Psycho-Babble Social Thread 32252

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Motherhood

Posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

I think there are few mothers, professional career women or not, who wouldn't appreciate this & get a smile from it. For all those mothers out there, enjoy!

MOTHERS
A woman renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation, Emily had hesitated uncertain how to classify herself.

"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job, or are you just a ....?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' as an occupation...'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. 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 midair, 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 (the whole darned 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 triumphant! 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 mother."

Motherhood...what a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. So 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".

 

That was great! (nm) » IsoM

Posted by judy1 on November 14, 2002, at 1:40:04

In reply to Motherhood, posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

 

An absolute classic » IsoM

Posted by bluedog on November 14, 2002, at 2:06:48

In reply to Motherhood, posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

I am going to copy this one and distribute it to all of my friends and family. My own mother will love it!!

Don't be surprised if you get this back one day as an email that has been sent criss crossing all over the globe between friends (and mothers)

By the way, you don't have to be a working woman or even a woman to appreciate this one. The only qualification required to appreciate this one is to have a mother of your own.

I'll never forget how annoyed I was at the attitude of superiority that some of my mother's working friends held towards her because she didn't.

Believe it or not this attitude used to worry my mother to such an extent that one day she decided to join the workforce. 2 years later she quit the workforce again and has never looked back. Now she justs nods with a very knowing smile whenever one of her working friends trys to tell her she's "only" a houswife.

 

Re: Motherhood -- Excellent

Posted by Ted on November 14, 2002, at 10:33:54

In reply to Motherhood, posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

I have talked my wife into using the title "domestic logistician". In fact, that is the job title we use for our tax filings. It confuses most people, but it is an accurate description and it sounds "official".

Ted


 

Re: Motherhood - thank you

Posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 15:29:02

In reply to Motherhood, posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

I'm glad it was appreciated by the above responders - & not just by women. Domestic engineer is overdone so I love what your wife calls herself, Ted. It's little gems like this that serve to brighten my day - especially as winter's dreary grip is on me.

 

for retired RACDHR

Posted by susan C on November 14, 2002, at 19:05:00

In reply to Motherhood, posted by IsoM on November 14, 2002, at 1:16:00

For those who have retired from the field, (read: grandmothers and great grandmothers)...they could be Emeritis....Research Directors in the field of Child Development and Human Relations

When I answer the phone and it is for anyone else in the house, I introduce myself as X's Personal Private Executive Secretary, and take a message.

The stunned silences are always great entertainment.

mouse with a sharpened pencil


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