Balancing Acts: Redefining the Stay-at-Home Mom in the Post COVID-19 Era

Them: “So what do you do for a living?”

Me: “I’m a stay-at-home mom.”

Them: “Oh, interesting….”

Me: “Yes, a stay-at-home mom who does regulatory writing for the medical device industry.”

Them: “Gotcha, that’s cool…well, congratulations on the new baby.”

Happy Women’s History Month! This is a conversation that took place between me and an acquaintance in STEM during my last few weeks of maternity leave.

Stay-at-home mom……Whoa! why would I lead with that?

Well, because it’s true. I juggle the joys and responsibilities of caring for an infant while working remotely in the regulatory medical writing field.

It’s 2024, the post-COVID-19 era, and gone are the days when being a stay-at-home mom was synonymous with putting career aspirations on hold. In the era of remote work, the traditional narrative has undergone a metamorphosis, giving birth to a redefined identity. The term stay at home mommy should not carry the stigma that many envision. The image of the 1950s housewife, a lady dressed in an apron, balancing an infant on hip while tethered to various domestic chores. No, rather, a stay-at-home mommy is just that. One who acts as the primary caregiver for a child in the comfort of her home and carries out the duties that many of us pay our local daycare centers to perform. On top of this some of us may choose to hold other professions as well, but we are stay at home moms, nonetheless.

I know that may sound strange and awkward to some, but for me, it just rolls off the tongue.

The core and passion of my day-to-day life is being the primary caregiver to my newborn. And tangentially from there, I pursue a career in the medical device regulatory landscape.

By no means am I saying that this path is easy. It’s not. Regulatory writing is an intensive field that requires intellect, dedication, and staying abreast of the many new regulations the notified bodies hold manufacturers to. Balancing being a good writer with parenting, especially a young helpless infant, is no simple feat.

But the way I see it, many things in life are hard.

Deciding to not work and take a career break may be hard, but so is putting your young baby in daycare and letting a stranger care for him or her daily.

Amidst a world of hards, I picked mine.

And I quite enjoy it, if I may say so myself.

With that said, here are the 4 reasons I (and perhaps you other mommies too) love the dual identity of stay-at-home mom and working professional.  

1.       Flexibility to Craft Your Schedule:

Working from home as a stay-at-home mom grants me the invaluable gift of flexibility. I can shape my work schedule around the ebb and flow of family life, finding moments of quiet productivity in the midst of a child’s pandemonium. This flexibility is not a compromise but a feeling of fluidity, allowing me to be present for my family while achieving professional milestones. It's a source of immense pride to navigate the labyrinth of dual responsibilities with grace. On some days, my kitchen table transforms into a makeshift office. Naptime becomes a productivity power hour. The era of remote work enables us mothers to pursue professional passions without sacrificing the joys of motherhood. It's a harmonious blend of work and play, where laptops and baby toys coexist in perfect harmony.

2.       Seamless Integration of Work and Family Life:

Working from home enables a seamless integration of work and family life. The transition from professional tasks to family responsibilities becomes a fluid dance, with the home serving as both a sanctuary for familial warmth and a productive workspace. The ability to witness the milestones of my children while achieving professional milestones creates a holistic and enriching experience, blurring the lines between work and home in the most beautiful way. It's a luxury that empowers me to be present for the precious moments without compromising on my other aspirations.

3.       Greater Control Over Environment and Atmosphere:

Working from home provides a unique advantage – the ability to curate a workspace that aligns with personal preferences. Whether it's adding a touch of cozy décor, catching the summer breeze on the patio during a client call, or creating a child-friendly corner within the home office, the environment is entirely within my control. This autonomy fosters a positive atmosphere, conducive to both productivity and a nurturing family life. It's a benefit that transforms the work-from-home experience into a tailored and comfortable setting.

4.       Nurturing a Strong Bond with Your Children:

Perhaps one of the most cherished benefits of being a work-from-home stay-at-home mom is the opportunity to nurture a strong bond with your children. Unlike the traditional office setting, the work-from-home environment permits the integration of quality family time during breaks. Whether it's a brief play session, a shared snack, or a quick conversation, these moments become an integral part of the workday. These brief breaks from work not only provide essential bonding time but also contribute to a positive atmosphere, enhancing both professional productivity and family connections. Whether it's witnessing the first steps, hearing the first words, or being there for school achievements, the proximity afforded by working from home allows you to actively participate in these significant moments. This firsthand involvement not only strengthens your bond but also creates lasting memories that contribute to a rich and fulfilling family life.The ability to be present during crucial developmental stages fosters a deep connection that goes beyond the professional realm. It's a benefit that adds immeasurable value to the rich tapestry of motherhood.

And so in this ever-evolving landscape of remote work, the visual of both stay-at-home mommy and boss babe is becoming more personal and individualized. It's no longer solely about domestic duties or climbing the corporate ladder but also about achieving a sense of fulfillment and balance. Remote work empowers mothers to define success on their own terms, celebrating both professional achievements and the precious moments of motherhood. Flexibility, seamless integration, environmental customizability, and the nurturing of stronger bonds with your children are not just perks; they are the building blocks of a fulfilling and purposeful life. Here's to the work-from-home moms who navigate this beautiful journey with grace, celebrating the advantages that come with embracing the dual role of nurturer and professional. Here's to the stay-at-home mommies who are rewriting the script, embracing the new normal, and navigating the uncharted territories of this exciting era with unmatched determination.