

A lot don't understand my decision and some think of it as something done in really bad taste. It could be and I don't blame them for feeling so. It saddens me tremendously but sometimes you just really have to bite the bullet.    

This is the part where I say this blog will speak a different voice. From a passionate full time mother to an equally passionate professional juggler. And as I struggle to adjust to the demands of this new endeavor without compromising my role as a mother, I am learning to be content  with catching my daughter still awake when I get home, having a chance to read her a story and tuck her to bed. Everyday for two weeks now, I realize the price I have to pay for taking this job. I am glad we have a solid relationship founded on love and trust for three years that I was with her day in and day out.

Motherhood for me is the toughest job you'll ever LOVE. Add to that a full-time job and you're a disaster waiting to happen. BUT, I find comfort in knowing that there's a lot of us in the same boat. And a good number of whom are doing a fantastic job balancing work and motherhood.

What are you thoughts on working full time and still wanting to be hands-on on your children? Is that even possible? Would love to hear from you.

8 comments:

  1. My mom worked full-time and missed a lot (actually 99%) of PTA meetings, awarding ceremonies, etc. But somehow me and my four siblings never felt like she was an absentee mom. She would bring us to work on Saturday and cook for us on Sundays. We grew up very proud for having an accomplished, kind and religious mom. I'm not a mom yet but I know it might be hard in the beginning but I think Mishka will grow up to be very proud of you whatever you do as long as you are happy and content :)

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  2. I have been out of the work force for four years now ever since my husband started working here in Riyadh, KSA. I have been a hands on mom to my kids especially since they are home schooled. This summer we will be settling down in the Philippines for good and I will be going back to work and finish my Master's Degree as well. I am excited yet anxious at the same time with the thought of leaving my kids and not being able to be there for them 24/7. But my husband and I know that I need to do this. Not for the money but for my own well-being. You have been one of those women I admire and draw inspiration from. And you're right, if other moms can balance work and family life then you can also do it..we can do it! No one can ever dictate what we should do or not because being our own person, we know better. Good luck on your new endeavor and I'm excited to read posts of your additional adventure. =)

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  3. Awww...I've just started reading mommy blogs recently and am following you and MFO and it's been enlightening to me since we've been out of Manila for almost 8 yrs now and how fascinated I am seeing mommy bloggers so fashionable, wish I could be like that everyday :) You're not alone though I am still a stay at home mom to my 2 year old boy I know how torn you must be, sometimes for selfish reasons I want to go back to the workforce to be able to do things like I used to (shopping on a whim) but my staying home is a decision made by hubby and I thank God we are able to live on a single income here in Canada. I am sure your baby understands after 4 years of being with her day in and out and I agree as long as you're happy and hubby supports you 100% then all will be well :) looking forward to reading about your new adventures :)

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  4. Awwww...I feel for you being a stay at home mom myself. i've just started following mommy blogs just recently, am a late bloomer when it comes to blogs and enjoyed reading your past blogs. Sometimes I too want to go back to work for selfish reasons (shopping on a whim) but once I see my sons progress he is now 2 yrs old I forget about it. Hubby and I decided that I sacrifice my career in the meantime, thank God we are able to live on a single income here in Canada. I believe that as long as you're happy with what you're doing all will be well and your baby will understand. Enjoy your new adventures! :)

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  5. Hi Mikka! This is a really, really heartfelt post. I don't have kids yet but as a daughter of a career woman, I agree that your daughter will be proud of you no matter what. My mom managed her business in the province and my brother and I even had to live without our parents so that we could study in Manila---and it didn't make me any less proud of her, in fact I'm prouder because of the sacrifices she had to make for her children.

    And I don't think you won't be a full-time mom anymore---whether you're an entrepreneur and stay at home with her OR hold a 9 to 5 job, you will be still be a full-time mom. Because that's something that no woman and no mother can ever really give up or compromise.

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  6. congratulations on your new job mikka! you know, of course, that we are in the same boat. the adjustment period is of course a rough one, when the guilt of motherhood rears it's head the most and makes you question the decision you've made, but those 'seas' will pass. as a fellow passionate professional juggler, i know that i can't see my life any different. i don't know that i do a fantastic job balancing work and motherhood, but i do know i try my best. mishka will know, as my kids do, that even though you have a job which means you have new responsibilities and less time than before, that you love her and your relationship will be as solid as it always was. and she'll be very proud of you....i'm looking forward to reading your blog and sharing experiences with you as you share your new voice on here...
    xo
    n

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  7. I have been a full-time working mom to my almost 3-year old daughter. It's really hard work to still be a hands on mom at the same time. But it really does not matter becauase at the end of every stressful working day, I still want to be the one to clean her up, make her milk, lie on the bed beside her, read her a story, pray with her and lastly, fall asleep with her. And each morning, I still want to be the one she looks for when she wakes up, greet her good morning, and gives her a kiss. I always want to give her a see-you-later kiss before I leave for work.

    Everything is hard work when you're a mom. But knowing that there's a little girl waiting for you to get home and will be jumping and smiling when you do makes it all worth it.

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  8. Congratulations on your new post! Must be a hard decision on your part! I've been out of the corporate world for 5yrs now, and sometimes I must admit I miss it too. Not to worry though am sure you will still be able to manage both with a breeze!

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