One of the biggest things I struggle with as a freelance writer and work-at-home mom is this notion that I'm not professionally successful.
I used the word "struggle" there because that's exactly what it is -- a constant, back-and-forth internal monologue rationalizing my chosen career path. On the good days, I feel like the luckiest person in the world -- I get to be at home with my kids, exercise my brain and continue to work in my chosen field. I don't have to just write about one particular topic - as a freelance writer, I can work on something different every week. I have it all!
On the bad days, I worry that my career isn't advancing as it would have if I stayed on staff at a magazine. I worry that I'm not making enough money, that my skills are deteriorating and that I'm getting a little too immersed in the mommy lifestyle. I feel bad that my husband isn't getting the same opportunities to spend time with the kids, and that when the time comes for me to re-enter the workforce, I won't be able to.
That's why this comic (below) really hit home for me. It's the words of Calvin and Hobbes creator, Bill Watterson, but drawn by someone else. The story behind it actually won me over more than the comic itself.
Pretty awesome, right??