tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post7204846713643254636..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Defined by my jobUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55109830757498168192014-07-13T10:10:40.106+10:002014-07-13T10:10:40.106+10:00Thank you so much for this post. I really needed i...Thank you so much for this post. I really needed it today. Your writing has given me so much encouragement. Thanks, JeannetteAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00134651306100903419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57034979091013423152014-07-05T13:24:39.551+10:002014-07-05T13:24:39.551+10:00Your words Rhonda has also described my journey fr...Your words Rhonda has also described my journey from leaving the workforce and entering into motherhood. Now that my girls are into school I felt "I no longer had an excuse to stay home". But over the years I have come to understand that staying home is deeply nurturing of my family, myself and my community. I am now at peace with my decision to stay home. My hubby has always been supportive of this which has been a great blessing. Thank you for your posts and thoughts, it's great to journey along with others who have similar ideas and passions so that we can encourage one another.Nicole Irwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03093717955436485631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24814384542207890722014-07-05T00:05:27.770+10:002014-07-05T00:05:27.770+10:00LOL I guess you're right!LOL I guess you're right!Gina E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07532527261977368083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38088524419179475912014-07-04T21:27:58.598+10:002014-07-04T21:27:58.598+10:00Bravo Rhonda. Exactly how I feel about staying hom...Bravo Rhonda. Exactly how I feel about staying home with my children. It is so good to read a fresh perspective such as yours every so often and remind myself why I am doing this.Alison Bennett Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03856998435125114810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27865159672477888052014-07-04T04:53:00.935+10:002014-07-04T04:53:00.935+10:00I don't think it's a cat among the pigeons...I don't think it's a cat among the pigeons, Gina, if that's your experience I'm sure people will accept it. However, your first paragraph seems to contradict your last paragraph.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4419567580168754102014-07-04T04:43:01.001+10:002014-07-04T04:43:01.001+10:00I ask women if they work "in the home" o...I ask women if they work "in the home" or "outside the home." That gives me a little more insight on how to continue the conversation, if they don't use that opportunity to focus the topic of discussion. "What is your favourite thing to do?" also gives them an opportunity to further define the direction to of the conversation. Their answer might be anywhere from job related to a dream they hope to pursue. I have learned much from listening to "self employed" people discuss their experiences. csaugusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03437819681801225936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83235987404084128282014-07-04T04:25:20.001+10:002014-07-04T04:25:20.001+10:00And here is two cents more: I personally like the ...And here is two cents more: I personally like the term "client" - because the term implies protection for people using your products and/or services (according to what I found on the internet) - which is something I wish all providers (that means each one of us, almost everyone provides something to or for someone) would undertake for the general well being of all- both living and non-living components of our planet. This is a matter of who we are - our character, not what others think we do- our reputation. And application of the Golden Rule, too.csaugusthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03437819681801225936noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83368624871122002202014-07-03T23:04:15.480+10:002014-07-03T23:04:15.480+10:00Well, I’m probably going to set the proverbial cat...Well, I’m probably going to set the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons here, but as I read through all those comments, I wondered why so many people have a chip on their shoulder about what other people might think of their ‘role’ in life? And as for defining myself, or defining other people – the whole concept is foreign to me. I don’t know anyone who defines me in any way – I am what I am, and it isn’t a matter of caring or not caring what other people think – that doesn’t even enter my mind!<br /><br />I don’t mind people asking me what I do, or what did I do when I was in the workforce. I see it as them being interested in my life, not judging me. The same when they ask me what my husband does/did. I often ask people the same question, and again, it is motivated by a natural interest and curiosity about how other people live. I love hearing what people do with their lives, whether it be at home or at work – one can learn so much about the world just by hearing about someone’s job for instance. When my husband worked for a pathology company, I was fascinated when he told me about the scientists and how they test blood samples to find out more about patients, and our friends were also intrigued.<br /><br />The only times I get annoyed about people’s attitude to me is when I’m asked how many children I have. Why do people always assume everyone else has children? When I reply that I don’t have kids, I could get one of several responses: “Why not?” in which case I say “That’s none of your business” or “So why did you have children?” which is met with stunned silence. If somebody can ask why I didn’t have kids, I don’t see why I can’t ask why they did have kids! A second response to my not having children is “Oh, how sad. You’ll be sorry when you are older and there is nobody to care for you”. Now that makes me really mad. My answer to that is “I have worked in nursing homes with women who have children, grand children and great grandchildren, but have seen few or none of them for years. So don’t tell me I’ll be missing anything”.