Just a Mum?

I read this article in the Star, Sunday 11 October 2009. Wish to tribute this article to all mums out there especially those who are in the same boats as me...and million thanks to our spouses who have shown their truly supports throughout our battlements in building up our unestablished and unrecognized careers....


A woman, renewing her driver's licence at the country clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She 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 the woman, "I'm a Mum."

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

I forgot all about that story until one day when I found myself in the same situation, this time at my town hall. The clerk was obviously a career woman,poised,efficient, and possesed 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, emphasising 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 the new interest, "just what you do in your field?"

Cooly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing programme 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, (first the Lord and then the whole 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 satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the for, sttod 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 six-month-old baby, in the child development programme, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt 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 Mum".

Motherhood! What a glorious career. Especially when there's a title on the door.

Well, it wasn't easy for me when I decided to pursue my current career 5 years ago. Some people really made sacarstic remarks such as "what a fool" and "such a waste". Had a hard time to swallow all the bombastics critics and adjust myself with the surroundings. It is a very noble and challenging careers indeed...