Working women versus full-time mothers
SUPAWADEE INTHAWONG
Many mothers find that one of the most difficult decisions is to choose between a career and full-time motherhood.
Many families feel that it is necessary to have both parents working full time. And because of the high divorce rate and growing number of single parent families, more and more mothers are heading to work full time and over time.
People may think that women who quit their jobs and become a home-maker are women at dead-end jobs, with no career goals. However, in many cases women who establish successful careers are often the most eager to stay home.
Sriwika Susanpoolthong, 32, a former production control manager of one of the biggest electricity companies in the Kingdom, said she wanted to leave her high-paying job and become a a full-time mother, as she wanted to be a part of her child's early years.
"I didn't have a nanny problem, because my mother was willing to take care of my daughter. But I wanted to spend more time with my child - it was my job as a mother. I struggled with inflexible work schedules and long separations from my baby. I was frustrated because I was missing the opportunity to watch my baby's first steps.
"In the morning I had only 15 minutes to be with my daughter before I went to work. At night I spent only a hour with her before bedtime and could not be with her even when she was sick. So, I decided to quit my job and become a full-time mother," said Sriwika.
Now, though she is a home-maker, she still works part-time as a Japanese translator and interpreter. Her family also supports her decision.
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| Sriwika Susanpoolthong with her daughter. |
Warapa Buranasamrit and her family. |
"My husband and I agreed that the first three years was the most important time in our child's life, so giving up a large amount of financial security was no issue. Our financial situation does not interfere with our spending because we are careful. "I'm also thinking of going back to work once my girls starts going to school. With my fluently Japanese skills, it will not be difficult for me to find another job after a long gap," said Sriwika.
This joy however, is not shared by all women.
"I love my kids and want to be with them but I feel bad to let my husband to be the only financial contributor in family. I have to keep in mind that I'm not lazy if I stay home to take care of my kids," said one mother, who decline to be named.
After being a home-maker for more than two years, she decided to send her children to nursery and started work as an accountant.
"My husband is able to support the family by himself, but I feel better when I have a job. I choose to work at home because I still can take care of my kids after they're back from school," she said.
Warapa Buranasamrit, a secretary of Rangsit University dean, Dr Arthit Ourairat, said she must be one the luckiest mothers because her boss understands her situation and allows her to work at home and come into the office two or three times a week.
"I have a daughter and am going to have another baby. I often suffer from morning sickness and can't go to the office for many days on end. I decided to give up job due to my condition, but my boss was willing to hire an assistant to reduce my workload. He also lets me work from home and only go to work when and if necessary," said Warapa.
Warapa said her daughter used to suffer from slow development. "But ever since I began spending time with her, she has improved."
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