Conversations - 3

Q / Did your parents both work when you were a child? How did your parents divide household and childcare tasks?

 

A / my mom worked as a certified nurse and studied for a master's degree when she was expecting me. When I was born the majority of child care and housework was hers, later even more so with my dad participating less by his choice (his career was progressing really well). My mom stayed at home for a year or so and then did occasional work shifts as a nurse while I was watched by neighboring family friends. After I was about 5 years old and my brother 3, my mom went back to work full time, and us kids started kindergarten and after-kinderg. small group, family-based daycare. When my family lived abroad for a total of 5 years my mom stayed at home which was initially a requirement for diplomat spouses. But she was still very active, continuing her uni. studies to post-grad level, freelance writing, vontueering etc. When we moved back she continued her career without problems. The only dent is in her future pension.

 

Q / In your teens, did you ever have a dream of what your life would be like in terms of career and/or children?

 

A / yes, I was a big dreamer! I visioned myself as a mom of two boys (came true!), living abroad (that too!), and working in a creative, artsy field (finally kind of happening). I didn't dream of riches or fame but of a life of passion for my work and family.

 

Q / To what extent have you fulfilled these dreams from above? Do parts still remain a dream but not a reality? Have you acquired new dreams for the years to come?

 

A /  yes, it's pretty cool to see now that a large, the most important part actually, has come true! Parts do remain a dream though and new bits have been added. I find I daydream a whole lot less though since the here and now is so intense, and fulfilling. I should dream a bit more, I feel.

 

Q / If you work, are you satisfied with what you do? Please explain.

 

A / yes, recently started a new position at the same workplace. Lots of potential with this job, feels like it's 'me' but the start is still hectic with a vast array of skills to be picked up or refined.

 

Q / If you have children, is life with children how you expected it would be? Please explain.

 

A / yes, I do haave kids and it's pretty much as incredibly rewarding and fun, and challenging and exhausting as I imagined. But actually less exhausting than I anticipated! Kids give so much energy as well.

Q / Please write a short blurb on whether you work (and if yes, in what field and with what types of working times), whether you have children (and if yes, whether they are in daycare etc), and whether you have any particular hobbies. If you would like, state which country currently live in.

A / I live in Asia, work a 30h week with 75% salary, eldest is in daycare 3h daily, younger child with live-in nanny. Husband works intense hours and 24/7 responsibilities so we need my schedule to be the more flexible one. Husband works from home though which makes a big difference. Both of us have commutes of 0 minutes since my office space is next door. Our nanny is a huge help, especially during my husband's frequent work trips. We work for an NGO with relatively flexible staff policies but the downside is both of us have low salaries which don't limit our lives but cause constant prioritizing and budgeting (and some limits to making some of those more expensive travel etc. dreams to happen). The whole package called Our Life is pretty intense now but we are very blessed in so many ways. Wouldn't have it any other way!