Now that my 2 children are semi-launched, I have been under enormous pressure to "make something of myself". Even that phrase, when used by my own sister, brought up feelings of "not being good enough", because what I do has somehow not been considered real work by many in today's society, especially other women". I agree with the posts above. It is the value of women in general that has been under the microscope. Linda Hirschman's writings infuriated me so much I had to put it down and read it bit by bit.
So I have been doing a personal inventory of just what my work has been for 23 years. I raised 2 wonderful children as an at home mother with full responsibility of managing the household, husband traveled a great deal, both kids with chronic illness, worked part time as necessary to supplement income, cook, maid, chauffeur, counselor, nurse, financial wizard, home decorator and as you all know the list goes on and on, but I would do it all over again. Therefore Linda Hirschman's writings, as far as I am concerned, does not belong within the framework of true feminism. It was my choice and a choice I am proud of and I would make that choice again.
So today I look ahead to just what my choices are going to be, now that my children are moving on with their lives. I have had many who say to me, "oh you must be so glad to have the freedom now to go back to work and develop a new career for yourself" and I think NOT AT ALL....that is so far removed from who I am....
So after crying and suffering an extreme case of empty nest, I have some choices to make, and you know what? I am staying home and choosing to be a SHAW..(stay at home wife), but not to take care of my husband as the "label" somehow implies, but staying home for me. I love my home, I love what I do, I love the domestic, it is just who I am. I have started a crafting business at home, but I want to keep it small. I have no desire to make it larger than it already is.
So I have said no to the cynics and I have chosen the road less traveled. I have suffered the blank stare from other women, who are dumbfounded as to why I would want to be a SAHW, but I feel like a new trailblazer, like somehow I am going against the grain of what mid-life women are supposed to be doing with their lives. So I will put up with the blank stares of disbelief and put my new bumper sticker on my sport utility vehicle...Housewife is not a dirty word....