To Work or Not to Work

I'm not sure I should post on this topic, but since no one knows about this blog and no one reads it besides myself, why not? Mostly this is a sounding board for my thoughts. So I'm pregnant, and I teach high school full-time. The question is what do I do next year? Do I continue working full-time? I don't want to. Do I work part-time? Could I finagle a part-time teaching job at my current school? Do I explore other career opportunities not in the public school system? Do I not work at all?

Prior to actually teaching, I always assumed I would stop working (outside the home) when I had kids. My mom stayed home with my siblings and me. My husband's mom made the same choice. Let's say the choice to stay home with the kids is not only a family tradition but a cultural tradition. I grew up in a culture of Christianity where mothers who stayed home with their children were obviously better mothers. I'm not sure this idea was explicitly stated, but it was definitely communicated. So now that I'm actually at the critical point of making this decision...pregnant with my first child, I've started evaluating the reasons behind the options. I'm sure that the blanket statement "All stay at home moms are betters moms than working moms" is false. But what about the statement: "It's easier to be an effective stay at home mom than an effective working mom?"

Recently I heard someone say on this topic something like: "As a parent, your first priority is raising your kids. No one else will do it for you." True. Daycare, no matter how good, won't parent your child. And this is the argument that has resonated with me the most. This is one reason I know I won't be working full-time next year. As much as I don't like to hear it, I am replaceable at work. Many others can teach the basics of reading and writing to freshmen. In fact, many can do it better than I can, but no one can take my place as a mother. I've done a little reading online about reasons that women continue to work after they have kids, and most of their reasons, don't sit well with me...having more money, not being dependent on your husband's income, being able to buy and SUV instead of a minivan!? The reasons I'm even considering continuing to work have nothing to do with money. In fact, I'd be teaching right now even if I didn't get paid for it.

So what are the reasons I even consider working part-time? For one, I value the intellectual stimulation. There's something challenging about creating and performing and teaching something new everyday that is very difficult to recreate or try to force upon yourself when there's no deadline or audience involved. Another reason...I value the contact I have in my workplace with people who do not follow Jesus Christ, students and teachers both. I am not good at seeking out these friendships and acquaintances of my own accord. I know from when I was a substitute teacher. I do not want to become a mom who lives in a Christian bubble and therefore lives with a distorted view of the world.


Therefore, I'm still weighing my options. I pray that my decision would be made with wisdom and foresight, and for the right reasons.