<br />Just a different viewpoint on the topic.<br />Gina E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07532527261977368083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80698020033606454082014-07-03T22:36:34.539+10:002014-07-03T22:36:34.539+10:00I just love reading your posts -- they state, very...I just love reading your posts -- they state, very eloquently, what I feel. Your confidence in your beliefs is so refreshing and you are undaunted. I think the job of homemaking and child rearing is so undervalued these days. When I was a stay at home mom, those of like mind were looked down upon because we weren't juggling a family and a career. It was suggested that to be a success you had to be a working woman -- when I would reply that I WAS a working worman -- in my home and for my family I would get sympathetic smiles. That is a time and a position that I would never trade and I felt so blessed that I was in a financial position that I could make homemaking my career. I think the mindset is changing some here in the US and I hope it does because I certainly found nothing more rewarding.Boyett-Brinkleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02066753762645278933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68341020068054226592014-07-03T15:53:00.844+10:002014-07-03T15:53:00.844+10:00I was so fortunate to always have been self employ...I was so fortunate to always have been self employed during my 'career' years. I had the luxury of always being home when the kids were out of school, and being able to drop by the house at any time during the day so no playing hooky! Even then I used to tell people I was a full time mom and had a little business on the side! I am a big believer in letting people enjoy their own biases on their own time. I simply do not have time for them! I have too much fun to let them mess up my day!Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209722078916803400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12587521237136429332014-07-03T12:30:28.872+10:002014-07-03T12:30:28.872+10:00Isn't it funny that just this morning I was wr...Isn't it funny that just this morning I was writing my own blog post on this!<br />I hate the way that society seems to degrade the homemakers and not appreciate them at all. I face constant pressure from people in my community and family to leave my children with strangers all day so I can go back to work.<br />But if I say I want to stay at home with my kids, I want to be the one who raises them, then I am labelled "lazy". I value my children more than any career.<br />I love having my home welcoming, clean and orderly.<br />I love having dinner bubbling away and fresh bread on the counter for when my man gets home.<br />I love to look after people, to care and nurture.<br />And for someone to wholeheartedly care about you, I think that's pretty special and important.<br /><br />It was wonderful to read your perspective, thank you Rhonda! :)<br />Clarehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01004187021203307106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19482515328815221932014-07-03T08:09:38.543+10:002014-07-03T08:09:38.543+10:00Such a wonderful post Rhonda. Staying home and rai...Such a wonderful post Rhonda. Staying home and raising our children is the most difficult, yet rewarding work I have ever done. I do wish it was more valued in our society.Ockduspockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13472291767747357704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30023643394372984692014-07-03T05:04:55.148+10:002014-07-03T05:04:55.148+10:00You are so right! We should not be defined by what...You are so right! We should not be defined by what we do or earn, but how we treat those we meet along our way. I do believe this and yet...recently having no paid employment has been difficult and not from a merely financial standpoint. Your blog (and a few others in similar vein) are really useful - thank you.CharlottePhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16693808113369554138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56551838446242194192014-07-03T03:33:27.750+10:002014-07-03T03:33:27.750+10:00Beautiful post and ever so true! I am a retired R...Beautiful post and ever so true! I am a retired Registered Nurse but, more than that, I am a loving mother of three and grandmother of nine. THERE lies the true joy in my life! SouthernHearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07570700924252634215noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82015810174734162922014-07-03T03:22:15.427+10:002014-07-03T03:22:15.427+10:00Amen!! I love this post! I am going to have to add...Amen!! I love this post! I am going to have to add "chicken wrangler" to my list. I love what I do knitting, sewing, cooking, cleaning, gardener, mother, wife and the list goes on. One time a doctor ask, "what do you do sit on the couch and watch TV all day" when I answered I stay home. I did let it bother me at one time but not anymore. I am happy and so is my family and that's all that counts.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00645417159193407561noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85182203306870086962014-07-03T03:12:06.634+10:002014-07-03T03:12:06.634+10:00That is a great perspective. Bravo! I will keep th...That is a great perspective. Bravo! I will keep that in mind. Although I am not a stay-at-home (anymore), I've realized that, similar to you, a stay-at-home parent can save oodles of money and ultimately provide a richer life for his or her family. deaustinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15007323884909454675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50206259544720888072014-07-03T03:10:20.988+10:002014-07-03T03:10:20.988+10:00Michelle, I really like your statement "some ...Michelle, I really like your statement "some people take others lives as an attack on their own, maybe through jealously..." . It really opened my eyes up to a situation in my own life, which I hadn't resolved until I read your words. Thank you for that. I feel better.deaustinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15007323884909454675noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72838772028411846712014-07-03T02:57:37.554+10:002014-07-03T02:57:37.554+10:00Rhonda, I love your new photo! Your face radiates ...Rhonda, I love your new photo! Your face radiates the peace that you have found at home. Also, I love the neckline and trim of your blouse. Did you make it?