From this mommy experience, I have realised that being a mommy especially a full time mommy is not an easy task. Being a full time mom is NOT the same as having a full time job.
A full time worker working hours is usually 9AM to 5PM in Malaysia. A full time mom working hours is 12AM to 12AM during the first 6 months especially if you are an exclusive breastfeeder. A full time mom doesn't really work continuously from 12 to 12 but there is not such thing as off office hours because if there is no baby stuff to do for that moment, you are basically in standby mode. You are never really off duty.
I can't comment about a full time mommy 'working hours' after the first 6 months because I'm not there yet =D But don't worry, you will get used to it and just like my boss always tell me, "It gets better."
But from this experience, I also know that many working mothers look down at full time moms thinking that being a full time mom is an easy way out when it is not. Because being a full time mum would usually includes handling house chores and managing the household too. And usually working moms would have a helper to care for their kids.
For me, I'm lucky enough to be able to work from home. I work when my baby is asleep. But at this stage, during the day, he is mostly awake. So it has come to the point where I have to wake up early in the morning like 4 AM to complete my daily work until 7AM and spend the rest of the day with my baby and maybe if I have the strength, finish up my work during his night sleep.
I have eye bags from the lack of sleep and I'm losing weight from the breast feeding. I don't look physically attractive now and I couldn't be bothered to make myself look nicer when I have the chance to go out. Making myself look good is not really on my priority list anymore, though many would emphasize on the importance of looking good whatever your age is as a women.
Well, all I can say is screw the society expectations on women! Confidence & positivity is the key!
Anyway, I do get really tired from working and taking care of my baby. Many times I wonder if it is really worth it to keep my job. With such short working hours, my job scope has narrowed and it has become less interesting. It is more towards data entry jobs, this is because of my irreggular work time, I'm not able to handle urgent work, and to me this takes the fun out of my work.
It makes things even harder when some of your family members encourage you to stop working to focus all energy on your baby, but I enjoy doing task which are not baby related as it keeps me sane. Honestly, taking care of a baby can drive you nuts. What drives me nuts is the repetitive baby tasks and of course his yellings and tantrums. But I can't deny that being a mother makes me a better and a happier person albeit a tired one.
Motherhood is truly a unique experience.
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