Just a Mum?

[Nicky]

This is something my mum e-mailed me recently. I had bit of a chuckle when I read it so I thought I'd share with you as you other mums would probably appreciate it too!

 

 

JUST A MUM?

 

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office,

was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is,' explained the counter 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 her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office.

 

 

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of 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, ball-point pen frozen in mid air and looked up as though she had not heard right.

 

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing 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 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 Masters, (first the Lord and then 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 clerk's voice as she

completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

 

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs 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 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!!!

 

 

I also think it makes Aunts

'Associate Research Assistants.'

[cormcvcr]

Loved it!

 

I normally say, well I have a few part time jobs, as I like to be kept busy and enjoy a mixture and a challenge.

 

I'm a banker and an accountant, a personal shopper and a dietitian, a nurse and an agony aunt, a sports coach and a teacher, a chef and a chief taster of fine wine at the end of the day!

[Nicky]

I thought it said it well too. I usually just sum it up by calling myself a domestic technician when asked.

[Guest The Pottertons]

Fantastic

[Guest pommie cath]

Spot on!!!!

 

Absolutely loved this, one of the best posts I've read for ages!!!

 

Cath xx

[Guest Chelseadownunder]

Hi Nicky,

 

Wwe have children of simular ages.

Do you get child care for your yongest James?

We are trying to find out about child care as our youngest is 2.

How does it work over there are they at school at 5? Is there any preschool? Do you get any help from the state generally if you are working?

Any info would be greastly appreciated.

Thanks Scott (UK)