<br />Best wishes, Chicago granBonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03075725527049981496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79554195148300231202014-07-03T01:48:53.515+10:002014-07-03T01:48:53.515+10:00This is a lovely post, thanks Rhonda. I defined my...This is a lovely post, thanks Rhonda. I defined myself by my paid job until relatively recently (about 18 months ago) when I realised that a lot of this was down to my own ego and wanting to be viewed as a 'success' by other people. However, that 'success' basically involved working on a treadmill doing a job I hated to pay for an expensive lifestyle I got no satisfaction from. I found it can put peoples noses out of joint and make them confused and even angry when you decide to start setting boundaries and step away from the culture of one upmanship, climbing the career ladder, not having a family life, taking work home, socialising/networking with colleagues all the time etc. This blog has helped me massively in having the courage to set those boundaries when it seemed like the whole world around me thought I was a lunatic. I read something on one of your posts once about being proud to call yourself a homemaker and now, although I am still working full time (as I work out the details of my exit strategy) when people ask me what I 'do', now I say "I am a homemaker, crafter, singer, IT specialist, auntie and wife". Note- I say homemaker first! Thanks again for providing the inspiration to keep believing there is a different way. I know I can get there...one dishcloth at a time :p Lady Sunsethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08781525706493444060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80078264634106102932014-07-03T01:32:55.897+10:002014-07-03T01:32:55.897+10:00My genealogy research has shown me repeatedly how ...My genealogy research has shown me repeatedly how in the past men whose wives died remarried almost immediately, particularly if they had young children. They simply could not function without a wife and mother at home. When I first moved to Britain, most shops and certainly all banks kept, well, bankers' hours. Having a strict boss it took me ages to check out various banks and to finally find one that worked for me. Trying to cram every errand in to Saturday between 9 and noon made me really wish for a wife at home! I love it when you talk about re-creating the lives our grandparents had. In my rebellious teens I wanted nothing to do with my Mom, but as I approached 30 I wanted to be just like her. And now as I'm approaching 60 and have been retired for a few years I find myself striving to live just like my Grandparents did! Amazing!Shelleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10239488936038510294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90735154810633564722014-07-03T00:56:37.870+10:002014-07-03T00:56:37.870+10:00You speak to my heart and I love rereading these e...You speak to my heart and I love rereading these encouraging posts! I'm finally coming to the place where I am able to speak joyfully and unashamedly about my new career as wife, mommy and home keeper. It is a joy to bless my little family with all my new "talents" :)<br />Sarah in Virginia USA Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10558882718576845511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-19043628486111578152014-07-02T21:34:25.918+10:002014-07-02T21:34:25.918+10:00I'm not usually asked this question these days...I'm not usually asked this question these days but have been in the past. I guess I'd answer I'm Co-CEO @ Wenham Industries. Then when they inquired what WI was I'd explain that it's a very precise business of nurturing 4 delightful young males to become the best they can be and also to provide support for our other CEO. Or something or other...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23358049088384182172014-07-02T21:20:00.955+10:002014-07-02T21:20:00.955+10:00I agree entirely Rhonda. I still get asked what I ...I agree entirely Rhonda. I still get asked what I do and I tell people I'm a wife,homemaker and I care for my 93 year old Dad. I get strange looks and comments like "Oh I couldn't do that" Well its what I choose to do and I'm where I'm supposed to be. <br />Blessings Gail gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11474172270399240621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14969916958170468002014-07-02T20:34:38.376+10:002014-07-02T20:34:38.376+10:00Wow Narelle, that is a huge saving!
I like the w...Wow Narelle, that is a huge saving! <br /><br />I like the way you term it - paying yourself to stay at home. Fantastic!jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15805394781985708507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71496449139702317852014-07-02T20:31:37.818+10:002014-07-02T20:31:37.818+10:00Perfect post as today I officially move into the p...Perfect post as today I officially move into the prestigious title of 'homeschooling mother' as well as the many other (non-commercial-value) titles I have been bestowed (wife, mother, frugal housekeeper, and so on...)<br /><br />And I couldn't be happier, nor care less about what other people think about that.jayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15805394781985708507noreply@blogger.com