A soap box moment

I am an intelligent and thoughtful individual. I hold a degree from a prestigious and well-thought-of institution in an area that seems difficult to understand for some. Though I have chosen a career that to certain people seems beneath my skills and abilities, it does not diminish the fact that I have those skills and abilities.

I would counter that my job may be even more important than the one for which I am trained. I am a housewife. I have chosen, together with my husband, to stay home and care for our children. I do not earn a salary, retirement account, or benefits. My daily accomplishments can seem menial to those who have never attempted to do my job themselves. Tonight I managed to run the dishwasher twice, sweep and mop the floors, tidy my children's room, and vaccum. Those are great victories for one who constantly battles the tiny hands that bring different toys to each space they pass through.

I did not today (though I have in the past) solve a vexing problem for a constituent, make a commerical to advertise someone else's business, provide customer service, or make sure that my boss made it to his important meeting. Today, I explained to a small life what autumn is, read stories, oversaw daily tasks, prepared meals, and a variety of other things. I kissed owies, gave hugs, and provided counsel. While there are those who sit in big offices surrounded by fancy things doing important work and looking down on the many men and women who do what I do, I was preparing the next generation to pick up where those people will leave off.

It irritates me when others assume that because I don't wear a suit, go to an office, and participate in working outside my home, I am not smart or capable of discussing topics of depth. I know who I am and I know that without my work, the world would be worse off because the little lives I impact every day would not receive the attention and instruction that they do now. So the next time you see me, don't just assume that the only topic on which I can offer insight on is where to find the best price on laundry detergent.