I don't know how many of you out there reading this work outside of the home. In my experience, a lot of moms have to. Either you want to (like me, you would go out of your MIND staying at home) or you have to, but no matter what the reason it can still lead to guilt.
Now I don't want to make it sound like I don't want to be at home with my boys. If there was a way for me to stay home and get paid for it (without working), I absolutely would but that is not very realistic. If you have a trust fund, maybe. But leaving for work everyday or finding time to work from home almost always leads to guilt eventually. I remember working a job that I HATED, I mean absolutely HATED, and I had an hour commute each way, 5 days a week. I was pregnant with my second son and I had to leave every morning before my oldest woke up. I would cry the entire way there every day. It was awful.
But I don't feel as much guilt as I used to. Why? Because I am doing something that I enjoy. Yes, it hurts to be away from my boys. It will always hurt and it never gets easy. But I also know I am providing a good example for them by doing what I love to do. When they "grow up" I hope that they will be inspired to do what they love and not be concerned about how much money they make. I really don't think it should be about that.
Do you feel guilty? I think it's a good thing. It means you love your children and you don't like to be away from them. If you don't feel guilt, that's ok, too! All mommies need a break from time to time and some women use work as their break from their children. However you feel, just know that you are not alone and it's ok.
